The Bass Pro Shops Night Race at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, 21st September, was the third and final race of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs round of 16. There are still 11 spots to fill before the round of 12 as four drivers went back home disappointed.
Some drivers gave their best shot and finished with a strong result to go into the next round with momentum. But, for some drivers, it was hard on track as they failed to find pace but that didn't stop them from posting a good result and advancing to the round of 12. However, four drivers on Saturday saw the end of their 2024 Cup Series championship hopes.
The four drivers who won't make it to the next round
Martin Truex Jr.
In his final full-time Cup Series season, Martin Truex Jr. failed to make it out of round 1 of the playoffs as he finished 24th at Bristol. Martin had a strong car throughout the race as he was fourth in stage one and second in stage two which saw him earn 16 points.
But, a speeding penalty on his last stop of the race cost him as he saw himself back of the pack. From there on, he never recovered. He was in the top-five for the entire race but a mistake forced him out of the playoffs contention in his retirement season.
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Ty Gibbs
Despite being six points over the cut-line, Ty Gibbs did not manage to make it out of the round of 16 following a 15th-place finish at Bristol. He was placed eight in stage one and committed a pit road speeding violation that saw him drop to the end of the grid.
The grandson of the team owner Joe Gibbs saw himself climbing upfield. The 2022 Xfinity Series champion put on a good show but was not able to gain the amount of spots needed.
Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski has won at Bristol three times in the past but he finished in the 26th spot in Saturday's race. On top of it, he did not manage to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Brad started the race from the 23rd spot and never managed to find pace on the track. He entered the race below the cut-line and finished the race three laps behind the race winner, Kyle Larson.
Harrison Burton
It was simple for Harrison Burton that if he won at Bristol, he would make it to the round of 12 but that wasn't the case as the 23-year-old driver finished 35th and with that all hopes of making it to the round of 12 ended.
Midway through the race, Burton faced steering issues that forced him to take his vehicle to the garage. The night was already over for Burton as he finished 78 laps behind Larson.
The NASCAR Cup Series round of 12 begins next Sunday at the Kansas Motor Speedway. The second race will be hosted by Talladega Superspeedway. Charlotte Roval will be the cut-off race to ensure who makes it to the round of 8.
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