The second round of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs is set to begin on Sunday, with many of the sports top drivers looking to take one step closer to a series championship when they compete in the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.
The Round of 12 kicks off with numerous questions for the postseason contenders. Kyle Larson, who was on the bubble heading into last Saturday’s race at Bristol, secured his place in the next round with a crucial victory. He now enters this round in first, 39 points above the cut line.Joey Logano, the only other playoff driver to win in the Round of 16, is currently eighth after some tough races, just four points ahead of Austin Cindric.
The bottom three drivers as the second round begins are Daniel Suarez, Alex Bowman, and Chase Briscoe. However, all three are close enough to advance into the top eight with strong performances in the upcoming three races, as Bowman and Briscoe are only seven points behind Logano.
It will be intriguing to see if any of the remaining playoff drivers can clinch a win at Kansas, known for its high speeds and low banks. Larson won the regular-season race there in May, while Tyler Reddick, currently third in points, took the postseason event last year. Logano, Chase Elliott, and Denny Hamlin are the only other championship contenders with wins at Kansas City.
NASCAR CUP SERIES PLAYOFFS
ROUND OF 12
Hollywood Casino 400
When: Sunday, September 29
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Where: Kansas Speedway (Kansas City, Ks.)
Channel: USA Network
Stream: FuboTV (Free Trial), Sling, DirecTV Stream, Peacock
NASCAR Cup Series Standings
1- Kyle Larson
2- Christopher Bell
3- Tyler Reddick
4- William Bron
5- Ryan Blaney
6- Denny Hamlin
7- Chase Elliot
8- Joey Logano
9 - Austrin Cindric
10 - Daniel Suarez
11- Alex Browman
12- Chase Briscoe
13- Ty Gibbs
14 - Martin Truex Jr
15 - Brad Keselowski
16- Harrison Button
17- Ross Chastain
18- Chris Buescher
19- Bubba Wallace
20 - Kyle Busch
21- Crason Hocevar
22- Micael Mcdowell
23- Todd Gilliland
24- Josh Berry
25- Noah Gragson
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