Another Championship 4 spot has been secured! Tyler Reddick clinched his place with a thrilling win at Homestead-Miami Speedway, overtaking Ryan Blaney in the final corner. This victory marks a milestone for 23XI Racing, as it’s the team's first-ever Championship 4 berth.
With Reddick and Joey Logano already qualified, only two spots remain available, with six playoff drivers still in contention as we head into the last race of the Round of 8.
The Round of 8 wraps up this Sunday at Martinsville Speedway (2 p.m. ET, NBC). Here’s how the drivers are ranked following Homestead-Miami:
1. Christopher Bell
Last week: 1
Bell's consistent performance continued with a fourth-place finish in Florida. He’s recorded 10 consecutive top-15 finishes, including six top-10s, positioning him well for Martinsville.
2. William Byron
Last week: 3
Byron's sixth-place finish was his lowest in the past five races. Currently holding the final Championship 4 spot based on points, he’s just seven points ahead of his teammate Kyle Larson and previously won at Martinsville in April.
3. Kyle Larson
Last week: 2
Larson's day ended in disappointment as he spun out while battling Blaney and finished 13th. With six wins this season, he now faces the risk of not making the title race if he can’t improve at Martinsville.
4. Denny Hamlin
Last week: 4
Hamlin briefly led but was overtaken by Blaney before Reddick surged past. Although he finished third, he missed a crucial opportunity and now trails Byron by 18 points as he fights to keep his season alive.
5. Tyler Reddick
Last week: 7
Reddick’s remarkable last-lap win salvaged what could have been a disappointing season. The regular season champion is now set to compete for his first Cup title in just his fifth season, making this victory especially meaningful.
6. Chase Elliott
Last week: 6
Despite a fifth-place finish, Elliott needs a win to reach the Championship 4. His performance at Homestead-Miami was arguably his best of the year, leading 81 laps and earning 17 stage points, but he lacked the speed to close strong.
7. Ryan Blaney
Last week: 8
Blaney came close to defending his title but ultimately finished second after leaving the outside lane open for Reddick. Like Elliott, he requires a win at Martinsville to stay in the championship hunt, a scenario he successfully navigated last year.
8. Joey Logano
Last week: 5
After winning at Las Vegas, Logano's team has shifted focus toward the championship race in Phoenix, resulting in a disappointing 28th-place finish at Homestead-Miami. He may face similar challenges at Martinsville but will be a strong contender when it counts.
9. Alex Bowman
Last week: 9
Bowman's seventh-place finish at Homestead-Miami continues his strong playoff showing. The No. 48 team has stepped up its game in recent weeks, which will be crucial as they look ahead to 2025.
10. Bubba Wallace
Last week: First four out
Wallace started strong but faded to an 18th-place finish. He did manage to lead two laps and finish second in Stage 1, maintaining a solid streak of seven top-20 finishes as the season draws to a close.
First four out: Ross Chastain, Martin Truex Jr., Daniel Suarez, Chris Buescher
