3 THINGS TO WATCH
1. Playoff points
Playoff points didn’t seem to be a big concern at the start of the 2017 Cup Series season. Now they are looming large as the postseason approaches. Martin Truex Jr., who has 29 playoff points, could add to that total if he wins the regular-season championship, which is worth 15 points. Those points follow a driver all the way to the doorstep of the season finale at Homestead. Jimmie Johnson is second with 16 points.
2. Left, right, left
The Cup Series heads to Watkins Glen in New York state for the final road-course race of the season. This race could rattle the playoff picture again if a driver with road-course experience, such as AJ Allmendinger or Michael Mcdowell, happens to triumph. And, for the second week in a row, qualifying and the race will both happen on Sunday. There are two Cup practices on Saturday.
3. Gibbs update
With two wins in its past three starts, it is safe to say that Joe Gibbs Racing is out of its mysterious 2017 funk. All four JGR drivers had wins at this junction last season. Rookie Daniel Suarez continues to find his footing in the No. 19 Toyota, while Matt Kenseth, who won’t have this ride next year, will likely get more aggressive as the regular season closes. “I’m really concerned about 2017, winning races,” he said.