Tempers flaring as playoffs draw closer

BROOKLYN, Mich. — NASCAR Cup Series drivers are pushing limits on the track and pointing fingers off it as tensions rise with just four races left before the playoffs.

Kyle Busch was summoned to the NASCAR hauler at Michigan International Speedway to talk with officials along with William Byron and Bubba Wallace after sparring with both drivers at Watkins Glen.

Scott Miller, NASCAR’s senior vice president of competition, said he had conversations with Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Blaney about their on- and off-the-track feud that has lasted nearly a week. Miller said he didn’t attempt to bring Johnson and Blaney together to hash out their differences.

“I think they’re man enough to sort that one out between themselves,” Miller said in an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday. “The other stuff with the other drivers kind of escalated a little bit to more retaliation.”

Brad Keselowski won the poll and will start today in front of Kevin Harvick, Byron, Alex Bowman, Clint Bowyer and Chase Elliott in the Consumers Energy 400. Busch, the points leader, will begin 24th in the 38-car field.

Johnson qualified 12th and is tied with Ryan Newman for the 16th and final spot in the playoffs.

XFINITY: In Lexington, Ohio, Austin Cindric raced to his second straight Xfinity Series victory Saturday, holding off Christopher Bell at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Cindric, 20, won for the first time in the series last week on the road course at Watkins Glen.

“To get my first two wins within a week is incredible,” he said.