THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Playoff picture
Martin Truex Jr. had a disappointing result (eighth) in the Southern 500, but had a great points day. Truex nabbed two more playoff points by winning Stages 1 and 2, plus clinching the regular-season championship, worth 15 playoff points. He has amassed 52 playoff points, more than double his closest rival. “It was definitely a bittersweet night for us,” said Truex, who led a race-high 124 laps but blew a tire with two to go.
2. Bubble Boys
There is just one regular-season race to run before the NASCAR Cup Series goes into playoff mode. Only three positions are available for the postseason, which means the three guys eligible based on points — Chase Elliott, Matt Kenseth and Jamie McMurray — won’t get much sleep this week. Only three points separate the trio of drivers, which means if an unexpected winner pops up at Richmond, one of them is eliminated.
3. Best stuff
Several drivers, who have an upset win on their minds, will be bringing their best stuff to Richmond for a Hail Mary attempt at winning the race to make the playoffs. The three drivers to watch are Joey Logano, Erik Jones and Clint Bowyer, all below the points cutline. “We’re not out of this thing,” Bowyer said. “We’ve still got a good race track coming up for us. We’ll just go there and put all the cards on the table over there.”