Cup pups Blaney, Elliott still in mix for playoff finale

AVONDALE, Ariz. — There’s no denying the rapid changing of the guard in NASCAR, and this year’s playoffs proved how quickly the young new drivers can make their way in this sport.

Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Austin Dillon and Kyle Larson claimed four of the 16 playoff positions — a glimpse of the future of NASCAR.

Blaney, 23, and Elliott, 21, are the only two drivers still in the playoffs, and the two are among five drivers racing Sunday at Phoenix Raceway for one spot in next week’s championship deciding finale. Blaney will start from the pole in the CamAm 500, and Elliott will start fourth.

Their competition? Seven-time and defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, 2012 champion Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin, probably the most successful active driver without a title.

A win Sunday by any of the five earns them an automatic berth into the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Already qualified for the title race are 2015 champion and Las Vegas native Kyle Busch, 2014 champion Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr., the most dominant driver this season.

Blaney is ready to roll.

“I don’t really feel a lot of pressure in any situation,” he said after winning the pole. He also noted that by points, he’s not currently eligible for the fourth spot.

Should none of the contenders win at Phoenix, the final spot at Homestead will go to the highest-ranked driver, and that is currently Keselowski.