Drama builds as playoffs loom for NASCAR Cup Series drivers

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 in Brooklyn to talk with officials along with William Byron and Bubba Wallace after sparring with both drivers at Watkins Glenin New York.

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 Saturday in an interview with The Associated Press. “The other stuff with the other drivers kind of escalated a little bit to more retaliation.”

Brad Keselowski won the poll and will start Sunday 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 desperately hoping to be in the 16-driver playoffs. The seven-time champion is tied with Ryan Newman for the 16th and final spot in the playoffs. Since the series created the postseason format 15 years ago, Johnson has earned a spot each time.

Xfinity series

AustinCindric raced to his second Xfinity Series victory ina row Saturday, holding off Christopher Bell at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexingtom.

Cindric finished 3.780 seconds ahead of Bell. A.J. Allmendinger, was third, 10.290 seconds behind.

Points leader Tyler Reddick of Richard Childress Racing was fourth.