Analysis: How Dover shook up playoff picture

By Staff Report | Published: October 8, 2018 8

Chris Trotman | Getty Images

1 of 8

Chris Trotman | Getty Images

Chase Elliott stayed out late, then absolutely nailed two late-race restarts to win at Dover. When the smoke cleared, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs field looked vastly different than it did just a few hours earlier.

2 of 8

Jonathan Ferrey | Getty Images

Kyle Busch

Pre-Dover: First place, +47

Post-Dover: Second place, +63

Note: Frustrations with his trackbar all day kept Busch from running near the very front of the pack. Despite those frustrations, he gained 16 points on the cutoff line.

3 of 8

Chris Trotman | Getty Images

Kevin Harvick

Pre-Dover: Second place, +42

Post-Dover: First place, +68

Note: Despite being the class of the field, late lug nut issues cost him a win, but Harvick is the driver most likely to clinch a spot in the Round of 8 via points next week at Talladega.

4 of 8

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

Joey Logano

Pre-Dover: Sixth place, +6

Post-Dover: Fourth place, +31

Note: Perhaps the most impactful points gain, Logano was one of the biggest "winners" coming out of Dover. He is a favorite to make the Round of 8.

5 of 8

Chris Trotman | Getty Images

Kurt Busch

Pre-Dover: Seventh place, +6

Post-Dover: Sixth place, +21

Note: Every Stewart-Haas Racing Ford was fast, but only one had a finish he was pleased with -- Kurt Busch.

6 of 8

Chris Trotman | Getty Images

Clint Bowyer

Pre-Dover: Fifth place, +7

Post-Dover: 10th place, -10

Note: Bowyer dropped five spots in the standings and lost 17 points to the cutoff line. Of every playoff driver, big picture, he had the worst day.

7 of 8

Brian Lawdermilk | Getty Images

Alex Bowman

Pre-Dover: 12th place, -13

Post-Dover: 12th place, -34

Note: Bowman didn't have the speed so many fellow playoff drivers did, but being caught up in the late wreck was true misfortune. He faces practically a must-win situation at Talladega.

8 of 8

Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

Chase Elliott

Pre-Dover: Ninth place, -5

Post-Dover: Clinched spot in Round of 8

Note: The best for last. No one helped their title cause more than Chase Elliott. Sunday's win locks him into the Round of 8, where three of his better tracks await.