It’s coming down to the wire in the NASCAR Cup Series, and with two regular-season races remaining, three berths remain open as the Cup field makes way for Richmond Raceway (Sat., 7:30 p.m. ET, USA Network, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, NBC Sports App).
With 13 positions clinched in the 16-driver Cup Series Playoffs field, three drivers — Tyler Reddick (plus-117), Alex Bowman (plus-60) and Chris Buescher (plus-34) — cling to the final three positions with the Virginia short track on deck. Anything goes in short-track racing, though, and for those who have yet to clinch, plenty of variables remain in play.
Here’s a quick rundown of the clinching scenarios for Richmond.
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Already clinched
The following 13 drivers have clinched a spot in the 16-driver postseason field: William Byron, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, Bubba Wallace, Joey Logano, Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Josh Berry and Shane van Gisbergen.
Can clinch via points
If there is a repeat winner or a win by a driver who cannot advance to the playoffs, the following drivers could clinch by being 62 points above the third winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from either Tyler Reddick or Alex Bowman.
— Tyler Reddick would clinch with 30 points.
— Alex Bowman: Could only clinch with help.
If there is a new winner from Chris Buescher or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the playoffs, the following drivers could clinch by being 61 points above the second winless driver in the standings.
— Tyler Reddick: Would clinch with 54 points.
Can clinch via win
The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:
— Tyler Reddick, Alex Bowman, Chris Buescher, Ryan Preece, Kyle Busch, Ty Gibbs, AJ Allmendinger, Brad Keselowski, Carson Hocevar, Erik Jones, Michael McDowell, John Hunter Nemechek, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Zane Smith, Austin Dillon, Daniel Suárez, Justin Haley, Todd Gilliland, Ty Dillon, Noah Gragson, Cole Custer, Riley Herbst, Cody Ware.
Can clinch Regular Season Championship
Additionally, the Regular Season Championship could be clinched by the following drivers:
— William Byron could only clinch with help.