Top Cup Series drivers of the playoff elimination era

The elimination era of the NASCAR Playoffs has been a staple in the NASCAR Cup Series since its inception in 2014 and some drivers have been constants when it comes to the postseason guantlet.

Here is a look at the top-10 drivers of the playoff elimintation era.

10. Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon competing in the elimination era was brief, as the four-time Cup Series champion retired at the conclusion of the 2015 season. But, with high pressure moments like his Texas-tangle with Brad Keselowski and his final win at Martinsville, Gordon made his presence felt in the playoffs.

9. Denny Hamlin

Although Denny Hamlin is still chasing his first championship at NASCAR's top level he has certainly had an impact in the playoffs. Hamlin is one of only five drivers to have consecutive appearance in the championship round and is third on the all-time playoff wins list with 13 victories making him one of the more consistent drivers in the elimination era.

8. Ryan Blaney

Ryan Blaney has made the most out of his playoff appearances, whether it is his shocking win in the inaguaral race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course or his walkoff win at Martinsville that propelled him to his first championship. It seems the 2023 Cup Series Champion is coming into his own in the elimination era.

7. Chase Elliott

The Dawsonville, Georgia native knows how to perform in the high pressure environment that is elimination-style racing. With consecutive appearances in the championship round and memorable moments like his 2019 Charlotte Motor Speedway road course victory, the 2020 champion can show up when it counts in the playoffs.

6. Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson is quickly rising to the top when it comes to consistently performing in the Cup Series playoffs. Larson currently holds the top spot for most single-season wins in the playoffs at five victories from his 2021 championship run and has two appearance in the Championship 4. Look for Larson to continue to impress in the postseason.

5. Jimmie Johnson

Seven-time won his seventh Cup Series title in his first and only Championship 4 appearance at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2016. Johnson also is one of two drivers to win the championship in their first Championship 4 appearance, he shares that honor with 2023 champion, Ryan Blaney.

4. Martin Truex Jr. 

When it comes to winning in the playoffs, few have done it better that Martin Truex Jr. who is tied at the top for most Championship 4 appearances at 5. Truex Jr. is also second on the list of most wins in a single season in the elimination era with 4 wins during his 2017 championship run.

3. Kevin Harvick

The first driver to win the championship in the elimination era, Kevin Harvick is also tied for the most Championship 4 appearance with five trips to the final race. Harvick also has three consecutive Championship 4 appearances between 2017-2019.

2. Joey Logano

Joey Logano has many memorable moments in the elimination era of the Cup Series playoffs. With five appearances in the Championship 4, Logano is one of two drivers who have multiple Cup Series titles in the elimination era.

1. Kyle Busch

When it comes to the elimination era, Kyle Busch can claim the title of "Mr. Consistency" as the driver with the most consecutive appearances in the Championship 4 at five. Kyle Busch also joins Joey Logano as the only other driver to have multiple Cup Series championships in the elimination era.