With one regular-season race remaining in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and two remaining in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, it’s time to keep watch on drivers who can clinch a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs. Of course, the easiest way to clinch is to win this weekend at Indianapolis.
But if that doesn’t happen, here are the drivers who have a chance to clinch on points when the checkered flag drops at the Brickyard.
STANDINGS: Monster Energy Series | Xfinity Series
Monster Energy Series Playoffs
At Darlington, four winless drivers clinched on points: Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson, William Byron and Aric Almirola. In addition, Kyle Busch clinched the regular-season championship and Erik Jones won the race to punch his ticket.
Fourteen drivers have now clinched. Two spots in the 16-driver field remain. Below is how drivers can claim them.
Make sure to follow our Lap-by-Lap updates in the race as we give real-time updates on the playoff picture.
– Clint Bowyer: Would clinch with a win. Would clinch on points with 48 points and a new winner. If there is a repeat winner (or a win by Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, William Byron or Aric Almirola), he would clinch on points with 46 points.
– Daniel Suarez: Would clinch with a win. If there is a repeat winner (or a win by Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Aric Almirola or Clint Bowyer), he would clinch on points with 54 points. Could clinch on points with a new winner outside the top 16 in the standings and help.
– Ryan Newman: Would clinch with a win. If there is a repeat winner, he would clinch on points with 54 points. Could clinch on points with a new winner outside the top 16 and help.
– Jimmie Johnson: Would clinch with a win. Could clinch on points with help.
– All other drivers can only clinch with a win.
RELATED: In-depth playoff picture
Xfinity Series Playoffs
At Darlington, Noah Gragson clinched a spot in the Xfinity Series Playoffs, joining Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell, Cole Custer, Justin Allgaier, Austin Cindric, Chase Briscoe and Michael Annett. Eight drivers have now clinched. Four spots remain.
The magic number is 56 heading into Indianapolis Motor Speedway. If there is a new winner, a clinching driver needs to be 56 points ahead of the fifth highest winless driver.
Let’s spell it out.
– Justin Haley: Would clinch with a win. Would clinch on points with 45 points and a new winner. If there is a repeat winner (or a win by Justin Allgaier, Noah Gragson, John Hunter Nemechek or Brandon Jones), he would clinch on points with 23 points.
– John Hunter Nemechek: Would clinch with a win. Could clinch on points with help.
– Brandon Jones: Would clinch with a win. Could clinch on points with a repeat winner (or a win by Justin Allgaier, Noah Gragson, Justin Haley or John Hunter Nemechek) and help.
– All other drivers can only clinch with a win.
Clinching for Regular Season Championship:
– Tyler Reddick can clinch the Regular Season Championship at Indianapolis if he leaves the race with a 61-point lead on second place. He currently holds a 51-point lead on second-place Christopher Bell.