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July 27, 2023

NASCAR Cup Series and Craftsman Truck Series playoff-clinching scenarios for Richmond


Byron, Reddick, Blaney and Hamlin drive at Gateway
Jonathan Bachman
Getty Images)

NASCAR Cup Series

RELATED: Playoff standings

Already Clinched

The following five drivers have clinched a spot in the 16-driver postseason field: Martin Truex Jr., William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson.

Can clinch via previous wins

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by a driver who has previously won (Martin Truex Jr., William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain, Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Tyler Reddick or Ricky Stenhouse Jr.):

— Christopher Bell: Would clinch regardless of finish.

— Ross Chastain: Would clinch regardless of finish.

— Ryan Blaney: Would clinch regardless of finish.

— Joey Logano: Would clinch regardless of finish.

— Tyler Reddick: Would clinch regardless of finish.

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: Would clinch regardless of finish.

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher, Bubba Wallace or Michael McDowell:

— Christopher Bell: Could only clinch with help.

— Ross Chastain: Could only clinch with help.

The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by AJ Allmendinger:

— Christopher Bell: Could only clinch with help.

Can clinch via win

The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:

  • Christopher Bell, Ross Chastain, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Tyler Reddick and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

RELATED: Playoff standings | Preview this weekend’s action

Already Clinched

The following seven drivers have clinched a spot in the 10-driver postseason field: Corey Heim, Zane Smith, Grant Enfinger, Ben Rhodes, Ty Majeski, Christian Eckes and Carson Hocevar.

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 ahead of the fifth winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from among Ty Majeski, Matt DiBenedetto, Nick Sanchez or Matt Crafton.

— Matt DiBenedetto: Would clinch with 25 points.

— Nick Sanchez: Would clinch with 35 points.

— Matt Crafton: Would clinch with 47 points.

— Stewart Friesen: Could only clinch with help.

— Tanner Gray: Could only clinch with help.

— Chase Purdy: Could only clinch with help.

If there is a new winner from Stewart Friesen or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the playoffs, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the fourth winless driver in the standings.

— Matt DiBenedetto: Would clinch with 34 points.

— Nick Sanchez: Would clinch with 43 points.

— Matt Crafton: Could only clinch with help.

— Stewart Friesen: Could only clinch with help.

Can clinch via win

The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:

— Matt DiBenedetto, Nick Sanchez, Matt Crafton, Stewart Friesen, Tanner Gray, Chase Purdy, Tyler Ankrum, Daniel Dye, Rajah Caruth, Hailie Deegan, Colby Howard, Dean Thompson, Bret Holmes, Lawless Alan and Spencer Boyd.

Can clinch Regular Season Championship

Additionally, the Regular Season Championship could be clinched by the following drivers:

— Corey Heim: Would clinch with 19 points.

— Zane Smith: Could only clinch with help.

— Grant Enfinger: Could only clinch with help.

— Ben Rhodes: Could only clinch with help.

— Ty Majeski: Could only clinch with help.