The Southern 500 is in the unique position of being this year's regular-season finale, and there are three playoff spots still open in the 16-driver field with Martin Truex Jr. (+58), Ty Gibbs (+39) and Chris Buescher (+21) holding onto those positions entering Sunday evening's race (6 p.m. ET, USA, MRN Radio, SiriusXM, NBC Sports App).
With a grueling 500 ahead at the track "Too Tough to Tame" a lot can happen, including a shift at the top of the standings where there's a hot battle going on for the Regular Season Championship, too. Here's a quick rundown of the clinching scenarios for Darlington. RELATED: Cup Series standings Already ClinchedThe following 13 drivers have clinched a spot in the 16-driver postseason field: Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Christopher Bell, Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin, Alex Bowman, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric, Harrison Burton.
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 fourth winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from among Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs or Chris Buescher.
-- Martin Truex Jr. would clinch regardless of finish.
-- Ty Gibbs would clinch with 16 points.
-- Chris Buescher would clinch with 34 points.
-- Bubba Wallace could only clinch with help.
-- Ross Chastain could only clinch with help.
If there is a new winner from Bubba Wallace 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 third winless driver in the standings.
-- Martin Truex Jr. would clinch with 19 points.
-- Ty Gibbs would clinch with 38 points.
-- Chris Buescher could only clinch with help.
-- Bubba Wallace could only clinch with help.
-- Ross Chastain could only clinch with help.
Can clinch via win
The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:
-- Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs, Chris Buescher, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, Kyle Busch, Chase Briscoe, Todd Gilliland, Carson Hocevar, Michael McDowell, Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ryan Preece, Daniel Hemric, Austin Dillon, Justin Haley, John Hunter Nemechek, Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith.
Regular Season Championship
Additionally, the Regular Season Championship could be clinched by the following drivers:
-- Tyler Reddick would clinch with 44 points.
-- Kyle Larson could only clinch with help.
-- Chase Elliott could only clinch with help.