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October 13, 2024

NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs

Roval live blog: All the updates from the Round of 12 elimination race

By Steve Luvender

NASCAR.com

Published:

11 Minute Read

We’re bringing you live updates covering Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race from Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Roval, the Bank of America Roval 400 (2 ET, NBC, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, NBC Sports App). Bookmark this page and check back often as we chronicle the action from what promises to be a thrilling Sunday.

Overview:

– Charlotte Motor Speedway’s revamped Roval layout hosts the 109-lap Round of 12 playoff elimination race Sunday afternoon.

– Among the 12 playoff contenders, four drivers will leave Charlotte eliminated from the championship fight. With a new track layout expected to offer a high degree of unpredictability, anything could happen — and anyone, except an already locked-in William Byron, could be going home disappointed.

If it helps to get you in the mood, you can check out past Charlotte races ad-free on NASCAR Classics.

All times listed are Eastern.

Sunday, October 13

8:30 p.m., checkered flag: So, now, the Round of 8 heading into Las Vegas: Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott and Joey Logano. The drivers eliminated from the Round of 12 are Alex Bowman, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suárez and Chase Briscoe.

8:25 p.m., checkered flag: Well, hold the phone. The No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Alex Bowman was disqualified following post-race inspection. His 18th-place finish becomes a last-place finish, which eliminates him from playoff contention. Joey Logano becomes the final driver to advance to the Round of 8.

6:20 p.m., checkered flag: Thanks for following our live blog coverage! See where your favorite driver finished in the unofficial results, and read our breakdown of the playoff picture in this week’s Playoff Pulse.

6:00 p.m., checkered flag: Your Round of 8: Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman. The Round of 8 features Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Martinsville Speedway, ahead of the championship race at Phoenix Raceway next month.

5:54 p.m., checkered flag: Alex Bowman won Stage 2 – which carries a 10-point bonus – and Bowman made the cut by nine points. A pivotal strategy call may have kept the No. 48 team’s championship hopes alive. Bowman finished 18th.

5:52 p.m., checkered flag: Three non-playoff drivers finished in the top 10: Kaulig Racing road ringers AJ Allmendinger and Shane van Gisbergen, and Bubba Wallace.

5:50 p.m., checkered flag: Hendrick Motorsports makes up half of the Round of 8 – all four drivers made the cut.

5:43 p.m., checkered flag: Kyle Larson is celebrating his victory with a smoky burnout in front of the fans on the frontstretch. His daughter Audrey has joined him in celebration.

5:42 p.m., checkered flag: Kyle Larson hasn’t experienced much playoff-bubble pressure this year, but he’s now won both cutoff races this season (Bristol).

5:41 p.m., checkered flag: Joey Logano crossed the start-finish line eighth and Tyler Reddick in 11th. Reddick will advance to the Round of 8, while Logano is eliminated from championship contention.

5:40 p.m., Lap 109: 🏁 Kyle Larson has won the Bank of America Roval 400, his sixth victory of 2024. It’s his second win of the playoffs.

5:39 p.m., Lap 108: ⚪️ White flag! It’s the final lap for Kyle Larson, who leads Christopher Bell by nearly two seconds.

5:36 p.m., Lap 106: Three laps remain. Right now, it’s Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suárez and Chase Briscoe headed home.

5:32 p.m., Lap 103: Shane van Gisbergen has passed Joey Logano for seventh place. Make that a four-point difference between Logano and Reddick with six laps to go.

5:28 p.m., Lap 101: Tyler Reddick has moved up to 12th, moving past Denny Hamlin and a pitting Martin Truex Jr. Reddick’s now two points up on Logano, who will soon have a fast-charging Shane van Gisbergen on his hands.

5:25 p.m., Lap 99: With 10 laps remaining, AJ Allmendinger has moved past Joey Logano, meaning Logano and Reddick are now tied for the final transfer spot. Logano would win the tiebreaker based on best finishing position in the Round of 12. Reddick is riding behind team owner Denny Hamlin in 14th, but don’t expect the boss to give up the spot – Hamlin’s just seven points ahead of the Logano-Reddick battle.

5:22 p.m., Lap 97: Logano and Reddick are now separated by just a point with 13 to go. Reddick’s moving forward, while the two-time champ is fighting to maintain position.

5:21 p.m., Lap 95: While Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell seem untouchable on speed, Kaulig Racing teammates AJ Allmendinger and Shane van Gisbergen are moving forward, both within the top 10. The pair pitted under the last caution, unlike the cars ahead of them.

5:18 p.m., Lap 94: Tyler Reddick has climbed to 15th – up 11 spots since the restart – while playoff rival Joey Logano continues to run sixth, unable to move forward. Momentum is on Reddick’s side with 15 laps to go. Two points separate the pair.

5:13 p.m., Lap 90: Tyler Reddick’s on a mission. Losing control of his car under braking, the No. 45 slapped the side of Daniel Hemric’s car, spinning the No. 31. Unfortunate for Hemric, but disaster averted for Reddick – for now.

5:10 p.m., Lap 88: Chase Elliott has moved past Joey Logano for fifth. Logano didn’t need to lose a spot, but he still enjoys a seven-point cushion over 20th-place Tyler Reddick.

5:04 p.m., Lap 84: Austin Cindric runs fourth. He’s 27 points out of the eighth-place cutoff, but if he wins, he’ll advance. It will be tough to best Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, though, and Cindric’s teammate Joey Logano is just behind him and searching for points.

5:03 p.m., Lap 84: 🟢 Back to green for leader Kyle Larson with just 26 to go. Tyler Reddick was among those who pitted under yellow for fresh tires.

4:56 p.m., Lap 81: 🟡 Caution No. 5. Austin Dillon’s left-front wheel has detached after pitting. That’s going to be a penalty for the No. 3.

4:55 p.m., Lap 80: It’s looking like the final playoff spot will come down to Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick, who are separated by five points. Logano runs seventh, while Reddick’s semi-wounded car is in 19th.

4:49 p.m., Lap 77: Leaders Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell have come to pit road, a lap after Denny Hamlin, who’d been marching through the field.

4:42 p.m., Lap 71: Drivers on alternate strategy – among those, AJ Allmendinger, Bubba Wallace, Austin Cindric, Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, Tyler Reddick, Michael McDowell and Chris Buescher – are making their way to pit road. Expect more to pit soon.

4:41 p.m., Lap 70: Shane van Gisbergen and Todd Gilliland have made contact, sending Gilliland’s Ford around in Turn 7.

4:37 p.m., Lap 67: On newer tires, Kyle Larson has passed AJ Allmendinger for the race lead.

4:30 p.m., Lap 63: Carson Hocevar has sent Shane van Gisbergen into a spin, while Austin Dillon simultaneously spun Chris Buescher. Turn 7, baby.

van Gisbergen and Buescher spin

4:29 p.m., Lap 62: Tyler Reddick has moved up to 23rd, the best he’s run since sustaining damage early in Stage 2. It’s not over yet for the regular-season champ.

4:25 p.m, Lap 60: 🟢 Green flag! AJ Allmendinger leads Bubba Wallace into Turn 1.

4:25 p.m., Lap 59: Let’s take a look at the playoff picture with 50 to go.

1. William Byron: Advanced to Round of 8
2. Kyle Larson: Advanced
3. Christopher Bell: Advanced
4. Denny Hamlin: +20
5. Alex Bowman: +15
6. Joey Logano: +14
7. Ryan Blaney: +14
8. Chase Elliott: +3
– Eight drivers advance –
9. Tyler Reddick: -3
10. Austin Cindric: -19
11. Daniel Suárez: -42
12. Chase Briscoe: -58 (Out)

4:23 p.m., Lap 58: With cars exiting the race, Christopher Bell has now clinched his spot in the Round of 8.

4:18 p.m., Lap 56: Daniel Suárez is on pit road with the hood up on the No. 99, reporting brake issues. Suárez almost surely needs to win this race to advance to the Round of 8, and he didn’t need this setback.

4:16 p.m., Lap 55: 🟡 Caution No. 4. Debris from John Hunter Nemechek’s damaged car has fallen onto the racing surface.

4:16 p.m., Lap 55: Ty Gibbs has exited the race with transmission issues.

4:16 p.m., Lap 55: Ross Chastain has gone for another spin after contact with Brad Keselowski. Legacy Motor Club teammates Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek are also collected in the spin. No caution, at least for now.

4:15 p.m., Lap 55: Bubba Wallace has moved to second place – a solid run as he looks to keep the Round of 12 trend alive where non-playoff drivers

4:13 p.m., Lap 55: 🟢 Green flag in the final stage!

4:11 p.m., Lap 53: Stage 2 winner Alex Bowman peeled off to pit, handing the lead to AJ Allmendinger. The ‘Dinger was among those who pitted during the second caution. Similarly, playoff contender Joey Logano stayed out and will likely need to pit soon.

4:09 p.m., Lap 52: On the other end of the field, it’s a struggle out there for Tyler Reddick. Reddick has taken his damaged Toyota to pit road numerous times, and he’s the last car running – currently 36th, though still on the lead lap. Never say never.

4:07 p.m., Lap 52: Kyle Larson has clinched his spot in the Round of 8 on points.

4:01 p.m., Lap 51: 🟡 Caution No. 3. Alex Bowman has won Stage 2, collecting 10 valuable stage points. The No. 48 team has been crushing it with earning points in the playoffs. In addition to Bowman, Joey Logano (third), Chase Elliott (fourth), Ryan Blaney (sixth), Austin Cindric (seventh) and Kyle Larson (10th) are the playoff drivers adding to their points totals.

3:59 p.m., Lap 49: Don’t forget to finalize your Fantasy Live Garage pick before the stage ends! I’ve swapped out Chase Briscoe for Michael McDowell.

3:58 p.m., Lap 48: Daniel Suárez and Joey Logano are fighting hard for position.

3:58 p.m., Lap 48: Leaders Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell and Shane van Gisbergen pit, handing the top spot to Alex Bowman.

3:57 p.m., Lap 47: Three laps remain in Stage 2, unfolding a mixed pit strategy. Fourth-place driver William Byron is the first to pit.

3:52 p.m., Lap 44: Chase Briscoe is done for the day. Stewart-Haas Racing’s last chance at a championship is over.

3:48 p.m., Lap 41: There’s a lot happening right now! Martin Truex Jr. sent Ross Chastain for a spin, while Kaz Grala and Erik Jones are trading bumpers deep in the field.

3:48 p.m., Lap 41: Chase Briscoe is on pit road with damage. He’s losing laps and will need a miracle to keep his championship hopes alive at this point.

3:45 p.m., Lap 39: Brad Keselowski, running fifth, has spun after contact with Daniel Suárez and Carson Hocevar. Justin Haley and Chase Briscoe also made contact with the stopped No. 6 car.

3:44 p.m., Lap 39: 🟢 Back to green with Kyle Larson showing the way.

3:42 p.m., Lap 37: The No. 45 team is on pit road repairing a broken right-rear toe link on Tyler Reddick’s car.

3:42 p.m., Lap 37: Led by AJ Allmendinger, many drivers have opted to pit under caution, essentially cutting the stage in half.

3:37 p.m., Lap 35: 🟡 Caution No. 2. Well, there’s the source of the Briscoe smoke. A tire carcass on track from the No. 14 has drawn the yellow flag.

3:36 p.m., Lap 35: Uh oh. More playoff-driver drama. There’s smoke coming from Chase Briscoe’s car (small-s smoke, not to be confused with the owner of the car).

3:32 p.m., Lap 32: Tyler Reddick has pitted to evaluate damage on his Toyota. It’s possible Denny Hamlin may have damage, too, but Hamlin continues on track.

3:30 p.m., Lap 31: Austin Dillon has spun around in Turn 7 after contact with Alex Bowman. Tyler Reddick slid into the crash and may have some damage. That’s a big price to pay for pitting under caution for the No. 45.

Tyler Reddick crash Charlotte Roval

3:28 p.m., Lap 29: 🟢 Green flag to begin Stage 2! Kyle Larson leads some big names: Shane van Gisbergen, AJ Allmendinger and Brad Keselowski. (They’re really big names. So many letters.)

3:16 p.m., Lap 26: 🟡 Caution No. 1. Tyler Reddick has won Stage 1, ahead of Joey Logano, Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson. The top four will likely be the first to pit under caution.

3:12 p.m., Lap 22: Leader Shane van Gisbergen has pitted, handing the lead to Tyler Reddick. Reddick will collect 10 stage points and a playoff point if he wins the stage.

3:10 p.m., Lap 21: Pit stops are underway, including second-place Kyle Larson. It’s a busy place on pit road. Drivers are pitting before the stage end at Lap 25 because it’s likely they won’t lose a lap.

3:04 p.m., Lap 16: Martin Truex Jr. has also been penalized for cutting the frontstretch chicane.

2:59 p.m., Lap 13: Bubba Wallace has served a stop-and-go penalty after cutting the frontstretch chicane. Wallace fell from eighth to 12th.

2:57 p.m., Lap 12: Ryan Preece has gone for a spin. No caution; the No. 41 continues.

Ryan Preece spin

2:52 p.m., Lap 9: Meanwhile up front, Shane van Gisbergen leads. Kyle Larson follows 1.5 seconds behind.

2:51 p.m., Lap 7: Playoff driver Chase Briscoe has been slowly bleeding positions since the start of the race. He’s running 26th – the lowest of the playoff drivers – and that’s not going to make up his 32-point deficit.

2:47 p.m., Lap 5: Alex Bowman caught a bit of air launching his Chevrolet off the Turn 17 curb. Bowman continues on running 19th, but it will be interesting to see if that moment of airtime damaged his car.

2:45 p.m., Lap 4: Another playoff driver who hasn’t had an ideal start is Denny Hamlin. Hamlin started 21st and has already fallen back to 24th. As they run, his 30-point cushion has disappeared – but it’s a long race.

2:43 p.m., Lap 2: Joey Logano’s been shuffled out after a move by Kyle Larson. Logano has fallen to fifth, losing positions to Larson, Reddick and AJ Allmendinger. Logano needs to find 13 points today if he wants to keep his championship hopes alive.

2:42 p.m., Lap 2: Tyler Reddick’s first lap was not great. He fell from second to fifth, but he’s quickly looking to make up those positions.

2:40 p.m., Lap 1: 🟢 Greg Biffle has waved the green flag! Let’s wrap up this Round of 12. Follow along with our Live Leaderboard.

2:30 p.m.: The field of 38 is now rolling behind the pace car. Shane van Gisbergen will lead the field to green after winning his first-ever Busch Light Pole award yesterday.

2:25 p.m.: A pair of NASCAR legends have uttered those famous words. Ricky Rudd and Carl Edwards have combined to win 51 Cup Series races.

2:20 p.m.: It’s time for opening ceremonies! Head to NBC and fire up Race Center; cars will roll off the grid momentarily.

2:17 p.m.: Today marks Martin Truex Jr.’s final road-course race as a full-time driver. Truex rolls off 30th this afternoon.

2:10 p.m.: Don’t forget to lock in those Fantasy Live picks! Here’s my lineup for this afternoon. (Thanks for racing this afternoon, SVG, and saving some valuable usage of playoff drivers.)

Steve Luvender's Fantasy Live lineup

2:02 p.m.: Yes, please.

2 p.m.: Here’s the points picture heading into today:

1. William Byron: Advanced to Round of 8
2. Christopher Bell: +57
3. Kyle Larson: +52
4. Denny Hamlin: +30
5. Alex Bowman: +26
6. Ryan Blaney: +25
7. Tyler Reddick: +14
8. Chase Elliott: +13
– Eight drivers advance –
9. Joey Logano: -13
10. Daniel Suárez: -20
11. Austin Cindric: -29
12. Chase Briscoe: -32

William Byron’s already locked in to the Round of 8 via earned points at Kansas and Talladega. Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson will almost certainly advance based on their buffer of points, but beyond that, it’s wide open. Stage points will be crucial for playoff drivers this afternoon.

1:50 p.m.: We’ve got a new NASCAR fan at the track this weekend. Welcome, Becks!

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