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November 1, 2024

Clinching scenarios for the Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway


This weekend, Martinsville Speedway (2 p.m. ET, NBC, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, NBC Sports App) offers one final opportunity in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8 for the six postseason competitors not locked in to compete for the final two open positions in the Championship 4. Two of the coveted four spots are spoken for, thanks to Team Penske’s Joey Logano taking the victory at the Round of 8 opener in Las Vegas Motor Speedway and 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick pocketing the win at Homestead-Miami Speedway. That leaves just two spots open, and we know at least one of two spots will be claimed by a driver on points.

Below are this weekend’s clinching scenarios.

RELATED: Playoff standings | Martinsville weekend schedule

Already Clinched

The following two drivers have clinched a spot in the four-driver field of the next round: Tyler Reddick and Joey Logano.

Can Clinch Via Points

If there is a repeat winner or a win by a driver who cannot advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the third winless driver in the standings. The same point requirements listed below would hold true if a new win comes from Christopher Bell or William Byron.

  • Christopher Bell: Would clinch with 26 points.
  • William Byron: Would clinch with 49 points.
  • Kyle Larson: Could only clinch with help.
  • Denny Hamlin: Could only clinch with help.
  • Ryan Blaney: Could only clinch with help.
  • Chase Elliott: Could only clinch with help.

If there is a new winner from Kyle Larson or another winless driver lower in the standings but still eligible to advance to the next round, the following drivers could clinch by being ahead of the second winless driver in the standings.

  • Christopher Bell: Would clinch with 34 points.
  • William Byron: Could only clinch with help.
  • Kyle Larson: Could only clinch with help.
  • Denny Hamlin: Could only clinch with help.

Can Clinch Via Win

The following drivers would clinch on their win alone: Christopher Bell, William Byron, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott.

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