The first chance to earn a spot in the Championship Four in the NASCAR Playoffs is at Kansas Speedway in the Hollywood Casino 400 this Sunday.
The start of the Round of Eight means there are just four races remaining to determine the champion in NASCAR for the 2020 season. The eight drivers that are still championship eligible know that a win during this round gets them to the final winner takes all race.
If three of the eight drivers win one of the races in the Round of Eight that leaves just one spot to be filled by point total. If one of the eight driver wins multiple races, or a non-championship contender wins a race, there could be multiple spots filled base on point totals. That means the eight championship contenders need to race hard for the win, but cannot just race without thought of any point gains.
While a couple of drivers have a less daunting view of their path to the Championship Four, one catastrophic race result could change that view for them. A couple of other drivers appear to have a need to win to advance. However, a couple of good races for them and a bad race for a couple of others could change that need as well.
Below is a look at the NASCAR Playoff Standings as the Round of Eight begins.
Let’s look at the track and race data that all drivers will be facing equally whether in championship contention or not.
Kansas Speedway Data
Track Size: 1.5-miles
Banking/Turn 1 & 2: 17 to 20 degrees
Banking/Turn 3 & 4: 17 to 20 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 10 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 5 degrees
Frontstretch Length: 2,685 feet
Backstretch Length: 2,207 feet
Hollywood Casino 400 Data
Season Race #: 33 of 36 (10-18-20)
Playoff Race #: 7 of 10
Race Length: 267 laps / 400 miles
Stage 1 & 2 Length: 80 laps (each)
Final Stage Length: 107 laps
Here is a look at the active drivers who have done well overall at Kansas Speedway during their NASCAR Cup Series careers.
Top 10 Kansas Active Driver Ratings
Kevin Harvick ……………………… 108.6
Matt Kenseth ………………………… 101.4
Jimmie Johnson…………………….. 100.9
Martin Truex Jr. ……………………. 100.7
Chase Elliott …………………………. 95.2
Ryan Blaney …………………………… 95.0
Brad Keselowski ……………………. 92.8
Kyle Busch ……………………………… 92.6
Denny Hamlin ………………………… 90.4
Erik Jones ………………………………. 89.4
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2020 races (24 total) among active drivers at Kansas Speedway.
Note: Drivers names in red are currently in championship contention in Playoffs.
There are 10 active drivers that have won at least a single race at Kansas Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Denny Hamlin – 3 Wins
Jimmie Johnson – 3 Wins
Kevin Harvick – 3 Wins
Brad Keselowski – 2 Wins
Joey Logano – 2 Wins
Martin Truex Jr. – 2 Wins
Matt Kenseth – 2 Wins
Chase Elliott – 1 Win
Kyle Busch – 1 Win
Ryan Newman – 1 Win
Note: Drivers names in red are currently in championship contention in Playoffs.
This season has been unlike any other season before. Racing without practice or qualifying has challenged some of the most seasoned veterans. However, some of the younger drivers have appeared to thrive in the environment.
The eight drivers still in championship contention includes some of those experienced veterans and some of the young stars of the sport. The question is now that we are down to what would be considered the “semi finals” in other sports, will it be experience or youth that earns the spots in the final?
We could find out one of the drivers in the Championship Four following the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway Sunday, October 18th starting at 1:30 PM central time (2:30 PM eastern time).
By: Buck Stevens
