Kyle Larson Victorious at the Roval

Only eight drivers remain in the chase for the championship after Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Kyle Larson emerged victorious in the Bank of America Roval 400, holding off Christopher Bell to claim the win on the unique road-oval circuit. With this triumph, Larson secured an automatic spot in the third round of the playoffs, while the remaining seven drivers advanced based on points. The other two races in the second round, held at Kansas Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, were won by non-playoff drivers, leaving no automatic berths from those events.

The drivers continuing their fight for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series title include Larson, William Byron, Bell, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, and Joey Logano. Meanwhile, Alex Bowman, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, and Chase Briscoe were eliminated after Sunday’s race.

Bowman initially advanced to the next round but was disqualified after his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet failed post-race weight inspection. His disqualification erased nearly all his points from the race, dropping him below the cutline. Logano, benefiting from Bowman’s misfortune, moved up to eighth place in points and grabbed the last spot in the third round.

“So, unfortunately when we were running the No. 48 through (inspection), it didn’t pass the minimum weight specs,” NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director Brad Moran stated Sunday night. “We give the teams every opportunity to try to meet minimum weight… They are allowed a half percent of a weight break – which is about 17 pounds, give or take – that is what they are allowed. And it was more than that.” Hendrick Motorsports has the option to appeal the disqualification, with the appeal to be heard this week if filed.

“We are working to understand the issue and will make a decision Monday about whether to submit an appeal,” Hendrick Motorsports said in response.

The playoffs now shift to the Round of 8, which will span three races, starting next weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. After Las Vegas, the series heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 27 before the final elimination race at Martinsville Speedway on November 3. Following Martinsville, the playoff field will be reduced to four, who will then compete for the championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 10.

Here’s a breakdown of how Sunday’s race unfolded: Shane Van Gisbergen led every lap of the first 25-lap stage after starting from pole, only pitting with three laps left in the segment. Larson, running second, made a similar move, and both rejoined the field with strong positions, finishing in the top 10. Most of the field opted to pit early to sacrifice stage points, but drivers like Reddick, Logano, and Elliott remained out, capturing valuable points.

Bowman capitalized when leaders Larson, Van Gisbergen, Bell, and Byron pitted under green before the end of the stage. Staying out, Bowman took the stage win, ahead of A.J. Allmendinger, who had pitted earlier and worked his way through the pack.

Larson, despite pitting, finished 10th in the stage, ensuring he and teammate Byron moved on to the next round through points.

Chase Briscoe’s championship hopes ended before the race concluded. He lost a tire on Lap 36 and faced multiple pit stops after further contact, eventually retiring after his No. 14 team couldn’t repair the car, ending both his day and his title run.

Larson dominated the third stage, claiming his sixth victory of the season. Bell came in second, followed by Byron, Cindric, and Elliott, as playoff contenders filled the top five. Allmendinger and Van Gisbergen, finishing sixth and seventh, were the highest-placing non-playoff drivers. Logano, Bubba Wallace, and Blaney rounded out the top 10.

Although Logano had a strong points day, he struggled in the final stage, while Reddick surged late in the race, finishing 11th. After pitting for fresh tires, Reddick charged through the field to outpoint Logano, who had entered Sunday’s race 14 points behind him.

However, Logano ultimately gained a reprieve with Bowman’s disqualification, securing his place in the next round.

Lead Photo by Jett White