Bubba Wallace and Ross Chastain are the one two drivers on the surface wanting in who can mathematically make the NASCAR Cup Collection postseason on factors.
The common season involves an finish subsequent weekend at Darlington Raceway and three spots stay unclaimed. Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs, and Chris Buescher sit in these positions.
Wallace is the primary driver under the cutline going into Darlington at a 21-point deficit. Chastain is 27 factors under a switch spot.
“You have got one [23XI Racing] automobile preventing for an everyday season championship and one other automobile proper across the bubble,” Wallace mentioned after ending fifth at Daytona. “It’s unacceptable. I’ll take all of that weight on my shoulders – ought to have received a number of occasions this 12 months and we haven’t. We don’t should be right here, and we’re.
“I’ve bought to go win subsequent week. That’s it.”
Harrison Burton pushed Wallace additional behind within the hunt by successful at Daytona and shifting right into a spot on the playoff grid. Coming into the weekend, Wallace was one level behind Chastain.
Chastain completed twelfth, salvaging the evening after being concerned in an early crash.
“I take a look at it like we’ve got one other likelihood to go win the Southern 500,” the Trackhouse Racing driver mentioned. “That’s what I’m centered on this week. The factors, they offer them out on the levels and finish of the race. If you happen to run effectively, they offer you a whole lot of them. I simply get excited for an opportunity to go win the Southern 500.”
Wallace and Chastain each made the postseason final 12 months.
The playoff grid battle going into Darlington:
14: Martin Truex Jr. + 58
15: Ty Gibbs + 39
16: Chris Buescher + 21
These in a must-win scenario to make the postseason embrace Kyle Busch, Chase Briscoe, Michael McDowell, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
