As the NASCAR playoff Round of 16 progresses, four drivers face elimination threats, including Austin Dillon, who trails the cutline by 11 points. The others in jeopardy are Shane van Gisbergen at 15 points behind, Alex Bowman down by 35, and Josh Berry lagging 45 points off the mark. The latest discussion between analysts Steve Letarte and Kyle Petty on NASCAR: Inside the Race highlighted conflicting views about Dillon’s chances of advancing, focusing the spotlight on Austin Dillon playoff chances Bristol.
Disagreement Between Analysts on Dillon’s Outlook
Kyle Petty argued that all four drivers are essentially out of contention following the recent Gateway race, casting doubt on their ability to continue. In contrast, Steve Letarte defended Dillon’s position, suggesting there is still hope for him to move forward. Letarte emphasized that Dillon’s team overcame significant hurdles, especially given the car’s limitations.
“I think the #3 car was eliminated showing up to St. Louis [Gateway], and they leave St. Louis making sure that Chastain and Cindric eliminate them. They flipped the pressure in my mind,”
Letarte said.
Dillon’s Performance Amid Equipment Struggles
Despite racing with one of the weakest cars on the track, Dillon managed to gather crucial points, which Letarte sees as a positive sign.
“What Austin Dillon did today was manufacture points with perhaps one of the worst cars in the field,”
Letarte noted. He added that the #3 car effectively extended its playoff hopes by handling the race with determination:
“And I think what the #3 did is they gave themselves another big gulp of fresh air… The #3 car raced and called a race today like they wanted to be in the play.”
Letarte also observed that the Briscoe crew chief appeared to focus on salvaging stage points during a difficult race, implying a shift in strategy to maximize available points. When pushed further, Letarte clearly expressed optimism about Dillon’s chances relative to others:
“I disagree with KP. I think that Berry, Bowman, and SVG; it would take an absolute miracle, but I think Austin Dillon has new lifeblood going to Bristol.”
Challenges Ahead at Bristol and Team Performance
While Letarte stopped short of guaranteeing Dillon’s advancement, he emphasized that Bristol provides a crucial opportunity. He suggested that Dillon could outperform Austin Cindric to secure his place. Meanwhile, Dillon shared his own frustrations, describing a car that gave him trouble during the race, resulting in a drop from 15th starting position to finishing 18th. The persistent technical difficulties reflect ongoing challenges for Richard Childress Racing’s equipment, affecting both Dillon and teammate Kyle Busch.
The Stakes for Richard Childress Racing Moving Forward
Dillon’s battle under the cutline was marked by increasing frustration as his Chevrolet faltered, highlighting the urgent need for improvements. For Dillon to reverse his fortunes, Richard Childress Racing must deliver a faster and more competitive car, especially at Bristol, where every point counts. Without significant upgrades, any hopes of advancing in the playoffs risk slipping away quickly. The upcoming Bristol race will be a defining moment for Dillon’s playoff hopes and RCR’s equipment performance.
