Defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chase Briscoe entered the Round of 12 elimination race at Charlotte Roval in a secure playoff position after finishing 21st and fourth at Kansas Speedway on September 28. Nevertheless, both drivers face potential risks that could end their postseason runs if they fail to maintain clean racing and avoid incidents.
Despite their current cushion, Logano and Briscoe can advance to the Round of 8 playoffs purely through points earned at the upcoming Bank of America Roval 400 held at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. Their ability to accumulate necessary points will be critical to avoiding any last-minute playoff drama, especially on this challenging road course.
Points Thresholds and Playoff Scenarios Ahead of Charlotte Roval
FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass provided an analysis of the minimum points required by key playoff drivers to advance regardless of the other competitors’ outcomes at Charlotte. Chase Briscoe, holding a 21-point advantage over the cutline, needs to collect 49 additional points to guarantee a spot in the Round of 8. Meanwhile, Joey Logano, sitting 13 points above the elimination line, must earn just over 50 points to lock in his place.
Pockrass broke down playoff drivers’ specific points targets for Charlotte:
“Points needed at Roval to clinch no matter what anyone else does: Larson 16 (21st-place finish, no stage points), Hamlin 22 (15th), Bell 26 (11th), Byron 30 (7th), Briscoe 49”
— Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports Journalist
Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott, both playoff race winners in the first two events of the Round of 12, have already advanced to the semifinal round. As for other drivers above the elimination threshold, Kyle Larson needs 16 points, Denny Hamlin requires 22, Christopher Bell 26, and William Byron 30 points based on their positions after the Kansas race.
Performance Overview: Logano and Briscoe in the Round of 12
Joey Logano’s performance in the current playoff stage has been inconsistent. He finished fourth at New Hampshire but struggled at Kansas, placing 21st. Despite this, Logano holds eighth place in the Cup Series points standings, maintaining a 13-point lead over the cutoff line.
Chase Briscoe has demonstrated strong momentum throughout the Round of 12. After securing tenth place at New Hampshire, Briscoe excelled at Kansas by starting from the pole position and finishing inside the top five. Currently, he ranks seventh in the points standings with the same 13-point cushion above elimination.
The upcoming Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course, scheduled for Sunday, October 5 at 3 p.m. ET, will be a pivotal event for both drivers. Their ability to navigate the technical road course cleanly while maximizing points will determine their playoff fate.
Playoff Dynamics and What’s at Stake for Logano
The Charlotte Roval race presents unique challenges as it combines road course and oval elements, a layout that increases the risk of on-track incidents. Joey Logano’s playoff safety hinges on avoiding costly wrecks or mistakes that could negate his modest points buffer. Both Logano and Chase Briscoe must deliver error-free drives to fend off elimination pressure.
Logano’s position as a Team Penske veteran and defending champion places added emphasis on his playoff performance under these tense circumstances. Any misstep could threaten his pursuit of a second consecutive Cup Series title.
As the Round of 12 narrows to just eight contenders, drivers like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, and William Byron will be chasing their respective point targets with similar urgency. The pressure to capitalize on stage points and overall finish positions will heighten, making clean and strategic racing essential for all.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Championship Race
Charlotte Roval represents a critical crossroads in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, where consistency and composure are often rewarded more than outright speed. Joey Logano’s ability to leverage his playoff safety into a strong finish could keep his championship hopes alive. Likewise, Chase Briscoe’s impressive early playoff form means he has a real opportunity to advance deeper into the postseason.
Should either driver falter, it would open the door for others to seize the moment as the playoff competition intensifies. With the stakes this high, the upcoming race will test the resolve and skill of all drivers seeking to extend their title aspirations.
