Ryan Blaney’s victory Sunday at the Mobil 1 301 race guaranteed his place in the Round of 8 for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, intensifying the points battle. The race, held at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, also caused significant shifts in the playoff standings with two rounds remaining in the Round of 12.
Key Changes in Playoff Standings After New Hampshire Race
William Byron continues to lead the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs points standings, holding a comfortable 47-point cushion above the cutoff following his third-place finish Sunday. Despite Blaney’s win, Byron’s dominance remains clear as he approaches the next races.
One of the biggest improvers was Joey Logano, who advanced from below the cutline to sixth place with his strong fourth-place finish. His performance at Loudon moved him 18 points above the cutoff for the Round of 8, solidifying his playoff chances.
Conversely, Bubba Wallace struggled at Loudon, finishing 26th. Previously just one point above the cutoff line, Wallace dropped to 12th in the Playoff Standings, now 27 points shy of advancing. This result adds pressure as the playoffs move forward.
Upcoming Races to Decide Playoff Fate
With the playoff race tightening, all eyes turn to the upcoming event at Kansas Speedway. This contest is widely anticipated as a decisive moment ahead of the crucial cutoff at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s ROVAL. Drivers like Blaney, Logano, Byron, and Wallace will face high stakes as they battle to move deeper into the playoffs.
The shifts in the points standings following Sunday’s race underscore the intense competition in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, where every position and point can determine a driver’s championship hopes.
