This year’s NASCAR Cup Series will be set this weekend, and Tyler Reddick and Alex Bowman are the two favorites to take the remaining playoff spots. The two drivers would get in by points, as predictions show that the winner of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 will likely be another driver who’s already won a spot in the playoffs. Even if it’s more likely that Bowman and Reddick get the spots, it’s not guaranteed. There are still four drivers that could wreck their way into a playoff seat.
It’s unsettling to look at this year’s NASCAR standings and not see Kyle Busch sitting snuggly in the center of the list. The two-time Cup Series champion needs a win to make it into the playoffs, as he currently sits at 19th in the standings. Daytona International Speedway isn’t known for being his best track, having only recorded one win at the oval in his career. Despite those numbers, Busch has the top driver rating at the track because of his ability to stay a threat. Fans won’t be counting Rowdy out until the last second.
Another past Cup Series champion is also looking to win at Daytona and keep his playoff hopes alive. Brad Keselowski hasn’t had the best season. He’s sitting well outside the playoff bubble, but like Busch, he has a high driver rating when it comes to Daytona. He’s also picked up momentum over the past several races, picking up top-five finishes as the season has come to an end. If he’s able to follow the lead he had at the EchoPark Speedway, this might not end up a “what if” season.
Ryan Preece might be one of the biggest long shots to get into the playoffs, but it wouldn’t be the first time he took everyone by surprise. While he doesn’t have any Cup Series wins, his natural talent shows up anytime he has the opportunity to cause problems for other drivers. He was already extremely close to getting into the playoffs with points and had several stage wins this season. The added pressure of getting a win with his new team, RFK Racing, could be enough to put him over the edge.
The biggest underdog on this list goes to Carson Hocevar. The former Rookie of the Year had a very real chance at getting into the playoffs with a win, but has been unable to keep a lead. Despite facing some issues on the track, Hocevar has shown up as one of the best drivers to beat. His swagger and confidence while driving make it hard to deny that he doesn’t deserve a chance at a Cup Championship. He’s also not afraid of getting his hands dirty and truly fights to get points. It wouldn’t be shocking if he were able to get his first-ever win while at Daytona.
Race fans know that the most likely drivers to take those last two playoff spots will be Bowman and Reddick, but crazier things have happened. Just last year, Harrison Burton got his way into the playoffs with a surprise win at Daytona. The decision is all down to the drivers and how the track feels on the day of the race.
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