Kevin Harvick

Chase Elliott captured the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship with a dominant display in the Season Finale 500 at Phoenix Raceway.  

This time last week, Elliott needed to win the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway to qualify for the championship four. On Sunday, he was head and shoulders above Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin to take the checkered flag and clinch the title.

A FIRST-TIME CHAMPION!

Retweet to congratulate @ChaseElliott on winning the 2020 @NASCAR Cup Series championship! #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/ZPvHSYfiJM

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 8, 2020

At 24, he's the third-youngest champion in series history.

BURN IT DOWN, CHAMP! @chaseelliott gets it done in 2020! pic.twitter.com/P7CFJkj134

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 8, 2020

THIS IS HIS TIME! @chaseelliott | #Championship4 pic.twitter.com/rOxuofTkbe

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 8, 2020

Before the race began, Elliott faced a major setback when his No. 9 car failed two pre-race inspections. As a result, he had to start from the back of the field after he was originally slotted into the pole position.

Elliott didn't let that shake his focus, though. Midway through Stage 2, he overtook Logano for the lead.

#di9 pic.twitter.com/IX4EN43LFY

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) November 8, 2020

Kevin Harvick's elimination from the playoffs once again sparked discussion about the postseason format and whether it's the most equitable way to crown a champion. Harvick won more races (nine) than any other driver and had 20 top-five finishes.

Despite those impressive achievements, his best-case scenario Sunday was fifth place in the overall standings.

The Season Finale 500 nonetheless provided an argument in favor of the current system as drama was in abundant supply. For the bulk of the race, the top four drivers in the standings occupied the top four spots on the leaderboard. NASCAR officials couldn't have scripted a much better finish.

With a little more than 50 laps remaining in the final stage, the quartet decided to make a green-flag pit stop. That allowed Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to taste first place for a fleeting moment before Logano reasserted himself atop the field.

Logano didn't get to enjoy that for too long before Elliott once again passed him on the inside.

Move @ChaseElliott back to the race lead AGAIN.

Now, less than 40 laps remain on @NBC!
STREAM: https://t.co/wKDI0aNMYn pic.twitter.com/aaOr4XcZ65

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 8, 2020

Elliott wasn't really challenged for the remainder of the evening, and a caution was the only thing that would've helped his rivals bridge the gap. The yellow flag didn't come out, allowing him a clear path to the finish line.

The race for the championship was naturally the dominant storyline Sunday, but fans also witnessed the end of an era as Jimmie Johnson competed in his final NASCAR Cup Series event.

19 years… It’s been an incredible journey, and one that I could’ve never dreamed of. I get to go out on my terms, with the support of my family and friends and for that, I am grateful and fulfilled. pic.twitter.com/JZ5C3tywn4

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 8, 2020

Last team meeting. Have missed the camaraderie that comes from having these on the truck but the heart of this team is on this call. pic.twitter.com/gsTRzy8JAz

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 8, 2020

Johnson was one of the most dominant athletes across all U.S. sports when he was in his prime. He won five straight series titles from 2006-10 and added two more in 2013 and 2016. His seven triumphs are tied with Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty for the most all-time.

The No. 48 car briefly ran in first place, raising hopes of a storybook ending for the legendary driver. He at least continued to remain near the top of the pack en route to a fifth-place showing. 

It was fitting that Johnson walked away as the sport's biggest young star earned what may not be his last points championship.

Storybook stuff.

As @JimmieJohnson closes his @NASCAR career, he congratulates his teammate @ChaseElliott on winning the championship. pic.twitter.com/Sl9E4hH6ON

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 8, 2020

With the 2020 season in the books, drivers now have a few months off to recover from a whirlwind year.

The 2021 campaign is slated to open Feb. 14 with the Daytona 500. Hamlin will be the driver to beat, having reeled off back-to-back Daytona 500 wins in 2019 and 2020.

Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin or Joey Logano will leave Phoenix Raceway on Sunday as the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion.

That quartet advanced to the final four after a dramatic penultimate race at Martinsville Speedway—won by Elliott—last time out. Keselowski and Logano are the only members of the group to have won the Cup Series in their careers.

In addition to crowning a champion Sunday, NASCAR will bid farewell to Jimmie Johnson, who is retiring from the competition after a two-decade career in which he's won seven championships.

While the title race and Johnson's farewell will capture the spotlight, there is a chance Kevin Harvick steals the show in the chase for his 10th victory of the season.

                      

Series Finale 500 Information

Date: Sunday, November 8

Start Time: 3 p.m. ET 

TV: NBC

Live Stream: NBCSports.com or NBC Sports app

                 

Odds

Kevin Harvick: +400 (bet $100 to win $400)

Chase Elliott: +450

Denny Hamlin: +450

Brad Keselowski: +450

Joey Logano: +500

Kyle Busch: +900

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

                

Starting Lineup

And here’s your starting lineup for the NASCAR Cup Series championship race. pic.twitter.com/Y5dATIwWPh

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) November 4, 2020

             

Preview

The four championship contenders do not have to win the Season Finale 500 to become champion.

But if a member of the quartet crosses the finish line first, he will capture the 2020 Cup Series title.

Elliott, Hamlin and Keselowski have the same odds to capture first place, while Logano is slightly behind the trio.

Harvick is the bookmakers' favorite to win the race. He produced a series high nine wins, but he failed to qualify for the final four based off points out of Martinsville.

In March, Harvick landed in second place behind Logano in the Cup Series' first trip of the season to Arizona. Elliott was seventh, Keselowski took 12th and Hamlin finished 20th. Harvick has nine victories at Phoenix, which solidifies his favorite status to win the race.

Logano believes Team Penske is best prepared to complete the season sweep at Phoenix and win the title, per NASCAR.com's Terrin Waack:

"Honestly, I feel l like this year feels a lot like 2018. It's actually kind of funny because I think about 2018 where we had not the best summer months, then we kind of picked it up as the playoffs started [and] won Martinsville, the first race of the third round, which set up to race for a championship in Miami that year. ...

"I think the experience is there, the speed is there. I think the mentality of the way we race is there. I truly believe that we're the favorites to win this thing."

The No. 22 car driver competed with the least amount of pressure in the past two races after automatically advancing to the final four by way of his victory at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 18.

Hamlin is the only other title contender to win at Phoenix, capturing the March 2012 and November 2019 competitions at the circuit. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver drew the worst starting position of the four finalists, all of whom start in the first two rows.

Elliott is on the pole thanks to the starting position formula that heavily weighed his victory at Martinsville. He will be racing for a trophy while sending off his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Johnson, who is proud of what he has accomplished in the NASCAR Cup Series, telling ESPN's Ryan McGee.

"My entire life has always been about the experience. All I ever wanted to do was win one race. After I did that, I had to adjust my goals. Now I am adjusting them all the time. I have had opportunities that I never dreamed of. I have a lot more of those opportunities coming. I don't know where all it will take me, where it will take my family, but that's the exciting part."

Johnson does not have a victory in 2020, but if there is a track where he can go out a winner, it is Phoenix, where he owns four victories.

                   

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Statistics obtained from Racing Reference.

---

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).

21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/IA/CO/IL/TN only. In partnership with Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.

Chase Elliott claimed victory in the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway.

Elliott was facing a must-win situation to qualify for the Championship 4 in the season finale, so the result means the 24-year-old will be racing for his first NASCAR Cup Series title next week. He held off Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski and Kurt Busch.

Logano, Keselowski and Denny Hamlin join Elliott in the championship round following Sunday's race.

Your #Championship4!

WE'LL SEE YOU IN PHOENIX! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/6yRuPdQJoK

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 1, 2020

Elliott effectively leapfrogged Kevin Harvick. Harvick's desperation to stay in the top four was evident when he seemed to intentionally wreck Kyle Busch on the final lap to gain one more spot in the leaderboard. The strategy backfired as he spun into the inside wall.

Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch spin in the last corner!

Kevin Harvick has been eliminated from the #NASCARPlayoffs. pic.twitter.com/Ju7PoN1Wrm

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 1, 2020

Entering the day, Logano was the only driver who had guaranteed himself a final four berth after winning the Hollywood Casino 400, leaving seven drivers fighting for three spots.

Harvick seemed to be in a safe position since 42 points separated him from Alex Bowman in fifth place. However, a season that included a series-high nine victories won't end with a points championship.

During the second stage, Matt Kenseth bumped Harvick on the left side. The left rear tire on the No. 4 car was punctured and went flat, requiring Harvick to make a green-flag pit stop.

Take a look at the contact that cut down @KevinHarvick's tire.

Can the Regular Season Champion bounce back at @MartinsvilleSwy? pic.twitter.com/9p0umAzhpC

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 1, 2020

As a result, Harvick lost valuable time and spent a lot of the race running one or two laps off the lead. Thanks to his overall point total, he still had a shot of remaining in the top four despite how poorly his race was going.

Harvick needs to get his lap back ... even if Elliott finishes 26 spots ahead of Harvick, he still beats him on points even if he doesn't win (if Elliott finishes second, Elliott wins tiebreaker)

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 1, 2020

Harvick received a lifeline when there was a question as to whether Chase Elliott would be penalized for having one of his crew members jump over the wall too soon. NASCAR didn't levy a penalty, but Elliott had still fallen out of first place by the time he returned to the track.

This might have saved Chase Elliott's season.

The jackman knew he went over the wall too soon, went back to the pit wall to reset. NO PENALTY. #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/hCyTViXvkw

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 1, 2020

Elliott had another poor pit stop in the final stage, which was more good news for Harvick. Even better for the 2014 series champion, Keselowski was penalized for speeding on pit road. Harvick remained safe even with Martin Truex Jr., who was in seventh place in the points standings, running atop the field.

That set the stage for a pair of dramatic battles. Elliott and Truex were jostling for the lead, and Harvick was desperately attempting to fend off Hamlin and Keselowski in the championship chase.

Truex's evening quickly took a turn when he complained of a loose front tire on the right side. He tumbled down the leaderboard before going to pit road, all but sealing his fate.

"We're f***ed," Martin Truex Jr.

— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) November 1, 2020

That allowed Elliott to cruise to the finish line with ease. The same couldn't be said for the fourth place in the championship round. Harvick's gambit showed how slim the margins were between him and the pair of Hamlin and Keselowski.

The 2020 season concludes Nov. 8 with the Bluegreen Vacations 500 at Phoenix Raceway. The event is shaping up to be another white-knuckle affair.

The NASCAR Cup Series' last three playoff finalists will be determined Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.

Joey Logano moved on to the final four with a victory at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 8. No one joined him in the automatic bid group last time out since Kyle Busch earned his first win of the season at Texas Motor Speedway.

Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski sit in the advancing positions going into the Xfinity 500. Keselowski comes in on the bubble with a 25-point advantage over Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott. Martin Truex Jr. sits 36 points back of Keselowski, and Kurt Busch is 81 points adrift of the cutoff.

Although Truex has plenty of ground to gain, he could throw a wrench in the postseason plans of some drivers given he has won the past two races at the short track in Virginia.

                      

Xfinity 500 Information

Date: Sunday, November 1

Start Time: 2 p.m. ET 

TV: NBC

Live Stream: NBCSports.com and NBC Sports app

               

Starting Lineup

Keselowski on the pole and Truex on the front row for Sunday at Martinsville. #nascar pic.twitter.com/nogzaEvoPP

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 29, 2020

           

Odds

Martin Truex Jr.: +325 (bet $100 to win $325)

Denny Hamlin: +550

Brad Keselowski: +550

Chase Elliott: +700

Kyle Busch: +800

Joey Logano: +800

Ryan Blaney: +900

Kevin Harvick: +900

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

          

Preview

Harvick, Hamlin and Keselowski are in the best positions to join Logano in the final four at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 8. The four competitors who advance to final round are the only drivers eligible to win the championship.

The trio just need solid runs to accumulate more points and fend off any challenges from the four drivers beneath the cut line.

Harvick is 15 points ahead of Hamlin and needs 39 points to secure his spot in the championship round. Since Hamlin is only two points above Keselowski, the two have to battle for positioning throughout the race in case Bowman, Elliott, Truex or Busch wins.

Keselowski produced wins at Martinsville in 2017 and 2019 and took third behind Truex and Ryan Blaney on June 10 on the Virginia short track.

The No. 2 car driver shared his thoughts about Sunday's race with Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass: "We just need to have a solid day at Martinsville. The two cars in front of us are real close in points. If we have a solid day, we'll be just fine."

Truex could be the biggest threat to steal a position away from Hamlin or Keselowski because of his recent history at the track. The No. 19 car driver led 132 of the 500 laps in June's event at Martinsville and is in possession of back-to-back wins on the short track.

The 2017 Cup Series champion would have been in a better position to move on had his team not suffered a 20-point pre-race penalty in Texas. While he has had success at Martinsville, Truex knows how unpredictable the track can be, as he told NASCAR.com's Zack Albert:

"Yes and no. I mean, a must‑win at any track, no matter how good you've been there in the past, I think is a challenge. The last race there that we ran and to lead all the laps that we did, whatever, it's no guarantee. We've got to work hard this week to make sure we're prepared. I know the guys have already been doing that. So definitely optimistic. It's a good track for us, but it's a short track and a lot can happen on restarts and things. We'll go there and do the best job we can."

Bowman, Elliott and Busch all finished in the top 10 in June, but only the latter has a Martinsville victory on his resume from 2014.

Elliott acknowledged in conversation with Autoweek's Matt Weaver that he will enter Sunday looking to win and not to rely on points: "For us, we need to go win. That's kind of the bottom line. I'm not even going to look at points because, in my opinion, it really doesn't matter."

Bowman, Truex and Busch should share that same mentality, which sets up Sunday's race to be one of the most thrilling of the 2020 season.

                    

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Statistics obtained from Racing-Reference.

---

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA).

21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL only. Odds and lines subject to change. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.

NASCAR announced Sunday night that the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway has been delayed until Monday at 10 a.m. ET because of inclement weather.

The race was 52 laps in when it was halted. Clint Bowyer is the current leader, followed by Jimmie Johnson, Erik Jones, Joey Logano and Martin Truex Jr.

Bowyer joked during the delay that he was more than happy to just call it a weekend and let the current race order stand as the official results.

UPDATE: @ClintBowyer has indeed made his way to Victory Lane.

(cc: @TXMotorSpeedway in case he tries to stay there when we go back racing) pic.twitter.com/bdnzlNcFES

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 25, 2020

Alas, Bowyer will have to defend his lead Monday.

Kevin Harvick's day took a turn for the worse after he hit the wall early on, pushing him out of the lead to 36th place when the race was stopped. Suddenly, his spot in the Championship 4, virtually assured coming into the day, was put into some jeopardy.

Harvick tags the outside wall and will pit! pic.twitter.com/HfvtzvThaH

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 25, 2020

"I was the first one to the kind of wet racetrack," he said on NBCSN during the weather delay. "I was committed and got to the center of the corner and the front just took off and didn't stop until I hit the fence. Obviously, we're battling a mist and I think just being the first one to it, (the car) never turned. The PJ1 is just like ice. ... I was not expecting it to be that slick."

Monday's restart could run into some weather complications as well, with Weather.com forecasting an 85 percent chance of rain in Fort Worth tomorrow morning.

One of Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott will not get a chance to run for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series title.

The four favorites to advance to the championship round of the postseason were surprised by Joey Logano's victory at Kansas Speedway. That leaves three positions—two to potential race winners—left to move on from the round of eight. The first of those two races takes place Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway.

Harvick and Hamlin captured three of the past four races in Fort Worth, Texas. The exception to that trend was Austin Dillon's victory in July. Keselowski and Elliott do not have wins at the track, and they finished ninth and 12th in the season's first trip to the course.

Alex Bowman, Martin Truex Jr. and Kurt Busch are still alive in the round of eight, but their best way to get into the final four is through a victory because of the gap in points between themselves and the top four.

                     

Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 Information

Date: Sunday, October 25

Start Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

TV: NBCSN 

Live Stream: NBCSports.com or NBC Sports app

             

Starting Lineup

Kevin Harvick on the pole, Joey Logano on the front row for Cup race at Texas. #nascar pic.twitter.com/k3sD3tERBW

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 21, 2020

           

Odds

Kevin Harvick: +240 (bet $100 to win $240

Denny Hamlin: +450

Joey Logano: +750

Chase Elliott: +850

Ryan Blaney: +1000

Martin Truex Jr.: +1000

Brad Keselowski: +1100

Kyle Busch: +1500

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

                 

Preview

Harvick and Hamlin are two of four racers to take three or more wins at Texas Motor Speedway.

All three of Harvick's triumphs in the Lone Star State occurred in the past six races. He started in the top three in each of those victories. On Sunday, the No. 4 car driver begins the 500-mile race in the pole position with Logano next to him.

Hamlin will have to make up some ground since he begins the race on the fourth row alongside Kurt Busch. The Joe Gibbs Racing competitor won back-to-back races at Texas in 2010 and picked up his third victory at the track in 2019.

You could make the case that Hamlin may have trouble winning since he owns a single victory at Texas since 2011, but he still possesses seven top-five finishes and 13 top-10 placings.

Hamlin produced a rare 20th-placed finish at Texas in July, and his form at the track suggests he will rebound from that result. If he lands in the top five or 10 again, Hamlin should feel safe about his position in the final four heading into the race at Martinsville Speedway on Nov. 1. The same can be said about Harvick's playoff chances.

Keselowski could be face much more difficulty than the top two drivers in the playoff standings. He has five top-five placings in 24 races at Texas. Those statistics convinced the oddsmakers to give the Penske Racing driver higher odds than other playoff competitors to win Sunday.

Elliott may be in a tough spot as well given he did not finish in the top 10 in each of his past three starts at Texas. If Keselowski and Elliott slip up Sunday, it may open the door for Bowman and Truex to pick up points and threaten their playoff positions at Martinsville.

Keselowski sits on the cut line with an eight-point advantage over Elliott. Bowman is 19 points back of Elliott, there is a four-point difference back to Truex and Busch is 40 points behind the No. 19 car driver.

Busch most likely needs a victory at Texas or Martinsville to advance, while Bowman and Truex still have an opportunity to move on through points if the Texas trends of Keselowski and Elliott continue Sunday.

                   

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Statistics obtained from Racing-Reference.

           

---

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA).

21+. NJ/PA/WV/IN/NH/IA/CO/IL only. Odds and lines subject to change. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.

The third stage of the NASCAR Cup Series postseason begins Sunday at Kansas Speedway.

Eight drivers are left in contention for the series title. That list will be trimmed to four after the next three races.

Chase Elliott sits on the pole for the Hollywood Casino 400. He is coming off a victory at the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course.

Since the playoffs began September 6, five drivers have made it to Victory Lane, with Kevin Harvick being the only racer to do so twice. Harvick has three victories at Kansas, with the most recent occurring in 2018.

Harvick and Elliott are two of six competitors still alive in the NASCAR postseason who have won at Kansas since the start of the 2014 season.

                     

Hollywood Casino 400 Information

Date: Sunday, October 18

Start Time: 2:30 p.m. ET 

TV: NBC 

Live Stream: NBC Sports app or NBCSports.com.

             

Starting Lineup

Chase Elliott on the pole and Joey Logano joins him on the front row Sunday at Kansas. #nascar pic.twitter.com/N486wT6ktW

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 14, 2020

            

Odds

Denny Hamlin: +400 (bet $100 to win $400)

Kevin Harvick: +400

Martin Truex Jr.: +550

Chase Elliott: +600

Brad Keselowski: +800

Ryan Blaney: +1200

Kyle Busch: +1400

Joey Logano: +1400

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

            

Preview

Hamlin appears to have a slight edge on Harvick because of his back-to-back wins at Kansas.

The No. 11 car driver is second behind Harvick in the points standings and is likely the biggest threat to the No. 4 car's championship hopes. Hamlin owns two more stage wins than Harvick this season, but the Stewart-Haas Racing driver possesses more victories, laps led, top-five and top-10 finishes.

In July, Hamlin led the most laps on the way to his third victory at the midwestern speedway.

Joe Gibbs Racing was in control of the summer race at Kansas, as Hamlin, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. combined to lead 153 of the 267 laps.

Busch is the only member of the trio who did not advance to the final eight. He lost out on that spot after his brother, Kurt Busch, captured victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway at the end of September.

While Harvick could challenge the Gibbs Toyotas, Brad Keselowski might be the team's biggest competition Sunday. He was in front for 30 laps in July, won at Kansas in 2019 and could use a victory to shrink the gap between himself, Harvick and Hamlin going into Texas Motor Speedway on Oct. 25.

Harvick holds a 13-point advantage over Hamlin, and Keselowski is 32 points back of the series leader. The trio has combined for 20 victories out of 32 in 2020.

Elliott sits eight points behind Keselowski, and a high finish could help him gain separation over Joey Logano in the race for the top four.

After the next three races, the list of championship contenders will be cut in half ahead of the season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

Elliott carries a five-point advantage over Logano into the round of eight following his triumph on the Charlotte road course. The Hendrick Motorsports driver could have an advantage starting on the pole since two of the past six winners at Kansas won from the front starting position.

Truex, Alex Bowman and Busch are the other three drivers still alive in the championship hunt. If one of those drivers wins, he would secure a spot in the final four and put more pressure on Elliott and Logano to advance through points.

While it is possible that a driver outside the playoff places is triumphant, it seems unlikely Sunday given the dominance of the circuit's top racers at Kansas.

                  

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Statistics obtained from Racing Reference.

The second stage of the NASCAR Cup Series postseason begins Sunday night at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Kevin Harvick, who won two of the three races in the round of 16, comes into the round of 12 in first place.

Sunday's South Point 400 may be more competitive than previous races at Las Vegas because of the challenges that lie ahead. After Las Vegas, the NASCAR playoffs head to the unpredictable Talladega Superspeedway and the road course at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Harvick begins the race on the pole, with Kyle Busch next to him on the front row. Joey Logano, who won the season's first event at Las Vegas, starts in fifth.

                      

South Point 400 Information

Date: Sunday, September 27

Start Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: NBCSN

Live Stream: NBCSports.com and NBC Sports app

            

Starting Lineup

Updated Cup lineup with some manufacturer fixes. pic.twitter.com/kCbxn4EWhJ

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 23, 2020

          

Odds

Kevin Harvick: +450 (bet $100 to win $450)

Martin Truex Jr.: +500

Brad Keselowski: +600

Joey Logano: +650

Denny Hamlin: +750

Kyle Busch: +900

Chase Elliott: +900

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

              

Preview

Even though Harvick has won only one of the past seven Las Vegas races, he has to be viewed as Sunday's favorite because of his season-long form. The No. 4 car driver took first in three of the past five races, including Sept. 19's Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Harvick now holds a three-race advantage on Denny Hamlin for most wins (nine) during the 2020 season. And Hamlin may struggle to keep pace with Harvick in that category Sunday since he has never won in Nevada.

Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, who respectively sit third and fourth behind Harvick and Hamlin, have been the most successful set of teammates at Las Vegas recently.

The Team Penske drivers have won three of the past four Las Vegas events, with Logano taking the past two early-season races. Logano led 54 of the 267 laps during the Pennzoil 400. Keselowski landed in seventh in that race.

In fact, the Penske competitors were two of four drivers still alive in the NASCAR postseason to finish in the top 10 in February. Austin Dillon and Harvick were the others. Six of the racers who started in the top 10 in that race finished outside of the those places, including Kyle Busch, who began that competition on the pole.

Busch is one of a few drivers that either need a win in the next three races to clinch a spot in the final eight or a handful of high positions to avoid the cut. Aric Almirola, Clint Bowyer and and Kurt Busch are the others on the outside looking in at the top eight playoff spots.

A move into the top eight is possible, as Dillon proved in the first postseason stage by surging up to eighth place. Since Dillon took fourth at Las Vegas in February and had a pair of top-five finishes in the round of 16, he should be considered a dark horse to win and could be worth backing at +4000.

                      

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Statistics obtained from Racing Reference.

Kevin Harvick outdueled Kyle Busch down the stretch Saturday night to capture the checkered flag at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The two drivers remained neck-and-neck for the final two laps with Harvick holding on to a late lead to grab his ninth win this season.

Are you not entertained? 😎

Another @BMSupdates race came down to the final laps as @KevinHarvick and @KyleBusch dueled for the victory. pic.twitter.com/NVcommaJ4V

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 20, 2020

William Byron, Cole Custer, Matt DiBenedetto and Ryan Blaney were each eliminated from the playoff field after the race as the postseason moves onto the Round of 12.

     

Bristol Motor Speedway Results

1. Kevin Harvick

2. Kyle Busch

3. Erik Jones

4. Tyler Reddick

5. Aric Almirola

6. Clint Bowyer

7. Chase Elliott

8. Chris Buescher

9. Ryan Preece

10. Michael McDowell

Full results via NASCAR.com

sums it up pretty well, huh?@KevinHarvick | @BMSupdates pic.twitter.com/D5XfZkRxrJ

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 20, 2020

Busch has yet to take a checkered flag this year, but that hasn't stopped him from remaining one of the most competitive drivers on any given track. The driver of the No. 18 car led 159 laps, won Stage 2 and nearly took down Harvick on the final lap.

Instead, he remains the only driver left in the playoff field without a victory this season.

Second once again.@KyleBusch | @BMSupdates pic.twitter.com/OcsRqPd98m

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 20, 2020

Joey Logano won Stage 1 to clinch a spot in the Round of 12.

Joining Logano, Harvick and Busch in the next playoff round is Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr., Austin Dillon, Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, Aric Almirola, Clint Bowyer and Kurt Busch.

Dillon advanced after finishing 12th on Saturday despite winning one race this year.

7️⃣ to go.

The #NASCARPlayoffs Round of 12 is set. pic.twitter.com/gsJlcPHU8U

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 20, 2020

William Byron was close to advancing into the next stage of the postseason until he took on too much damage to overcome late in Stage 2. Byron was three points back of the cutline before he collided with Christopher Bell on Lap 232.

"Yeah, I think it's been a great season," Byron told NBC Sports (h/t NASCAR.com). "I think that we've performed well. I think we would have liked to perform better, based on how we ended last year. But we got a win and I feel like really the last five or six weeks, we've had all top-10 runs, besides Richmond, which is our worst track. I don't know—hopefully continue being fast the next few weeks."

Kevin Harvick started the 2020 NASCAR playoffs in the best way possible.

Harvick won Sunday's Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, which CBS Sports noted was included as a playoff race for the second time in its history and first time since 2004. He held off Austin Dillon on the closing stretch, but only after a shocking turn of events with less than 20 laps remaining.

Martin Truex Jr. and Chase Elliott were way ahead and battling for the lead when they both made contact with the wall while jockeying for position.

😱 pic.twitter.com/BNkH3lme6g

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 7, 2020

"That's why you never give up, boys!"@KevinHarvick holds off @austindillon3 to win! pic.twitter.com/j9jTfhwBRb

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 7, 2020

Truex was forced to pit, while Elliott fell way behind as his car slowed following the contact.

While there was a full field in the race, the 16 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs were under the spotlight. That group will be trimmed to 12 following races at Richmond Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway and eight after races in Las Vegas; Talladega, Alabama; and Concord, North Carolina. From there, Kansas Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway host the Round of 8 before the championship in Phoenix, Arizona.

Harvick was already ahead in the NASCAR Cup Series standings heading into the playoffs, per NASCAR.com:

1. Kevin Harvick, 2,057 points

2. Denny Hamlin, 2,047 points

3. Brad Keselowski, 2,029 points

4. Joey Logano, 2,022 points

5. Chase Elliott, 2,020 points

6. Martin Truex Jr., 2,014 points

7. Ryan Blaney, 2,013 points

8. Alex Bowman, 2,009 points

9. William Byron, 2,007 points

10. Austin Dillon, 2,005 points

11. Cole Custer, 2,005 points

12. Aric Almirola, 2,005 points

13. Clint Bowyer, 2,004 points

14. Kyle Busch, 2,003 points

15. Kurt Busch, 2,001 points

16. Matt DiBenedetto, 2,000 points

There was news even before the drivers started their engines, as Ryan Blaney was penalized when a pre-race inspection found an improperly mounted ballast. Crew chief Todd Gordon was ejected, while Blaney was docked 10 points and forced to start from the rear.

Elliott started in pole position and set the pace in the early going, topping last year's total of laps led:

https://twitter.com/aaronbearden93/status/1302744882822418432

The biggest development in the opening stage involved Brad Keselowski, who found the wall and fell a lap down.

On the other side of the field, Denny Hamlin took the lead when Elliott made a pit stop before Truex moved to the front and eventually won the first stage and the playoff point that came with it.

Brad Keselowski got into the side of Aric Almirola, which cut the No. 2's tire.#NASCARThrowback // #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/duyJG4AqDP

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 6, 2020

STAGE WINNER: @MartinTruex_Jr picks up his third stage win of 2020 and his first of the #NASCARPlayoffs!

Leaderboard: https://t.co/ZXswXeqTqH pic.twitter.com/YfySd9MycW

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 6, 2020

Truex maintained his dominance throughout Stage 2, winning it even though Harvick took the lead temporarily when he pitted much earlier than the leaders.

Elliott scraped the wall during the second stage, but he had a better go of it than Blaney. The No. 12 car's struggles continued, as Blaney fell a lap down because of a flat left rear tire. He even pitted right before Bubba Wallace spun out, costing himself a chance at returning to the lead lap.

#NASCAR ... Ryan Blaney has never had a top-10 finish in a Cup race at Darlington

He started the race with a 10-point penalty for an inspection issue

And he gets a flat tire before start of stage 2.

Plenty of time left but his struggles continuing so far at this track

— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) September 6, 2020

It was a precursor to the start of Stage 3, which saw John Hunter Nemechek exit the race with a blown tire, Corey LaJoie exit the race with damage and Wallace fall out of the race because of a transmission problem. Blaney and Joey Logano each needed repairs during an early caution as well in a messy situation.

That's a lotta damage!@JHNemechek done for the night. #NASCARPlayoffs on NBCSN. pic.twitter.com/K4uuHkSBFu

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 7, 2020

All the attrition didn't stop Elliott from taking the lead and setting up a dramatic race to the finish with Truex.

In fact, they were separated by less than a half-second with 20 laps remaining but more than four seconds ahead of Harvick, who was the closest challenger.

However, that battle for the lead ultimately cost both Truex and Elliott, which opened the door for Harvick.