The following drivers would get in if the season ended today: Martin Truex Jr. (three wins, 28 playoff points), Jimmie Johnson (three, 16), Kyle Larson (two, 13), Brad Keselowski (two, 13), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (two, 10), Kevin Harvick (one, eight), Ryan Blaney (one, eight), Kurt Busch (one, five), Ryan Newman (one, five), Austin Dillon (one, five), Kyle Busch (138 points above Joey Logano on the cutoff line, four playoff points), Chase Elliott (+89, two), Jamie McMurray (+74), Denny Hamlin (+67, 2), Clint Bowyer (+24), Matt Kenseth (+7, two). The first four out would be: Joey Logano (seven points below Kenseth on the cutoff line), Erik Jones (-52), Daniel Suarez (-98) and Trevor Bayne (-119). Remember, a win gets a driver into the playoffs. Below is a list of winless drivers who have visited victory lane at upcoming tracks before the playoffs start: New Hampshire: Kyle Busch, Kenseth, Bowyer, Hamlin, Kasey KahneIndianapolis: Kyle Busch, McMurray, Paul MenardPocono: Hamlin, Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kahne, Chris BuescherWatkins Glen: Hamlin, Kyle Busch, AJ AllmendingerMichigan: Kyle Busch, Hamlin, Earnhardt, Kenseth, KahneBristol: Kyle Busch, Hamlin, Kenseth, Earnhardt, KahneDarlington: Kyle Busch, Hamlin, KensethRichmond: Kyle Busch, Hamlin, Kenseth, Bowyer, Earnhardt, Kahne
Statistically, Truex has been the most dominant driver in the Cup Series this season. In addition to being tied for the wins lead, he ranks first in average running position (8.3), fastest laps (626), laps led (1,115, 21.4 percent) and driver rating (105.9).
Despite winless on the season, Kyle Busch should make the playoffs even without a win. The same can’t be said about Earnhardt and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kasey Kahne. They have plenty of work to do as noticed by the full standings entering New Hampshire.
2017 NASCAR Cup playoff grid standings
2017 NASCAR Cup Series laps led leaders
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