NASCAR’s Round of 8 Set After Charlotte Elimination Race
NASCAR’s Cup Series Playoffs moved one step closer to crowning a champion after a dramatic elimination race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. With the checkered flag dropping, the field has officially been trimmed to the final eight drivers who will battle for the 2025 title.
AJ Allmendinger captured the win at Charlotte, showcasing his road course prowess, but as a non-playoff driver, his victory didn’t impact the championship standings directly. The drama, however, unfolded behind him as several playoff contenders fought to stay alive. Tyler Reddick and Ross Chastain were among those eliminated after tough days on the track, while Brad Keselowski narrowly clinched the final transfer spot thanks to consistent finishes throughout the Round of 12.
The eight drivers advancing are: William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Chris Buescher, Ryan Blaney, and Brad Keselowski. These drivers will now enter the Round of 8, which begins at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, followed by Homestead-Miami and Martinsville, with only four advancing to the Championship 4 at Phoenix.
The stakes are higher than ever, with each race winner in this round earning an automatic berth into the title finale. For drivers like Byron and Hamlin, who have multiple wins this season, the focus will be on staying consistent and avoiding disaster. Meanwhile, underdogs like Buescher and Keselowski will be aiming to capitalize on strategy and execution.
With the field tighter than ever and just three races left before the final showdown, every point and pit stop will matter. The next few weeks promise intense battles as NASCAR’s best vie for a coveted spot in the Championship 4.
