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NASCAR returns to the 'Tricky Triangle' this weekend, with Pocono Raceway set to host the 21st round of the season. The battle for the remaining playoff spots is intensifying with only six races left in the regular season.
After 20 rounds in the 2024 Cup season, 12 drivers have reached the victory lane, confirming their berths in the playoffs. The remaining four spots are held by Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Martin Truex Jr. and Ty Gibbs, with Ross Chastain and Chris Buescher occupying the final two positions.
Truex Jr. has a 125-point advantage over the cutline and is most likely to make it to the playoffs. Gibbs holds an 84-point advantage, while Ross Chastain and Chris Buescher are 53 and 45 points above the cutline, respectively.
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Bubba Wallace is the first driver outside the playoff picture, trailing Buescher by 45 points.
A new winner at Pocono Raceway could shake up the playoff picture. Let's look at the three playoff contenders who are likely to seal their spots this weekend at the Tricky Triangle.
Three NASCAR playoff contenders to watch out for at Pocono
#3 Bubba Wallace
While Bubba Wallace and the #23 Toyota team have struggled in recent weeks, NASCAR's trip to Pocono presents an opportunity to turn around their season, as 23XI Racing has been consistently strong at the track.
Tyler Reddick boasts the best average finish at the track, 6.0, over the past four races, while Bubba Wallace follows closely with the third-best average finish at 9.5. Although Wallace might not be an outright threat for the victory, positioning himself in the top spots would be crucial for a potential win.
#2 Ty Gibbs
The #54 Joe Gibbs Racing driver returns to the Pocono Raceway, the track where he got the call-up to make his Cup Series debut, replacing Kurt Busch. In his debut outing, he was classified 16th and secured a fifth-place finish in his rookie season last year.
Gibbs kicked off his sophomore season showcasing front-running pace but has dropped back as the season has progressed. Securing his maiden Cup Series victory would stop his recent slump and book his playoff berth.
#1 Martin Truex Jr.
The 2017 NASCAR Cup champion, Martin Truex Jr., has seen a couple of victories slip away this season. While Truex could comfortably make the playoffs on points, it will be crucial for him to return to victory lane in his farewell season.
NASCAR's trip to Pocono presents an opportunity for the #19 Joe Gibbs Racing driver to return to the victory lane. He has the fourth-best average finish position, 9.8, in the past four races.
Having won two races at the Tricky Triangle, he will be aiming for his third victory this weekend.
