Top 5 NASCAR drivers of the playoff elimination era featuring Kyle Busch

Jimmie Johnson (L), Kyle Busch (C), and Joey Logano (R) (All Images from USA Today Sports)
Jimmie Johnson (L), Kyle Busch (C), and Joey Logano (R) (All Images from USA Today Sports)

The playoffs of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season are just around the corner. The 2024 NASCAR season returns after a two-week Olympic break this weekend and just four races—at Richmond, Michigan International Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, and Darlington Raceway—remain before the postseason 16-driver field is set.

NASCAR’s postseason is an elimination format in which four drivers with lower points are eliminated at the completion of each three-race round. The format includes a total of three rounds before the championship race at Phoenix Raceway.

The NASCAR playoff elimination format began in 2014, and since then there has been tough competition in the postseason. From Jeff Gordon to Chris Buescher, several drivers have made the playoffs, but only a few have excelled under the pressure of this format.

On that note, let’s take a look at five best Cup drivers from the elimination era.


Five best NASCAR drivers of the playoff elimination era

#5 Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson, who retired from full-time NASCAR racing in 2020, has made five playoff’ appearances in the elimination era. He made only one championship 4 appearance at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2016, in which he won the race and Cup title. It was his seventh Cup championship of his illustrative career.

Johnson currently drives the #84 Toyota Camry XSE part-time for his team, Legacy Motor Club, in the Cup Series.


#4 Martin Truex Jr.

The driver of #19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota has made seven playoffs and five championship 4 appearances in the elimination era. Truex Jr. emerged as a dominant force in the 2017 season, winning the title with an impressive eight- wins in a single season.

Martin Truex Jr. has not yet won this season but is in a good position to qualify for the playoffs. He currently sits seventh in the Cup points table with 653 points.


#3 Kevin Harvick

A former NASCAR veteran was the first driver to win the championship in the playoff elimination era in 2014. Known for his aggressive driving style and ability, Harvick is also tied for the most playoffs with nine to the postseason. He also tied for most Championship 4 appearances of five with Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch.


#2 Joey Logano

The #22 Ford Team Penske driver has been a standout performer in the elimination era. With eight playoff appearances and five in the final race, Logano is one of the two drivers who have won Cup titles multiple times. He claimed the title in 2018 and 2022.

Joey Logano has already secured his 2024 playoff spot with a win at Nashville Superspeedway on June 30.


#1 Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch is the most consistent driver when it comes to performing under pressure in playoffs. He has been a treat in the playoffs, making playoffs appearance nine times and Championship 4 at five times. He is the only second driver after Logano to win multiple Cup titles in elimination era.

His first title was particularly impressive as he came back from a severe injury to win the championship and he claimed the 2019 title with a strong performance in the final race.

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Edited by Yash Soni
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