By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated 7/31/24
As the NASCAR playoffs approach, every lap of every race matters more. Some races, however, have more allure than others.
In inverse order, here are the five most intriguing races left on the schedule.
5. Bristol Night Race | Sept. 21
Along with serving as a breeding ground for post-race altercations — what NASCAR fan can forget Chase Elliott and Kevin Harvick’s run-in in the 2021 race — the Bristol Night Race also serves as the elimination race in the first round of the playoffs.
Four drivers will be eliminated from championship contention after the checkered flag falls. Look for Bristol to provide a classic short-track slugfest with a dose of championship drama.
4. Southern 500 at Darlington | Sept. 1
NASCAR’s oldest crown jewel race will play host to the Cup Series regular-season finale this season, so for every driver in a must-win situation, “The Lady In Black” will be his final chance to make the postseason.
Darlington is the epitome of a “driver’s racetrack,” and it’s fitting that NASCAR’s most treacherous track will decide who competes for a championship.
3. Martinsville | Nov. 3
Since becoming the second-to-last race of the NASCAR season in 2020, Martinsville has played host to many incredible moments, including the duel between Alex Bowman and Denny Hamlin in 2021 and Ross Chastain’s “Hail Melon” in 2022.
Martinsville’s already impressive playoff resume has only been bolstered by its new placement on the schedule. Fans should expect another great show at the oldest track on the schedule.
2. Daytona | Aug. 24
Daytona isn’t the official regular-season finale, but it serves as a finale for drivers in must-win situations.
The aforementioned Southern 500 can be used as a last resort for those in need of a win to make the postseason, but Daytona’s pack racing favors the drivers near the bottom of the points list much more than Darlington.
Since moving from its traditional July 4 date to the end of the regular season, the intensity of Daytona’s second race has only gone up.
1. NASCAR Championship Race at Phoenix | Nov. 10
The 2023 championship race proved Phoenix is capable of putting on a solid race. This season, it very well could feature Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney fighting for the title again.
But the championship fight will be incredibly interesting, regardless of who the four eligible drivers are. Another big storyline will be whether Toyota can replicate its spring dominance, as Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin — all drivers who could make the Championship 4 — dominated when the Cup Series visited Phoenix in March.
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- The ‘Active players with multiple 100 RBI seasons in an MLB season’ quiz