NASCAR standings without playoffs: Surprise driver 2nd behind Kyle Larson

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours tuning virtual racecars and navigating virtual racetracks, I can’t help but be captivated by the unfolding drama of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The 2024 season has been an exciting rollercoaster ride, with its share of twists and turns that would put even the most exhilarating video games to shame.

After the latest playoff reset prior to the NASCAR Cup Series’ round of 8, Kyle Larson from Hendrick Motorsports regained the top spot in the standings due to the impressive 52 playoff points he has accumulated throughout the season’s first 32 races, which is a series high.

Regardless of playoff resets, the driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet would be leading the points this season, even though he didn’t participate in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May because he chose to remain at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the rain-delayed IndyCar race, the Indy 500.

Larson has won six races more than any other driver, and his 12 stage victories top the series too. If he hadn’t skipped the Coca-Cola 600, he would have accumulated 57 playoff points because he was just one point shy of the regular season championship, which went to Tyler Reddick from 23XI Racing instead.

However, the runner-up in terms of points is quite unexpected, with a small gap separating them from Larson.

This season, I’ve managed to pile up an impressive 1,053 points, placing me comfortably ahead of my teammate, Chase Elliott, who trails behind with 1,027 points.

Elliott’s season has been relatively uneventful so far, that much is clear. Despite tying for fifth in top five finishes and fourth in top ten results, he’s only managed 14th place when it comes to leading laps. Intriguingly, all the other playoff drivers are ranked within the top 10 in terms of laps led, while he lags behind three drivers who didn’t even qualify for the postseason.

In the thrilling world of racing during 2024, it’s not so special that I’ve managed just one victory and a single stage win. After all, no less than 18 drivers have tasted triumph this year! My solitary win, snatched at Texas Motor Speedway back in April, is the only trophy I’ve brought home in the past 24 months.

Therefore, among the eight playoff drivers who are still competing, he ranks seventh as we begin the semi-final round.

However, Elliott excels at completing races and making the most of opportunities, aspects of performance that some spectators believe are less significant in today’s “win-and-advance” postseason.

The driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet consistently outperforms the next best by holding an average position that is nearly a whole spot higher. Interestingly, this exceptional driver has managed just three results outside the top 20, with one even slipping to a position outside the top 30. Contrastingly, Larson has recorded ten finishes below the top 20 and six below the top 30.

Among the remaining playoff contenders, only Tyler Reddick has a single finish outside the top 30 in results, while everyone else has at least four. The next best, among the eight remaining drivers, is significantly behind Elliott’s mark of three out-of-top-20 finishes. Interestingly, both Reddick and Christopher Bell from Joe Gibbs Racing have amassed eight such finishes each.

Here are the top 20 drivers in total points scored this season.

NOTE: * = non-playoff driver

Kyle Larson leads with a points total of 1053.

Additional note: Denny Hamlin has actually scored 995 points, but he was issued a 75-point penalty.

Kick off your weekend with the highly anticipated start of the quarterfinals for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, happening this Sunday, October 20th. The South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be the venue, a track where Larson clinched victory last year and also triumphed in March’s race. Tune in live on NBC starting at 2:30 p.m. ET. Sign up for a free trial of FuboTV today to catch all the action!

2024-10-19 15:02

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