This weekend begins NASCAR’s 10-race playoff for the right to be crowned the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
The 10-race format begins with the top 16 racers based on wins and accumulated points through the racing season. After the first 3 races, only 12 will advance (by wins or most points), and after the next 3 races, only 8 will advance. The top 4 drivers will race for the championship in the last race at Homestead-Miami.
Racing playoffs mean heated competition with lots on the line - the pressure is ratcheted up, exciting storylines emerge and emotions run high at each race. The NASCAR playoffs begin at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this Sunday at 3pm EST. Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a 1.5 mile oval track with 20 degree corner banking, allowing drivers to reach nearly 200 miles an hour.
The season has been dominated by 3 racers – Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. Not surprisingly, these 3 racers are the oddsmaker’s favorites to win the championship at 9-4, 9-4 and 9-2. The next closest is Kyle Larson at 10-1 followed by Chase Elliot and Brad Keselowski at 12-1. Keselowski has gotten hot late this season, winning the last two races, but the dominant 3 are likely to be competing in the final race at Miami-Homestead.
I am adding to the fun by participating in a FanDuel fantasy completion for this first race. I play for entertainment and usually lose, so I would not recommend duplicating my picks!
Enjoy the racing!
Brian