Hamlin says he can win at Bristol and earn automatic berth in 2nd round of NASCAR playoffs

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) — Denny Hamlin never had a chance to race for the win at Watkins Glen after he was caught up in an opening-lap wreck that knocked fellow playoff driver Ryan Blaney out of the race. Hamlin recovered to later gain a stage point, but he eventually spun and the...

Buescher plays spoiler at Watkins Glen in chaotic NASCAR playoff race

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) — William Byron's Chevy skidded down the track and came to rest tilted against the wall with a tire jammed into Brad Keselowski's driver-side window in a late fight for position between two NASCAR playoff drivers. Ryan Blaney never got so lucky to remain in...

Playoff drivers are on edge as NASCAR moves to the second round at Watkins Glen

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) — Martin Truex Jr. tried to stay optimistic about his slim chance at winning a NASCAR championship in his final season before he conceded, “no matter what we do, it is wrong.” Chase Briscoe is last among the 16 playoff drivers, but he says, count him out at your own...

Truex starts 2nd and tops all playoff drivers in qualifying while Chastain wins pole at Watkins Glen

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) — Martin Truex Jr. was the highest-qualifying playoff driver among the 16 in the field for Sunday’s Cup race at Watkins Glen International, a needed boost for the 2017 NASCAR champion who needs a win to guarantee himself a spot in the next round. Truex was...

Truex starts 2nd and tops all playoff drivers in qualifying while Chastain wins pole at Watkins Glen

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) — Martin Truex Jr. was the highest-qualifying playoff driver among the 16 in the field for Sunday's Cup race at Watkins Glen International, a needed boost for the 2017 NASCAR champion who needs a win to guarantee himself a spot in the next round. Truex was...

Joey Logano wins NASCAR playoff opener at Atlanta to advance to 2nd round

HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — One of the first things Joey Logano said after winning NASCAR's playoff opener was that the postseason is his time of the year. And, in 10 initial playoff appearances, he typically slid his way through the rounds, winning two Cup titles and never finishing...

NASCAR Playoffs: Don't look for surprises in the postseason as power programs dominate field

DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — NASCAR's regular season finished with a pair of surprises in winless drivers Harrison Burton and Chase Briscoe pulling off unexpected victories at Daytona and Darlington. Don't look for more stunners when the playoffs start next week and NASCAR's power...

Chase Briscoe holds off Kyle Busch in Southern 500 to advance to NASCAR Cup playoffs

DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Chase Briscoe knew he carried the full weight of everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing into the final laps Sunday night at Darlington Raceway. And he couldn't have been happier. “I feel like I run better under heavy pressure,” Briscoe said. “I love the Game...

Martin Truex Jr. makes NASCAR playoffs after crashing out early at Darlington

DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Martin Truex Jr. qualified for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs after some nervous moments when he crashed out on the third lap of the Southern 500 on Sunday. Others drivers hopeful of a spot like two-time series champion Kyle Busch and playoff participants...

Chase Briscoe wins at Darlington to get NASCAR playoff spot; Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr. also advance to postseason