NASCAR returns to the “Tricky Triangle” this weekend for the 21st race of the season at Pocono Raceway. With six races remaining in the regular season, the battle for playoff status is heating up.
After 20 rounds of the 2024 Cup season, 12 drivers have reached Victory Lane and secured a spot in the playoffs. The remaining four spots are filled by Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Martin Truex Jr. and Ty Gibbs, while the remaining two spots are filled by Ross Chastain and Chris Buescher. Truex Jr. is 125 points away from the cut line and has the best chance of making the playoffs. Gibbs leads by 84 points, while Ross Chastain and Chris Buescher are 53 and 45 points above the cut line, respectively.
Bubba Wallace is the first driver outside the playoff bracket and trails Buescher by 45 points.
A new winner at Pocono Raceway could significantly change the playoff landscape. Let’s take a look at three playoff contenders who are likely to secure a spot at the Tricky Triangle this weekend.
Three NASCAR Playoff Contenders to Watch at Pocono
#3 Bubba Wallace
NASCAR’s trip to Pocono was an opportunity to turn its season around, as Bubba Wallace and the #23 Toyota team have struggled in recent weeks while 23XI Racing has been consistently strong at the track. Tyler Reddick had the best average finish at this track over the past four races with a 6.0, followed closely by Bubba Wallace with the third-best average finish with a 9.5. Wallace may not be an immediate threat to win, but being at the front of the pack will be key to a possible win.
#2 Ty Gibbs
The driver of the No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing car returns to Pocono Raceway, the track where he made his Cup Series debut as a replacement for Kurt Busch. He ranked 16th in his debut and finished fifth in his rookie season last year. Gibbs started his sophomore season with top speed but lagged as the season progressed. His first Cup Series win would put an end to his recent slump and secure him a playoff spot. #1 Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 NASCAR Cup champion, is coming off a few wins this season. Truex could comfortably make the playoffs based on points, but getting back to winning ways will be very important for him in his bye season.
NASCAR’s trip to Pocono offers the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing driver an opportunity to get back to winning ways. Over the past four races, he has the fourth-best average finish with a 9.8. With two wins at the Tricky Triangle, he’ll be looking for his third this weekend.
