2023 NASCAR Playoffs: Format, Standings, and Schedule Unveiled for the Race to the Championship

In a surprising turn of events, the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs have begun in its 75th anniversary season. Sixteen drivers are vying for the championship, ready to make history in the final race at Phoenix Raceway. Martin Truex Jr., the regular-season champion, and William Byron, the driver with the most wins this year, have emerged as the frontrunners, tied at the top of the standings.

The NASCAR playoffs are known for their punishing and unpredictable nature. Even the best drivers, like Truex, Byron, Kyle Busch, and Chris Buescher, could find themselves below the cut line with just one misstep. On the other hand, Daytona 500 champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Bubba Wallace, and Kevin Harvick, who is retiring, have a chance to make their mark and move closer to the ultimate goal of winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship.

The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs feature an elimination-style format with four rounds. Drivers are seeded based on their number of race wins and “playoff points” earned throughout the season. A driver can advance to the next round either by winning a race or by accumulating enough points to stay above the cutoff line at the end of each round. The four drivers below the cutoff line are eliminated from the playoffs.

The four rounds of the playoffs are the Round of 16, the Round of 12, the Round of 8, and the Championship 4. In the Championship 4, all remaining drivers have their points reset to create a level playing field for the final race at Phoenix Raceway. The driver with the best finish in the season finale will be crowned the NASCAR Cup Series champion.

Here are the current playoff standings:

1. #24 – William Byron – 2036 pts – 5 wins, 36 playoff pts
2. #19 – Martin Truex Jr. – 2036 pts – 3 wins, 36 playoff pts
3. #11 – Denny Hamlin – 2025 pts (+18) – 2 wins, 25 playoff pts
4. #17 – Chris Buescher – 2021 pts (+14) – 3 wins, 21 playoff pts
5. #8 – Kyle Busch – 2019 pts (+12) – 3 wins, 19 playoff pts
6. #5 – Kyle Larson – 2017 pts (+10) – 2 wins, 17 playoff pts
7. #20 – Christopher Bell – 2014 pts (+7) – 1 win, 14 playoff pts
8. #1 – Ross Chastain – 2011 pts (+4) – 1 win, 11 playoff pts
9. #6 – Brad Keselowski – 2010 pts (+3) – 10 playoff pts
10. #45 – Tyler Reddick – 2009 pts (+2) – 1 win, 9 playoff pts
11. #22 – Joey Logano – 2008 pts (+1) – 1 win, 8 playoff pts
12. #12 – Ryan Blaney – 2008 pts (+1) – 1 win, 8 playoff pts
13. #34 – Michael McDowell – 2007 pts (-1) – 1 win, 7 playoff pts
14. #47 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 2005 pts (-3) – 1 win, 5 playoff pts
15. #4 – Kevin Harvick – 2004 pts (-4) – 4 playoff pts
16. #23 – Bubba Wallace – 2000 pts (-8)

Here is the schedule for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs:

Round of 16:

• Sunday, Sept. 3 – Southern 500 – Darlington Raceway (Winner: Kyle Larson)
• Sunday, Sept. 10 – Kansas Speedway (Winner: Tyler Reddick)
• Saturday, Sept. 16 – Bristol Motor Speedway (Winner: Denny Hamlin)

Round of 12:

• Sunday, Sept. 24 – Texas Motor Speedway (Winner: William Byron)
• Sunday, Oct. 1 – Talladega Superspeedway (Winner: Ryan Blaney)
• Sunday, Oct. 8 – Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval (Winner: AJ Allmendinger)

Round of 8:

• Sunday, Oct. 15 – Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Winner: Kyle Larson)
• Sunday, Oct. 22 – Homestead-Miami Speedway (Winner: Christopher Bell)
• Sunday, Oct. 29 – Martinsville Speedway (Winner: Ryan Blaney)

Championship Race:

• Sunday, Nov. 5 – Phoenix Raceway