Up to Speed: Bad Decisions Set the Round of 8
While Chastain will take the loss hard, he is not the only Trackhouse employee responsible for the bitter end of the team’s title hopes.
Bryan Gable
Up to Speed: Will Distractions Derail Denny Hamlin’s Championship Hopes?
Denny Hamlin has a lot on his mind heading into next weekend’s cutoff race.
Up to Speed: 23XI Racing Needs a Turnaround
The team needs to get its mojo back at Kansas. Otherwise, New Hampshire may go down as the race that ended 23XI’s title hopes in 2025.
Up to Speed: The Championship Favorite Is Still Team Penske
Until someone else steps up to take the title for themselves, the Cup Series championship goes through the Penske garage.
Up to Speed: Kyle Larson Has Bigger Concerns Than Ryan Blaney
Larson should worry more about recapturing his early-season momentum rather than any unlikely revenge from Ryan Blaney.
Up to Speed: Do Not Overlook Austin Cindric in the Playoffs
In very similar situations in 2022 and 2024, Cindric punched above his weight in the postseason and is poised to do so again.
Up To Speed: Unanswered Questions Remain for Hendrick Motorsports
Though all four of their drivers have made the playoffs, Hendrick’s championship contention is no sure thing.
Up to Speed: Can Kyle Busch Save His Season at Daytona?
Busch is in a must-win situation for the playoffs, but has the experience to score a clutch win at the World Center of Racing.
Up to Speed: What Can Shane van Gisbergen Really Do in the Playoffs?
More than four wins’ worth of playoff points changes the game significantly.
Up to Speed: The Playoff Battle Gets Awkward for RFK Racing
Over the next month, RFK’s biggest playoff competition could come from within its own shop