We are just five races away from the start of the 2022 Cup Series Playoffs. The competition is reaching its zenith, especially with two places up for grabs. As for now, a few protagonists that can still make it to the Playoffs are Martin Truex Jr, Ryan Blaney, and Kevin Harvick. In a recent discussion, former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty spoke about who he thinks will make the Playoffs.

He said, “We talked about it here before. They talk about it ad nauseam on NBC. We’re gonna have 14 winners, we’re going to have two guys in points. Truex and Blaney are going to get in on points, end of conversation.”

“That’s the way I feel, because we’re at that stretch where there are five races before we start the Playoffs. Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin is going to pick up the pace. They tried stuff yesterday, we already know they’re trying stuff. We’re picking up the pace.”

“So guys who have already won races, are going to continue to win races.”

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“Quite possibly at Talladega and some of these freak places, you get – but as far as running up front and winning races. If you just say the year plays out like the year should play out, we’re not going to get any more winners.”

Can Martin Truex Jr and Ryan Blaney make it?

Theoretically speaking, both drivers are capable of reaching the Playoffs. However, the big question is, can they do it by winning one or more of the remaining five races or by virtue of the points standings? If it’s the latter, they will have to hope that the other previous winners win again.

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Unfortunately, in the case of Kevin Harvick, his chances look pretty slim unless he can pull off a race win very soon.

It may be possible that in the next few races, Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske could play the team game. In other words, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell could aid Truex Jr. Meanwhile, Joey Logano and Austin Cindric could try to help Blaney to Victory Lane.