Joey Logano stunned the field with his first race win since March to book his place in the championship race at Phoenix Raceway. An exciting NASCAR Cup Series Round of 8 opener at Kansas Speedway added further excitement to the playoff scenario.

Three drivers are yet to book their tickets to the title run at Phoenix, with just two races to go. Kevin Harvick finished second on the night and now has 67 playoff points. He now has a 41-point lead over the final cutoff spot.

Harvick was already a favorite for Phoenix and seems comfortable on his way there. Just behind him is Denny Hamlin, who had an impressive run at Kansas on Sunday halfway through the race. He even won the second stage. Hamlin eventually finished in 15th place after he hit the wall and sustained significant damage to his car.

How the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series field shapes up

Hamlin is 20 points clear off the cutoff spot, which is held by Brad Keselowski. The No. 2 Team Penske driver is 12 points behind Hamlin.

Chase Elliott, who was in a good position after his win at the Charlotte Roval, now sees himself outside a playoff spot in the season finale at Phoenix. Elliott is eight points behind Keselowski and the cutoff spot. Elliott finished in sixth place at Kansas, while Keselowski earned fourth place.

Alex Bowman, Martin Truex Jr., and Kurt Busch are the drivers in trouble. Bowman is 27 points off the cutoff spot in sixth place, while Truex Jr. is four points behind him. Bowman had a strong finish at Kansas and finished third to gain some confidence for the next two rounds.

Truex Jr. had a bad day at the office as he was sent to the rear before the race started. Truex Jr.’s No. 19 car failed multiple pre-race inspections. He managed a top-10 finish at the end.

Kurt Busch needs a miracle

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Kurt Busch is in deep trouble as he sits 73 points behind the cutoff spot and last among the playoff contenders. Busch needs to do what he did at Las Vegas in the Round of 12 and make the championship race with a win. Busch’s race ended after he had car troubles mid-way at Kansas.

Meanwhile, Logano’s win on Sunday came after some heavy blocking in the final 40-plus laps. Logano grabbed the lead from Harvick and never let go as the two drivers dominated.

Things are bound to get highly interesting as the NASCAR Cup Series field moves to the Texas Motor Speedway next Sunday.

How Joey Logano Won His First Race Since Phoenix to Make the Championship Race at Phoenix