Harvick, the Stewart-Haas Racing driver, was ranked fifth heading into the Texas Playoff race but by securing a position alongside Martinsville Speedway winner Martin Truex Jr. in the Championship 4. Hamlin went into Texas ranked second in the points standings and is now fifth, just outside Championship 4 eligibility. Should a Playoff driver — currently below the Championship 4 cutline — win on Sunday, that driver is automatically eligible for the Championship 4 round at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and only one points position will transfer. Should any other driver win, then the top two points positions would be eligible for the Miami season finale. Hendrick Motorsport’s Chase Elliott is eighth, 88 points out and absolutely needing a victory at Phoenix to advance to his first-ever Championship 4.

Source: National Post November 04, 2019 21:56 UTC