Two drivers from the NASCAR playoffs are already certain to make it to the round of 16. After the first leg of the Bristol Night Race, Christopher Bell is certain. There are a few other drivers who are slowly but surely fighting their way through.

So far, it’s been another solid day for Alex Bowman. Austin Cindric, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott William Byron and Denny Hamlin are also driving strong races.

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Larson dominated the early stages, leading for over 200 laps, but Bell secured his place in the Round of 12 after Larson won the opening stage.

Here is the point distribution of Matt Weaver from Sportnaut.

After two poor finishes to start the Round of 16, Hamlin appeared to be well on his way out of the NASCAR playoffs. Now, in Stage 2 of the race, Hamlin is moving through the field and slowly closing in on the leaders Bell and Larson.

Even if Hamlin can move into second, beating Larson will be a whole different ordeal. The No. 5 car was fantastic all night and it seems like the Hendrick Motorsports driver is firmly in the saddle.

The only driver not in the playoffs who was in the top 10 most of the time tonight is Bubba Wallace. If the race gets chaotic, he might be able to pull off a win. While it’s been a clean race so far, that can change in a heartbeat.

Chase Briscoe is trying valiantly. Despite his starting position as an outsider, he could make it to the next round of the NASCAR playoffs. On the other hand, disaster is imminent. No one is safe at a race in Bristol.

Bell and Bowman advance – Harrison Buron eliminated from NASCAR playoffs

Harrison Burton will not advance to the Round of 12 in the NASCAR playoffs. He was officially eliminated during Stage 2. Burton lost power steering and had to take his car behind the wall for repairs. This is too much for him.

With his overwhelming victory in Daytona a few weeks ago, Burton secured a spot in the NASCAR playoffs. However, for Burton and Wood Brothers Racing, the Cinderella story is coming to an end.

So riders have been eliminated, riders have also progressed. By completing two stages of the Bristol Night Race, Christopher Bell and Alex Bowman have qualified for the round of 12. Whatever happens from now on, they don’t have to worry about it.

Ty Gibbs is in serious danger of being eliminated. This is his first season in the playoffs. There’s no shame in being eliminated. But it’s a little disappointing after Gibbs played so well here to start the season. Overall, the first half of the year was Gibbs’ best.