Bank of America Roval 400, Charlotte, N.C. 2:30 p.m. TV: NBC
For 2019 NASCAR Cup Champion Kyle Busch, it’s win or go home time.
NASCAR will trim its playoff field from 12 to the Round of Eight after today’s Bank of America 400 in Charlotte.
Busch, who has not won a race all season needs a win Sunday. He currently sits in ninth place, 21 points behind Joey Logano for the final spot to advance.
Denny Hamlin and Kurt Busch with wins the last two weeks have solidified their spots in the Round of Eight, while Kevin Harvick (+68), Chase Elliott (+44) and Brad Keselowski (+41) are all but in as well.
Martin Truex (+32) is sixth, but also in good shape.
Behind Kyle Busch and also needing a win to advance are Austin Dillon (-21), Clint Bowyer (-38) and Aric Almirola (-48).
Here’s how the Eckel 3, which includes as always Scott “Tobacco Road’’ Baker and Mike “Left Turn’’ Sweeney (The Doctor was out) see Sunday’s race.
Chase Elliott (5-2): Elliott is the betting favorite and for good reason. He won here last year, finished second in 2017 and has won the last three road races. Tough to leave him out of the mix.
Kyle Busch (12-1): “Tobacco Road’’ jumped back on Kyle and brought “Left Turn’’ along with him for a piece. It’s not going to be easy for Busch, who finished 32nd and 37th in the last two races here.
Alex Bowman (15-1): Little bit of a hunch play on my part, but Bowman has finished in the top 5 in both Roval races and came in second to Elliott in this race last year. And that’s a good price.
Martin Truex (6-1): The New Jersey native has three wins on road courses and won this race in 2017. It wouldn’t shock anyone to see him in Victory Lane Sunday afternoon.