WINNERS
Kyle Larson — Ends a 75-race winless streak and doesn’t have to worry about what happens to him at Talladega since his victory advances him to the third round. That’s a special victory.
Martin Truex Jr. — Runner-up result gives him finishes of seventh or better, including two wins, in the first four races of the playoffs.
Matt DiBenedetto — Was top non-playoff driver, placing seventh. That’s his best finish since his second-place run in the Bristol night race.
Alex Bowman — Backed up his runner-up finish at Dover in May with a third-place finish Sunday to move into the top eight in points.
LOSERS
Chase Elliott — A week after his win at the Roval, he finishes last because of a blown engine and is outside a transfer spot to the third round.
William Byron — Speeding penalty cost him a top-10 finish, possibly a top-five finish. Along with the points he possibly lost in the second stage, the penalty could have cost him 12-15 points total Sunday. That could be important when the second round ends.
Joey Logano — Problems before the green flag ended his hopes for any type of good finish. And Denny Hamlin was critical of how Logano raced while more than 20 laps down after Logano returned to the track.
Team Penske - Along with Joey Logano’s 34th-place finish, a suspension issue led to Ryan Blaney placing 35th and Brad Keselowski was 11th, never showing the type of speed to compete for a win. A forgettable weekend.
