Only two former champions remain among the eight drivers left in the Cup playoffs.
Reigning champion Kyle Larson was eliminated on Sunday at the Charlotte Roval, joining former Cup champions Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick, who were eliminated in the first round. That leaves Chase Elliott and Joey Logano as the only former series champions still in title contention.
Elliott and Logano enter the third round 1-2. This round will set the field for the Nov. 6 championship race at Phoenix.
Roval winner Christoper Bell opens the third round holding the final transfer spot by three points on Ryan Blaney and William Byron.
The third round features races at Las Vegas, Homestead and Martinsville.
XFINITY SERIES
The Xfinity Series also begins the Round of 8 this weekend, whittling its playoff field to four drivers for the Nov. 5 championship race at Phoenix.
Noah Gragson leads the standings with 3,056 points. All four JR Motorsports drivers are among the eight remaining playoff competitors. Justin Allgaier holds the final transfer spot. He leads teammate Josh Berry by 11 points. Sam Mayer is last in the standings.
The third round features races at Las Vegas, Homestead and Martinsville.
CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES
The Truck Series was off this past weekend. The series is back in action Oct. 22 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Ty Majeski is the only driver who has secured a spot in the Nov. 4 championship race at Phoenix.
