Ryan Preece’s win at Daytona clinched the last Chase spot, preserving his shot at the postseason.
Securing the Chase at Daytona
Preece finished second but overtook every contender for the final berth after a successful late‑racing push.
The No. 60 team ran a near‑perfect race, earning the points required to leap inside the top 16.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Exit
Shane van Gisbergen slipped below the threshold, losing his postseason eligibility.
Because the Chase resets points for its 16 top drivers, teams outside the Chase can only move down from their current position.
How the Chase Restricts Standings
Drivers who miss the Chase cannot finish the season higher than 17th in overall points.
Even a 30‑point‑advancing run after failure to qualify can’t elevate a competitor past the locked 17‑floor.
Hamlin’s Protest of the Rules
Denny Hamlin expressed anger on his Actions Detrimental podcast, claiming NASCAR’s notes suggested an exception.
He remarked that “the guy in 17th… deserves to be in the top 10 if he just missed the Chase,” and called the ruling “unfair.”
Why the System Sticks
Unless NASCAR omits the Chase entirely, the current format will continue to lock drivers outside the playoff field.
The structure ensures a few competitors will find themselves trapped below the top 16, regardless of season‑long performance.
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