.Bob Pockrass.FOX NASCAR Expert.The most significant issue of those defending a playoff spot in the NASCAR Cup Series is that a motorist that isn't remotely in the mix safes in to the playoffs along with an upset victory.Hello, Austin DillonDillon, that was actually 32nd in the standings getting in Richmond, placed themself in the playoffs with a victory-- albeit a questionable one-- on Sunday, the 23rd race of the 26-race regular season.Following Richmond, three nationalities remain to put the playoff field: Michigan, Daytona and Darlington.The NASCAR playoffs consist of 16 motorists-- the regular-season champ and after that the upcoming 15 vehicle drivers ranked by wins with ties breached by points.With the top 7 drivers in the status all having at the very least one victory, the regular-season champion likely is going to be one of the winners. Thirteen motorists have succeeded this year, implying up to 3 places might be accessible on factors. So that remains in, that gets on the bubble and also that is at win-at-all-costs? Those 13 drivers with triumphes that reside in: Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Christopher Alarm, Ryan Blaney, Hunt Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric and Austin Dillon.The blister modified substantially along with Dillon's victory as today maximum just three places-- certainly not four as prior to the Richmond race-- could be offered to winless motorists. Both Chris Buescher and also Ross Chastain fell beneath the cutline while Bubba Wallace transferred to the good side of being one of the three winless motorists along with one of the most points.Joey Logano talks about Austin Dillon's overtime transfer to win the Cook Out 400 Thus let's get to the points: There are actually 5 winless vehicle drivers who would be battling for the existing 3 areas readily available only on points.Martin Truex Jr. possesses a 78-point side on the cutline (currently Buescher and Chastain), along with 60 factors on Ty Gibbs, that is 15 aspects over Wallace. Buescher as well as Chastain, tied in the standings, are three aspects behind Wallace.In other phrases, it is actually visiting be a fight to the finish.Buescher gained at Michigan as well as Daytona in 2014, however those additionally are places where Wallace customarily has operated properly. Gibbs still finds his very first occupation Cup gain. Chastain is actually the motorist along with the most latest adventure in playoff pressure conditions, where he mostly has actually proven he can make traits happen.There are actually 16 various other playoff-eligible drivers who essentially face must-win scenarios: Pursuit Briscoe, Kyle Busch, Todd Gilliland, Josh Berry, Michael McDowell, Carson Hocevar, Noah Gragson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Erik Jones, Ryan Preece, Daniel Hemric, Justin Haley, Corey LaJoie, John Seeker Nemechek, Harrison Burton and also Zane Smith.Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR for FOX Sports. He has actually invested decades covering motorsports, featuring over 30 Daytona 500s, along with assignments at ESPN, Sporting Headlines, NASCAR Setting journal as well as The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass. Obtain even more coming from NASCAR Cup Set Observe your preferences to obtain info regarding video games, information and also even more.