Overview

• Four drivers enter below the cutline — Austin Dillon (-11), Shane van Gisbergen (-15), Alex Bowman (-35) and Josh Berry (-45) — with Austin Cindric on the bubble, while Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin are already through to the Round of 12.
• The Bass Pro Shops Night Race is scheduled for Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET on USA Network with a green flag around 7:35 p.m. for 500 laps.
• NASCAR issued a warning after Trackhouse drivers drove through the infield grass post-race at Gateway, reinforcing scrutiny as teams head to the Bristol cutoff.
• Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48 and Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 have swapped pit crews effective immediately, introducing a late personnel change before the elimination race.
• Goodyear’s softer right-side tire is expected to increase tire falloff and influence pit strategy, while potential non-playoff spoilers highlighted include Chris Buescher, Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, John Hunter Nemechek and Carson Hocevar.