Who has the most to lose by missing the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs?
Stephen Stumpf: With the amount of winners and parity this season, there are some very good teams and drivers that will miss out on the postseason; missing the playoffs this year won’t be as disappointing as it has been in years past. That said, Bubba Wallace and Cole Custer would be the most disappointing misses when all of their teammates are either locked into the playoffs or at least fighting for a spot. Both drivers are far enough back that they would need a win to get in.
Luken Glover: Christopher Bell would be feeling the heat if he were to somehow miss the playoffs. The No. 20 car has been a ride of missed opportunities ever since Joe Gibbs Racing opted to say goodbye to Matt Kenseth. Erik Jones spent three seasons in the ride, never advancing past the Round of 16 and missing the playoffs in 2020. Bell was touted as a rising superstar, being listed in the same category as a driver like Kyle Larson. Instead, Bell only has one Cup win in his second season with JGR and has not found consistency. To be fair, Bell has had strong speed this year, but mistakes from other drivers, his pit crew or even himself have ruined any chance at victory in certain races. JGR’s future driver lineup is up in the air currently, and it won’t help Bell’s case if he misses the playoffs.
Mike Neff: Wallace. He is in a good place with an organization that has won a race. He is at a point where he needs to start being in the title hunt and, at least for now, he isn’t.
Josh Roller: The fans stand to (potentially) lose the most. Because what if Kevin Harvick misses the playoffs? What if he comes to the conclusion he doesn’t like this car? What if he loses belief in his Stewart-Haas Racing team and the organization as a whole? What if he decides it’s time to hang up his full-time helmet and concentrate on his kids’ racing careers? That is what the fans stand to lose. Harvick still has the capability to win races and compete for championships — there is no doubt about that. But he is at that age where interests can be lost fast and priorities can shift even faster. Let’s hope that if Harvick does miss the playoffs, no fault can be placed on the efforts and ability of SHR. NASCAR is not prepared to have Harvick walk away yet.
Who will make up the JGR Cup lineup next year?
Glover: The only driver I am 100% confident in saying that he will return is Denny Hamlin. It is highly unlikely…
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