Survive and advance is the mantra for NASCAR Cup Series playoff contenders after chaotic Kansas race
Denny Hamlin had problems with pit road
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — The dozen drivers who advanced to the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs saw Kansas Speedway as a relatively straightforward test, given the potential chaos looming at Talladega and the unpredictability of the road course at Charlotte.
For most of them, it turned out to be a test of survival.
Just about everyone aside from Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron, who finished second to Ross Chastain, and Alex Bowman had to overcome problems Sunday. They ranged from loose lugnuts to handling issues to complete engine changes, amd put the championship contenders in a position where they simply wanted to maximize an otherwise bad day.
“We had a good recovery,” admitted defending series champion Ryan Blaney, who had a loose wheel with 77 laps to go, rallied to finish fourth, and left in a tie for second behind Byron in the postseason points standings.
