This weekend, the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series each eliminated four drivers from the playoffs to set up the Championship 4. For this week’s Mash-Up we have wrecks, driver drama, and even some Richard Childress drama. Let’s recap the weekend and get on to Phoenix.
Eight drivers found themselves in the championship races for this Sunday, and eight drivers left Martinsville heartbroken. In both of the races this weekend, we saw drivers make moves that cost them a potential Championship 4 spot.
We had two very different races, too. The Xfinity Series was chaotic and caution-filled. Meanwhile, the Cup Series had a period of 168 green flag laps to end the race. Yet, both races were a lot of fun to watch as the points battles played out.
Xfinity Series madness at Martinsville
To start the weekend at Martinsville, we had a very intense Xfinity Series race. The Dead On Tools 250 was just as good as it has been in years past. Fall playoff racing at Martinsville produces desperation, and triumph.
Like we’ve seen in years past, the Xfinity Series brought out some great Halloween paint schemes. While the NASCAR Championship 4 was up for grabs, the best schemes had to be the spooky looks throughout this race.
The Xfinity Series race really got going in the late stages of the race. Drivers started to spin out, lose grip, and cautions built up. There were 15 cautions in this race with a red flag period that almost lasted 30 minutes before overtime.
Sheldon Creed and Austin Hill were both on the outside looking in to start the weekend. Creed had to win. Hill needed points or a win. At the end of this race, the teammates were side-by-side with John Hunter Nemechek and Justin Allgaier behind them.
Some say Creed brake-checked Hill, others say Hill door slammed Creed. You be the judge.
Just like Daytona, Allgaier beats Creed at the line.