In a dramatic turn of events at Las Vegas, Christopher Bell was unable to capitalize on his dominant performance as a strategy call allowed Joey Logano to walk away with a win and punch his ticket to the Championship Four. Now NASCAR heads to Homestead for the 2024 Straight Talk Wireless 400 as seven more drivers hope to lock themselves into the series finale at Phoenix.
With the playoff race winding down, there is no shortage of drama out on the track. Can another playoff contender win and advance or will we see another wild card find Victory Lane on Saturday?
Let’s start by diving into the playoff picture.
Playoff Picture Heading Into 2024 Straight Talk Wireless 400
- Joey Logano – Race Winner
- Christopher Bell +42
- Kyle Larson +35
- William Byron +27
- Denny Hamlin -27
- Tyler Reddick -30
- Ryan Blaney -47
- Chase Elliott -53
Listen, disaster can strike at any point for the contenders still hoping to compete for the championship at Phoenix. We found that out in dramatic fashion in Vegas as a stage two accident claimed the race of Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliott.
In Reddick’s case, the #45 ended up rolling over in the infield in wild fashion. Unfortunately, the three drivers involved in the accident will now likely need either a win or a bit of help in the form of a disaster that hits one of the drivers currently on points.
A pivotal moment in the #NASCARPlayoffs. pic.twitter.com/mZWKKfyBPF
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 20, 2024
Of the drivers below the cutline, Denny Hamlin’s skill at Martinsville makes him the most likely candidate to advance below the cutline. We’ll have to wait till next week to see. For Reddick, this Sunday represents his best chance to notch a win.
For Blaney and Elliott, I think the hunt is over.
2024 Straight Talk Wireless 400 Entry List
Nothing spectacular on the entry list front to report. The most notable change is AJ Allmendinger getting behind the wheel of the #16 once again instead of Shane Van Gisbergen.
Homestead’s layout has provided exciting races in the NextGen car so far and I would expect another thriller with drivers searching for grip and running in different grooves come Sunday.
2024 Straight Talk Wireless 400 Race Odds and Predictions
Unsurprisingly, Kyle Larson finds himself atop the odds board once again at +330. The high line often run here at Homestead-Miami favors the driver of the #5. I think he’ll be running at the front most of the day.
Second on the odds list is Christopher Bell at +550. The #20 had the dominant car of the weekend at Vegas but came up short. I think he gets it done this weekend and I’m locking in Bell as my official race pick.
Be sure to check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action from the weekend.
Saturday 10/26
Baptist Health 200 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 11:00 a.m. CT on FS1
Credit One NASCAR AMEX Credit Card 300 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) – 3:00 p.m. CT on the CW
Sunday 10/27
Straight Talk Wireless 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 1:30 p.m. CT on NBC
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