The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series travels to Dover International Speedway Sunday for the Round of 16 Playoffs cutoff race – the Apache Warrior 400 presented by Lucas Oil. The lowest four drivers in points without a win in the Round of 16 will be eliminated following the race. Jimmie Johnson will attempt to defend his June Dover victory and add to his track victories record with a 12th checkered flag on Sunday. But more importantly, a win will advance Johnson to the Round of 12 in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs as he chases another record – eight championships. Martin Truex Jr. has already clinched a spot in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 12 via his win at Chicagoland. Still, he’d like to defend his Dover Playoff victory from last season. Truex, from nearby Mayetta, New Jersey, would like to win again in front of his hometown fans and add five more playoff points to his series-leading total of 59. With the lowest four winless drivers in points falling out of the playoffs following Sunday’s Apache Warrior 400, one of the biggest parts of the event will be the races within the race. Right now, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. owns the final transfer spot. He’s tied with Austin Dillon in points, but holds the tiebreaker right now with a better high Round of 16 finish – 15th at New Hampshire compared to Dillon’s 16th at Chicagoland. Kurt Busch and Kasey Kahne, 17 and 21 points below the cutoff line, respectively, for advancement to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 16, can still advance on points, but likely need a win at Dover to advance in the postseason.(NASCAR)[See Full Notes Here]
