Cup Series Playoffs.

The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs are approaching, with Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen among the 16 drivers.

The Playoffs follow a 26-race regular season where winning a race guarantees a spot in the Round of 16. If there are fewer than 16 race winners, the remaining spots are decided by points; if more, NASCAR prioritizes wins then points.

The Playoffs consist of 10 races across three elimination rounds and the Championship 4 race.

After each elimination round's third race, the four drivers with the fewest points are cut, unless a Playoff driver wins a race, allowing them to advance.

Seedings are based on race wins and then points, with drivers starting with 2000 points plus Playoff points in the Round of 16. Points are reset for the Round of 12 and Round of 8, with the Championship 4 starting on 5000 points without bonus points.

Playoff points are earned by winning races or stages during the regular season, and the regular season champion also earns bonus points.