While Austin Dillon became the 10th driver to clinch a spot in the 16-driver Cup playoff field with his win Sunday at Texas, the playoff hopes for seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson are dimming.
Johnson, who was involved in an incident early in Stage 2, finished the race in 26th. He remains 16th on the playoff grid, but holds a two-point advantage over the cutline.
Going into Thursday’s race at Kansas Speedway (7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN), Johnson’s teammate, William Byron, is the first driver outside the top 16.
Behind Byron on the grid are Tyler Reddick (-14 points), Erik Jones (-24) and Bubba Wallace (-76).
With eight races left in the regular season, here’s how the playoff standings look.
