Michigan winners and losers after Saturday’s Cup race:
WINNERS
Kevin Harvick — That’s five wins this season, two in a row at Michigan and eight consecutive top-five finishes this season. He also won both stages Saturday, sweeping the day. He’s ready for the playoffs now.
Choose rule — Good rule change and that added some intrigue before each restart on what lanes drivers would pick. At one point, it made a big impact in helping Chase Elliott take the lead late in the race.
Brad Keselowski — His runner-up finish marked his third consecutive finish of first or second but he still has yet to win at Michigan, his home track. He gets another chance Sunday.
Chris Buescher — He finished 20th but benefits because the top-20 finishers are inverted for Sunday’s race, putting him on the pole for the race.
Martin Truex Jr. — His third-place finish marked his fourth top-three finish in the last five races. He made a nice recovery from making contact with Tyler Reddick early and cutting a tire that forced him to pit under green and lose a lap.
LOSERS
John Hunter Nemechek — Tough day. Had contact with Chris Buescher that spun him and then had tires go down twice, leading to him causing three cautions.
Cole Custer — Crash led to a 34th-place finish and the need for his team to prepare a backup car for Sunday’s race.