CONCORD, N.C. - With the current elimination-style playoff bracket in the NASCAR Cup Series, playoff points are a valuable asset heading into the final stretch toward the championship.
RELATED: Larson scores top-five result in Loudon, ties Elliott for points lead
While a win can help secure a post-season berth and provide a valuable five playoff points, winning the regular season championship comes with 15 playoff markers and provides a huge advantage to any driver with title aspirations. Since 2017, the regular season champion has advanced to the Championship 4 five times and won the title on three occasions.
After 18 events, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott are tied at the top of the regular season standings with 620 points. Take a look through the numbers to see how the drivers got here and what will need to happen down the stretch to hoist the regular season crown after the Sept. 1 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
By the numbers: Larson
Points: 620
Wins: 3
Poles: 4
Top fives: 8
Top 10s: 9
Stage wins: 8
Laps Led: 755
Stage points: 192
DNFs: 2
If you've ever seen Larson drive a race car, you're aware of the aggressiveness that brings him success across several different disciples of motor sports. In 2024, that has culminated in three victories, eight stage wins, four pole positions and a Cup Series-best 755 laps led. At the same time, three finishes outside the top 30 this season cost the team valuable points.
By the numbers: Elliott
Points: 620
Wins: 1
Poles: 0
Top fives: 7
Top 10s: 9
Stage wins: 1
Laps Led: 178
Stage points: 123
DNFs: 0
Consistency. That's the word that perfectly summarizes Elliott's 2024 campaign thus far. In an era where this mindset has seemingly taken a backseat, the No. 9 team has proven the method can still find success in the modern-day Cup Series. Incredibly, the team has yet to finish outside the top 20 in any race this season. While the laps led may not match Larson, Elliott has been trending in the right direction with a pair of top-five results at Sonoma Raceway and Iowa Speedway.
RELATED: See the No. 48 Ally Racing colors for Nashville
How will these drivers find themselves holding the regular season championship on Labor Day weekend?
For Larson and the No. 5 team, finding consistency will be the biggest factor. The team has several tracks on the horizon where they've won previously. Nashville Superspeedway, Richmond Raceway and Darlington are all places the Elk Grove, California, native has visited victory lane in the past. If the team is indeed able to avoid the big mistakes down the stretch, the group has a legitimate chance to win their second regular season title since 2021.
As for the No. 9 team, it would be hard to argue a change of tactics would bring better results. Elliott's consistency puts the group in contention to win on a weekly basis. For this team, scoring stage points will be a big emphasis. Larson's eight stage victories not only carry a playoff point but 10 regular season points as well. While Elliott has earned 123 markers during events this season, the team will look to surpass their teammate in this category to have a chance at taking home the regular season title and the 15 playoff points that accompany it.
Tune in Sunday, June 30, for live coverage of Nashville Superspeedway on NBC, PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90) beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET.