This year's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs is down to eight drivers following Sunday's elimination race at Kansas Speedway.  Martin Truex, Jr. won the race and has the points lead over the seven other playoff drivers entering the final four races.

Truex won for the seventh time this season even after spinning twice late in the race.  He finished nearly two and a half seconds ahead of Kurt Busch.  Ryan Blaney started the race 40th, but finished third.  Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin completed the Top 5.

Among the four drivers who were eliminated was Kyle Larson who entered the race third in the standings, but mechanical problems plagued him all day.  He finished 39th and as he sat in the garage he continued to drop until he was out of the running for this year's title.

Also eliminated was Matt Kenseth after NASCAR parked him after too many crew members were over the wall on pit road to work on his car after a wreck.

Also eliminated were Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and Jamie McMurray.

Entering next week's race the standings look like this;

  1. Martin Truex, Jr.
  2. Kyle Busch
  3. Brad Keselowski
  4. Kevin Harvick
  5. Jimmie Johnson
  6. Denny Hamlin
  7. Ryan Blaney
  8. Chase Elliott

Next up on the schedule is a trip to Martinsville next Sunday.

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