Michael McDowell: McDowell ran in third place on the final lap and pounced on the winning opening when Penske teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski wrecked battling for the win.
Denny Hamlin won at Talladega in a wild finish, the result not determined until the third overtime. Hamlin officially qualified for the next round of the playoffs.
"I've got a comfortable points lead," Harvick said. "There's a safe distance between me and the cut off line. And that's exactly how I plan to race at Talladega---a 'safe distance' from the front."
Brad Keselowski won Stage 2 at Richmond and controlled the race thereafter, taking the win in the Federated Auto Parts 400 and a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
Nearly 12 Hours of On-Track Competition Featured Three Endurance Races, Support Sprints and Qualifying for All Eight Run Groups Ahead of Saturday's Classic 24-Hour Race
Reigning Top Fuel world champ Doug Kalitta powered to the provisional No. 1 position on Friday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, staying in the championship hunt to open this weekend’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals.
The penultimate round of the 2026 Flo Night In America Championship with the Super Dirt Late Models was held Friday night with night 1 at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia.