What to know about 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs and championship race

Ellen J. HorrowUSA TODAYShow CaptionThe NASCAR Cup Series is inching ever closer to its 10-race playoffs, which will culminate with the championship race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10.Sixteen drivers get berths into the playoffs by virtue of a regular-season victory or the most points among winless drivers after 26 races.Once the playoffs begin, the four drivers with fewest points among the 16 drivers will be eliminated following the conclusion of the third race. Four more will be eliminated after the sixth race and another four after the ninth, leaving four drivers to battle for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship.If a playoff driver wins a race in one of the three rounds, he will automatically advance to the next round. If non-playoff drivers win those races, however, playoff drivers will advance based on points accumulated during each of the three rounds.Here is more information about the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs and championship race:When and where do the NASCAR Cup Series pl...