The NASCAR Cup Series is approaching its playoffs stage, with a total of 10 races leading up to the championship event at Phoenix Raceway on November 10.

Sixteen drivers qualify for the playoffs either by winning a regular-season race or being among the top scorers without a win after the conclusion of 26 races.

At the start of the playoffs, the four drivers with the lowest points will be removed after the third race. Another four will be cut after the sixth race, and the final four will remain to compete for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series title after the ninth race.

If a playoff driver secures a victory in any of the three rounds, they will automatically progress to the next phase. However, should a non-playoff driver win, playoff drivers will move forward based on the points they earned during the three rounds.

You can find additional details regarding the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs and the championship below:

When and Where Do the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Start?

The inaugural race of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs is set for Sunday, September 8 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, commencing at 3 p.m. ET and will air on USA Network.

What is the Total Number of Races in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs?

There are 10 races included in the NASCAR playoffs, concluding with the championship race on November 10, following 26 regular-season events.

How Many Rounds Comprise the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs?

The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are divided into three rounds, each containing three races. The races at the end of the third, sixth, and ninth rounds are elimination events.

How Many Drivers Participate in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs?

Sixteen drivers will vie for the championship during the playoffs, while non-playoff drivers will also compete weekly, potentially earning race victories despite not being in the playoff contention.

When is the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race Scheduled?

The final race of the season is scheduled for Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, November 10 at 3 p.m. ET, with NBC broadcasting the event.

What is the Complete Schedule for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs?

Below is the complete schedule for each of the 10 NASCAR Cup Series playoff races, including dates, venues, times, and TV coverage (the races will also be available to stream on Fubo):

(All times are in Eastern time)

• Sunday, Sept. 8: Atlanta Motor Speedway, USA, 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 15: Watkins Glen International, USA, 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 21: Bristol Motor Speedway, USA, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 29: Kansas Speedway, USA, 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 6: Talladega Superspeedway, NBC, 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 13: Charlotte Roval, NBC, 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 20: Las Vegas Motor Speedway, NBC, 2:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 27: Homestead-Miami Speedway, NBC, 2:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 3: Martinsville Speedway, NBC, 2 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 10: Phoenix Raceway, NBC, 3 p.m.

How Many Races Are Left Before the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Start?

There are three races yet to take place before the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs kick off, which includes the ongoing race at Michigan International Speedway that was paused due to rain. The FireKeepers Casino 400 will continue on Monday, August 19 at 11 a.m. ET, airing on USA Network. The last two regular-season races are as follows:

• Saturday, Aug. 24: Daytona International Speedway, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
• Sunday, Sept. 1: Darlington Raceway, 6 p.m. ET (USA)

Which Drivers Have Already Secured Their Spots in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs?

Drivers can secure their playoff spots by winning a race during the season. The following twelve drivers have achieved at least one win (including the number of wins and points prior to the Cup Series race in Michigan):

Kyle Larson 4 (779); Denny Hamlin 3 (758); Christopher Bell 3 (701); William Byron 3 (678); Ryan Blaney 2 (702); Tyler Reddick 1 (774); Chase Elliott 1 (773); Brad Keselowski 1 (636); Alex Bowman 1 (615); Joey Logano 1 (557); Daniel Suarez 1 (497); Austin Cindric 1 (451).

IMPORTANT: Austin Dillon won the race at Richmond Raceway on August 11; however, he was denied an automatic playoff spot following a review of the last lap and communications from his team regarding the incident involving wrecking Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin. Richard Childress Racing has appealed the decision.