The NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway had all the elements of a championship-worthy showdown, reigniting the debate over which track should host the season finale.
The 1.5-mile track has proven time and time again to be one of the most versatile and engaging on the schedule, offering fans great battles for position and a range of strategies for the teams. From the early laps of the race, fans could sense that Homestead was shaping up to deliver a home run.
Every single playoff driver, minus Joey Logano who is already locked into the Championship 4, had the chance to win. Each gave it their all to secure their spot at Phoenix and it showed, especially when the field came to the green with seven laps to go.
Reddick found himself in an intense battle alongside Blaney, with Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and William Byron also in the mix. It seemed like Blaney was set to take the win, but Reddick, running high against the wall, found an extra burst of speed in the last two turns. The No. 45 Monster Energy Beast Unleashed Toyota passed Blaney in the final corner to secure his victory and a spot in the Championship 4.
With Martinsville up next, the championship picture is coming into focus, but the final two drivers who will earn their spot in the final four remains unclear.
Join Taylor Kitchen in the latest episode of Above The Yellow Line to talk about the pros and cons of a Homestead championship race and to preview the race at Martinsville.