These bracket-busters are throwing a wrench into the plans of the NASCAR Cup title combatants, stealing valuable points and race wins. Chris Buescher did it first at Watkins Glen, and now Ross Chastain, who has been a constant presence at the front since just missing out on being a part of the 2024 title fight. Chastain ran inside the top-five for the majority of the playoff opener at Atlanta and nearly pushed teammate Daniel Suarez to win there. He then earned pole position and led half the race at Watkins Glen before Buescher bested Shane van Gisbergen with a dramatic last-lap pass.
Chastain had actually scored more points than every driver besides Alex Bowman in the Round of 16 before opening up the Round of 12 with this impressive victory, smashing a watermelon for the fifth time in his NASCAR Cup career. His win denied the remaining title contenders safe passage into the next round and all will now have to face Talladega with caution and uncertainty.
