After three races to open the 2022 Cup Series playoffs, a dozen drivers managed to survive the Round of 16, all without the benefit of a victory that would have assured them a spot in the next round. Now, the eyes of NASCAR are upon the Texas Motor Speedway for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500, the fourth race of the playoffs and the first of the Round of 12.
This weekend marks the first points-paying race of the season at Texas, but the second trip of the year to Fort Worth after the speedway hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race in May. That race was won by Ryan Blaney, who is still looking for his first official win of the 2022 season — one which, if it comes this weekend, would lock him into the Round of 8 and continue his pursuit of the Cup championship.
Blaney and the rest of the playoff field are looking to become the first playoff drivers to win in the playoffs, as the Round of 16 was swept by non-playoff drivers. That streak has tied the all-time record for most different winners in a single season, which could fall with a 20th different winner this weekend.
After an eventful first two stages, this race was briefly red flagged after 220 laps after a popup storm brought rain and lightning to the area. The race has since resumed with coverage on USA Network and streaming on fuboTV (try for free).
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