Round of Eight: Playoff Preview & Championship Four Odds
1. Brandon Blaze (#83, Niece Motorsports) – 3,024 Points
Odds: 4/1
With four wins this season, Brandon Blaze is the driver to beat. His speed and ability to dominate races have earned him a solid position, despite some conflicts in his team dynamic. Blaze's success on a variety of tracks makes him a major threat to others, and with the strength of Niece Motorsports behind him, he has the potential to clinch a Championship Four spot. His main challenge will be staying out of trouble and continuing his winning ways in the final races.
2. Logan Slayer (#40, DGR-Crosley) – 3,026 Points
Odds: 5/1
Two wins this season and consistent performances throughout make Logan Slayer a strong contender for the Championship Four. Slayer’s ability to race well on both short tracks and superspeedways provides him with versatility. His calculated driving style could work in his favor when the pressure is on. With only one point between him and the points leader, he’s in a prime position to move forward, but he will need to be on top of his game to outperform drivers like Blaze.
3. Tommy Bedlam (#77, GMS Racing) – 3,016 Points
Odds: 6/1
Two wins this season show that Bedlam has the pace to be a threat in the playoffs. His driving is aggressive, and he thrives when the pressure’s on. However, his emotional nature sometimes leads to mistakes, and he’ll need to keep a clear head in the final races. GMS Racing’s performance this season gives Bedlam an edge, but consistency will be key. If he can avoid unnecessary risks and continue his strong form, he could easily make the Championship Four.
4. Juice Millar (#53, Halmar Friesen Racing) – 3,027 Points
Odds: 7/1
Juice Millar has been impressive this season with one win, and he’s dominated on certain tracks. Despite his success, his lack of multiple wins puts him at a disadvantage compared to others in this round. Millar’s ability to win on road courses and in longer races could be a significant factor in the playoffs. However, with three drivers having multiple wins and more momentum, Millar will need to be at his best to secure a Championship Four spot.
5. Zane Smith (#51, ThorSports Racing) – 3,024 Points
Odds: 10/1
Smith's potential cannot be ignored, but with only one win this season, he needs a bit of luck on his side. ThorSport Racing has been solid, and his resilience makes him a dangerous underdog to make the Championship Four.
6. Sheldon Creed (#2, GMS Racing) – 3,007 Points
Odds: 15/1
Sheldon Creed is the driver without a win in the regular season, but his consistency and ability to stay competitive on different types of tracks could play a major role. GMS Racing has shown strength, and Creed has proven his skills in various circumstances, but he will need to step up his game and potentially start winning in the final races to make the Championship Four.
7. Arthur D'Tea (#8, Kyle Busch Motorsports) – 3,006 Points
Odds: 18/1
Despite being a rookie, Arthur D'Tea has made an impact this season with one win. His ability to surprise other drivers with his pace and control under pressure is impressive, but his lack of experience in high-stakes situations will be tested. If he can tap into his potential and capitalize on the mistakes of others, D'Tea could still make a serious run at the Championship Four.
8. Chris Southern (#20, McAnally-Hilgemann) – 3,007 Points
Odds: 20/1
Chris Southern has been a steady performer with one win this season, but his overall consistency has sometimes been overshadowed by other drivers’ performances. His focus on road courses and technical tracks makes him a dangerous wildcard. However, his limited wins this season will require him to dig deep and outperform some of the more established competitors to make a mark in the final rounds.