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Bristol Motor Speedway: Part Three[Round of 8]
Position | Driver | Truck # | Team Penske | Total Points | Wins | Points Differential | Advancement |
1 | Tommy Bedlam | #77 | GMS Racing | 3084 | 1 | 23 | Advances (Win) |
2 | Juice Millar | #53 | Team Penske | 3093 | 0 | 32 | - |
3 | Logan Slayer | #40 | DGR-Crosley | 3090 | 0 | 29 | - |
4 | Stewart Friesen | #52 | Halmar Friesen Racing | 3070 | 0 | 9 | - |
5 | Ben Rhodes | #99 | ThorSport Racing | 3061 | 0 | -9 | - |
6 | Kevin Magnussen | #8 | Kyle Busch Motorsports | 3059 | 0 | -11 | - |
7 | Germain Loochhausen | #21 | Hattori Racing | 3055 | 0 | -15 | - |
8 | Barbie Stellar | #27 | DGR-Crosley | 3046 | 0 | -24 | - |
* * * *

Kevin Magnussen Discusses the Pressure of the Playoffs: "These Short Tracks Are a Real Challenge"
After a solid finish in the Round of Eight Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Kevin Magnussen (#8, Kyle Busch Motorsports) took a moment to reflect on the pressures of competing in the 2021 NASCAR Truck Series playoffs. With two short-track races in the Round of Eight, the former Formula 1 driver is feeling the weight of the championship battle and the stakes that come with it.
Post-Race Interview:
In the media center, Magnussen admitted that Bristol was not an easy race for him:
"Bristol is a challenge, especially for someone like me, coming from a road racing background. The short tracks in this series are completely different from what I’m used to. There’s a lot of pressure, especially in the playoffs, and these short-track races just seem to make everything more intense. I’ve been putting in the work, but I know I need to improve if I want to compete for the championship."
The Challenge of Playoff Racing:
Magnussen also spoke about the challenges of the playoff format, where every race counts:
"In the regular season, there’s more leeway. You can afford to make mistakes, but now, in the playoffs, every point matters. I’ve been feeling a lot of pressure, especially with two short-track races in this round. Short tracks are tough because it’s not just about speed—it’s about managing the race, avoiding wrecks, and making sure you’re always in position when it counts. There’s no room for errors, and you have to keep fighting all race long."
Looking Ahead:
With Bristol behind him, Magnussen knows the race for the Championship Four is far from over. As the playoffs head toward Martinsville and the final showdown at Phoenix, Magnussen’s focus will remain on improving his short-track skills and adapting to the pressure of playoff racing.
"I'm looking forward to the next races," Magnussen continued. "I know Martinsville is another short track, and Phoenix is coming up after that. I’ve got to stay focused and keep improving. There’s no time to feel sorry for myself. We’re in the hunt for the title, and I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got."
* * * *

Stewart Friesen Reflects on Second-Place Finish at Bristol
Stewart Friesen (#52, Halmar Friesen Racing) was gracious in congratulating Tommy Bedlam on his victory at Bristol Motor Speedway, but the runner-up finish left him with mixed emotions. While Friesen showed impressive speed and resilience, he knows that with the Championship Four on the line, finishing second in a pivotal playoff race isn’t enough. As the Round of Eight continues, Friesen understands that his playoff hopes depend on securing a win at either Texas or Martinsville.
Post-Race Interview:
"I’m happy for Tommy Bedlam; he did a great job out there today, and he deserves the win," Friesen said in his post-race interview. "But finishing second at Bristol—while it’s a strong result—could very well be the reason I don’t advance if I can’t win at either Texas or Martinsville. I need that win to ensure my spot in the Championship Four."
Friesen expressed how the playoff format ramps up the intensity, where every position matters. A second-place finish at Bristol was solid, but with two more races in the Round of Eight, he knows that being consistent won’t be enough.
"There’s a lot of pressure right now. I know I can compete with the best, but you need to win in the playoffs, and that’s what I’m focused on now. Finishing second doesn’t guarantee anything. If I don’t get a win at either Texas or Martinsville, I’m going to be sitting on the edge, hoping other drivers have problems, and that’s not a position I want to be in."
The upcoming races at Texas Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway are critical for Friesen’s playoff survival. A win in either race would lock him into the Championship Four, but with the field as competitive as it is, Friesen knows there’s little margin for error.
"Both tracks are going to be tough," Friesen continued. "Texas is fast, but Martinsville is where everything could change. I’ve had good runs at both, but now, it’s about getting that win. I’ve got to stay aggressive, take the right risks, and keep my focus on the bigger picture."
* * * *

Germain Loochhausen Reflects on Playoff Pressure: "It's Been a Great Season"
Germain Loochhausen (#21, Hattori Racing) has made it clear that, unlike many of his playoff rivals, the pressure of the 2021 NASCAR Truck Series playoffs doesn't weigh heavily on his shoulders. After finishing 5th at Bristol Motor Speedway in the Round of Eight race, Loochhausen is taking a laid-back approach, expressing that while he would love to advance, he's already proud of the performance he and his team have put together this season.
Post-Race Interview:
"In the playoffs, you hear a lot of drivers talking about the pressure, but we honestly don’t feel that pressure at all," Loochhausen said with a smile. "We’ve had a great season already, and we’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished. If we advance to the Championship Four, that’s great. But if not, we’re going to hold our heads high because this season has been a huge success for us."
The Importance of Perspective:
Loochhausen has been one of the more calm and collected drivers in the playoffs, and his perspective is rooted in the recognition of how far he’s come in his first season as a serious playoff contender. Despite the intense competition, Loochhausen remains focused on enjoying the journey rather than being consumed by the weight of expectations.
"We didn’t start the season saying we’d make the playoffs, so to even be here and have a shot at the title feels like a big win already. It’s been an amazing season, and I think we’ve proved that we belong," he added. "Of course, I’d love to get a win and keep pushing forward, but we’re not going to lose sleep over it. Whatever happens, we’re proud of where we are."
Looking Ahead:
As Loochhausen heads into the final races of the Round of Eight, he’s keeping his focus on continuing to drive his best and not letting the pressures of the playoffs take away from the enjoyment of the season.
"We’ll keep racing hard, but we’re going to take it one race at a time. If we end up advancing, then that’ll be amazing. If not, we’ll keep our heads high, and we’ll be ready to fight again next year. That’s what it’s all about."
Summary:
While many playoff drivers feel the intense pressure of the battle for the Championship Four, Germain Loochhausen remains calm and collected, saying that regardless of what happens, this season has been a success. He is focused on enjoying the ride, knowing that whether or not he advances, he and his team have already achieved a great deal in 2021. As the playoffs continue, Loochhausen will continue to take things in stride, ready for the Nascar Internatinal Series next year with McLaren.