5 surprising reasons why the 2024 NASCAR playoffs are setuniq be unlike anythinth we’ve ever seen

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs are set to be truly unique.

Even though the final 10 races are expected to deliver the memorable moments typical of NASCAR’s championship series, this year’s playoffs are poised to be exceptional. For the past 20 years, the Cup playoffs have been known for their controversy, drama, and pressure, and this year is likely to continue that trend.

Before the race at Atlanta Motor Speedway even begins, it’s clear this playoff season stands out.

The playoffs will showcase a rare combination of drivers, races, and tracks that are unlikely to be replicated. This year’s playoffs include notable farewells (Martin Truex Jr., Stewart-Haas Racing), intriguing newcomers (Harrison Burton, Ty Gibbs), and exciting single-event races (Atlanta Motor Speedway, Watkins Glen International), all of which contribute to a highly unpredictable championship battle.

Here’s what makes the 2024 playoffs particularly special:

First-round excitement
For a decade, the first three playoff races have featured intermediate tracks designed to separate the top teams from the rest. Tracks like Darlington Raceway and Kansas Speedway are known for their ability to reward strong, well-rounded teams.

However, Darlington and Kansas are absent in 2024, replaced by a drafting track and a road course, which will be a first for the first round.

The playoffs start on September 8 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, which was redesigned in 2022 to resemble a smaller version of Daytona or Talladega, resulting in extremely tight finishes (the February 25 race was the closest three-way finish in NASCAR history) and potential upsets.

Next is the first playoff race at Watkins Glen on September 15, a track known for surprising outcomes and first-time winners (Steve Park, Marcos Ambrose, AJ Allmendinger, Chase Elliott). This will also be the first time the Watkins Glen race falls outside its usual August date since 1986.

The round concludes with the September 21 elimination race at Bristol Motor Speedway, a high-banked short track famous for its dramatic moments.

This year’s first round is uniquely thrilling but will be short-lived, as Atlanta and Watkins Glen are scheduled to return to the regular season in 2025.

Farewell to familiar faces
Chase Briscoe’s win in the Southern 500 has given Stewart-Haas Racing one final chance at a title before the team disbands. This marks the end of the line for a team that has been a significant contender with two championships and five Championship 4 appearances over the past 15 years.

Martin Truex Jr., a regular in championship races from 2015-21, will conclude his Hall of Fame career with one last attempt at a second Cup title, which has eluded him despite three runner-up finishes since his 2017 championship.

New contenders
Harrison Burton’s playoff debut is extraordinary, moving from outside the top 30 in points to a playoff contender in just two laps at Daytona International Speedway. His debut is especially notable given that Wood Brothers Racing is shifting away from the No. 21 ride next season, making these playoffs a crucial audition for Burton’s future.

Ty Gibbs will also make his playoff debut in 2024. After a season of improvement from his 2023 rookie year, Gibbs could secure his first career Cup win during the playoffs.

Perfect attendance
Team Penske, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Hendrick Motorsports have all qualified for the playoffs, which is significant. Since Penske added a third car in 2018, this is only the second time all 11 cars from these top teams have made the playoffs.

Absent but influential
This may be the last playoffs for some time (at least a decade) without Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Chris Buescher, or Bubba Wallace. However, given NASCAR’s inclusive postseason format, there’s a good chance at least one of these drivers will make an impact in Victory Lane this year. The last three Cup seasons have seen at least one non-playoff driver win during the final 10 races, so expect one of these drivers to claim a victory in the playoffs.

Nate Ryan, who has covered NASCAR since 1996 for various outlets including the San Bernardino Sun, Richmond Times-Dispatch, USA TODAY, and NBC Sports Digital, also hosts the NASCAR on NBC Podcast and has reported on other motorsports such as IndyCar and IMSA.