2018 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup - Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard

After a weekend of weather disturbances that caused delays, forcing this race to start on Mondays, the Big Machine Vodka 400 race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the decider to reveal who will be the top 16 drivers taking on the playoffs of the 2018 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup.

When the race starts, the #78 of Martin Truex Jr. is facing mechanical issues, probably braking failure that cost him his race. With Truex out, Clint Boyer wins Stage 1 with a 1-2 finish for Stewart-Haas Racing. Come Lap 68, the #47 of AJ Allmendinger got caught in a crash at Turn 2 with Alex Bowman and the #88 trying to avoid it. Meanwhile, Matt Kenseth wins Stage 2 and the action to the finish commences.

After a climactic close-quarters combat against Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski wins the Brickyard 400 race at the IMS and the Playoffs lineup's complete.

The top 16 drivers consisting of Kyle Busch (the regular series champ), Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., Brad Keselowski, Clint Bowyer, Joey Logano, Kurt Busch, Chase Elliot, Ryan Blaney, Erik Jones, Austin Dillon, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Aric Almirola, Jimmie Johnson, and Alex Bowman, are all set. Question is, who can make it to Miami and who will be left behind? The playoffs begin at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the South Point 400 on the 16th of September. Good luck, drivers!