Debate: Who makes the NASCAR Playoffs?

On this week's episode of NASCAR's Backseat Drivers, Hendrick Motorsports' Vice President of Competition Chad Knaus and NBC Sports' Steve Letarte join Alex Weaver to debate how the NASCAR Playoffs will shake up.

On this week's episode of NASCAR's Backseat Drivers, Ryan Preece and Kim Coon join Alex Weaver to debate if this will be the last win for Chip Ganassi Racing.

On this week's episode of NASCAR's Backseat Drivers, Ryan Preece and Kim Coon join Alex Weaver to break down all things Atlanta, including Ross Chastain giving Kurt Busch the low line.

On this week's episode of Backseat Drivers, Alex Weaver is joined by Jonathan Merryman and NBC Sports' Kyle Petty to debate if Kevin Harvick can get his first win of 2021 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

On this week's episode of Backseat Drivers, Alex Weaver is joined by Jonathan Merryman and NBC Sports' Kyle Petty to debate if Chase Elliott is having a championship-style year in 2021.

Alex Weaver is joined by Matt DiBenedetto and Jonathan Merryman to debate if drivers below the cutline are in a must-win situation to make the NASCAR playoffs.

Alex Weaver and Jonathan Merryman are joined by Matt DiBenedetto to debate which way is the most devastating way to lose a NASCAR Cup Series race.

NASCAR.com's Alex Weaver is joined by Steve Letarte from NBC Sports and Brad Arnold from the band, 3 Doors Down, to debate whether Kyle Larson will win the regular-season championship.

NASCAR.com's Alex Weaver is joined by Steve Letarte from NBC Sports and Brad Arnold from the band, 3 Doors Down, to debate which team is second best in NASCAR.

In this clip from NASCAR's Backseat Drivers, former crew chief Cole Pearn joins in and picks Stewart-Haas Racing as his biggest surprise of 2021.

Cole Pearn joins Alex Weaver on NASCAR's Backseat Drivers to talk about the NASCAR All-Star Race, calling speeding on pit road 'payback' for when pit crews cost a driver a race win.

Jonathan Merryman and FOX Sports' Larry McReynolds join Alex Weaver on this week's episode of Backseat Drivers and debate if there is a new king of the road courses for the NASCAR Cup Series.

On this clip out from NASCAR's Backseat Drivers, the crew debates who the top driver is at Hendrick Motorsports after Kyle Larson's dominant win in the Coca-Cola 600. Catch the full show on NASCAR's YouTube channel.

Jonathan Merryman and NBC Sports' Kyle Petty join Alex Weaver on this week's episode of Backseat Drivers and debate which inaugural win was the most impressive this season -- Bristol Dirt or COTA.

Jonathan Merryman and NBC Sports' Kyle Petty join Alex Weaver on this week's episode of Backseat Drivers and debate if Chase Elliott will pass Jeff Gordon on road-course wins.

FOX Sports' Larry McReynolds and Kaitlyn Vincie join Alex Weaver on this week's Backseat Drivers to debate how teams will use the practice session at COTA this weekend.

FOX Sports' Larry McReynolds and Kaitlyn Vincie join Alex Weaver on this week's Backseat Drivers to debate the difference-maker at Hendrick Motorsports after its banner day at Dover.

Alex Weaver is joined by Kyle Petty from NBC Sports and Jonathan Merryman on this week's Backseat Drivers to debate whether William Byron's top-10 streak continues at Dover International Speedway.

Alex Weaver is joined by Kyle Petty from NBC Sports and Jonathan Merryman on this week's Backseat Drivers to debate if Martin Truex Jr. is the modern-day Ned Jarrett following his dominant win at Darlington.

Alex Weaver welcomes Austin Dillon and Paul Swan on this week's episode of Backseat Drivers to debate which winless driver is most surprising this season -- Kevin Harvick, Chase Elliott or Denny Hamlin.

NASCAR's Backseat Drivers welcome Paul Swan and Austin Dillon to go toe to toe on whether or not Kyle Busch can beat Richard Petty's consecutive-season win streak.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down the race at Talladega and debate who is the best driver at NASCAR's fastest superspeedway.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate whether Team Penske will win the 2021 title after all three drivers have locked into the Cup Series playoffs.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers were joined by NBC's Steve Letarte to debate if Martin Truex Jr. is the cleanest driver following his win at Martinsville Speedway.

NASCAR.com's Backseat drivers were joined by NBC's Steve Letarte to debate Gray Gaulding and Joe Graf Jr.'s on-track and off-track run-in at Martinsville Speedway.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers are joined by ESPN's Ryan McGee to debate whether the dirt on top of Bristol Motor Speedway leveled the playing field in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Backseat Drivers dive into the slow starts for Alex Bowman and Kyle Busch as they fight for a spot inside the top 16 in points.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers go head to head over who the new king of Phoenix Raceway is. Is it Chase Elliott, Joey Logano or still Kevin Harvick?

Alex Weaver is joined by Kyle Long and Paul Swan on this week's episode of Backseat Drivers to debate if the racing at Las Vegas was the best racing of 2021.

Alex Weaver is joined by Kyle Long and Paul Swan on this week's episode of Backseat Drivers to debate if Hendrick Motorsports is the best team in the NASCAR Cup Series garage.

Landon Cassill and NBC Sports' Parker Kligerman join Alex Weaver on this week's episode of Backseat Drivers to debate if there is reason to worry for the expected winners who haven't won yet this season.

Landon Cassill and NBC Sports' Parker Kligerman join Alex Weaver on this week's episode of Backseat Drivers to debate Noah Gragson and Tyler Reddick's emotional Miami interviews.

NBC Sports' Kyle Petty joins Alex Weaver and gives his thoughts on Denny Hamlin being the best superspeedway racer of all time. Tune in to the season premiere of Backseat Drivers on Feb. 16.

NBC Sports' Kyle Petty joins Alex Weaver for a new episode of Backseat Drivers where he breaks down the Stage 1 wreck in the Daytona 500. Tune in to the premiere of Backseat Drivers at 7 p.m. ET on Feb. 16.

NASCAR.com’s Backseat Drivers recap Chase Elliott’s title-winning 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season that has the siren in Dawsonville, Georgia, still blaring.

Brad Keselowski and crew chief Jeremy Bullins worked together better in 2020 than any of our Backseat Drivers anticipated.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers recap Joey Logano's 2020 season that saw the former champion make another run to the Championship 4.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers recap Denny Hamlin's successful season that saw the driver of the No. 11 win seven races and reach the Championship 4 again in 2020.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers recaps Kevin Harvick's nine-win season and his surprising exit from the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers recap Alex Bowman's 2020 season that saw him take the No. 88 to Victory Lane and make a run into the playoffs.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down Martin Truex Jr.'s 2020 season with new crew chief James Small.

Kyle Busch continues his consecutive seasons with a win streak but falls short of defending the Cup Series championship in 2020.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers analyze Ryan Blaney's 2020 season that did feature a win but also an early exit in the NASCAR Playoffs.

Though he is a former NASCAR Cup Series champion, NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate why Kurt Busch tends to be considered a dark house -- even in 2020 after a win.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down Austin Dillon's 2020 season that included a win at Texas and a 11th place finish in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings.

Clint Bowyer closes out his full-time NASCAR Cup Series career with a playoff performance and a final finishing points position of 12th in 2020.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers dive into the playoff field reviewing Matt DiBenedetto's 2020 season with Wood Brothers Racing.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers dive into the playoff field reviewing William Byron's 2020 season that saw his first win in the NASCAR Cup Series.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers dive into the playoff field, reviewing Aric Almirola's 2020 season and playoff run.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers dive into the playoff field, starting with Cole Custer and recapping his 2020 season that ended with a playoff berth and the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers pay tribute to Clint Bowyer and his racing career before he steps into the booth for FOX Sports in 2021 in this week's episode presented by Mobil 1.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship and debate if Hendrick Motorsports is set to go back-to-back with their driver lineup in 2021.

Alex Weaver is joined by Kim Coon and Jonathan Merryman on this week's episode of Backseat Drivers presented by Mobil 1 to discuss Clint Bowyer's chances of winning at his home track of Kansas Speedway.

Alex Weaver is joined by Kim Coon and Jonathan Merryman on this week's episode of Backseat Drivers presented by Mobil 1 to break down Chase Elliott's Charlotte Roval win and how he's become NASCAR's road-course ace.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down the Roval and who has the most to gain and lose as the NASCAR Cup Series cuts the playoff field to eight.

NASCAR.com's backseat drivers break down Kurt Busch's win at Las Vegas and dive into the playoff picture before heading to Talladega.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers wrap their heads around the Daytona regular-season finale and turn their attention to Darlington and the NASCAR Playoffs.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate who has the advantage heading into the NASCAR playoffs, Denny Hamlin or Kevin Harvick.

Join NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers as they break down the bubble picture heading into the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down who other than Chase Elliott is a force to be reckoned with on the road courses.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers circle up and talk about Chase Elliott's Daytona Road Course win and debate if he is the best road-course racer in the NASCAR Cup Series.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate who may fill the seat of the No. 48 for Hendrick Motorsports in 2021.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down what could happen during NASCAR's 'silly season' and who ends up where for 2021.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate the drivers on the playoff bubble and how the pressure may be getting to Jimmie Johnson.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers give their hot takes on Austin Dillon's win in Texas and how it shakes up the 2020 playoff picture.

Backseat Drivers debate whether we will see the usual suspects up front at Texas or if someone can break through similar to Cole Custer's four-wide win at Kentucky.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers preview the All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down the late race accident between Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski and figure out who is at fault.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down the rookie, Cole Custer, getting his first win in the Cup Series at Kentucky Speedway.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down the late race accident between Jimmie Johnson and Brad Keselowski and figure out who is at fault.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers take a look at the NASCAR Cup Series points standings around the cutoff line as the series heads to Kentucky Speedway.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate who could be the third driver to join Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin at the top, or do they stand alone?

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate whether drivers on the NASCAR Playoffs bubble should be worried now that the Cup Series is halfway through the 2020 schedule.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down the success at Team Penske and debate who is Roger Penske's top driver in the NASCAR Cup Series.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate whether Ryan Blaney is the new king of superspeedway racing after back-to-back wins at Talladega.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down what to expect at Talladega Superspeedway and debate if Ricky Stenhouse Jr. should be considered a favorite.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down Homestead-Miami Speedway and the return of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers analyze why Kevin Harvick has been able to produce such impressive numbers at Stewart-Haas Racing since 2014.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate who has been better in recent years in the NASCAR Cup Series -- Kyle Busch or Kevin Harvick?

The Backseat Drivers break down who they think may be a surprise winner in the NASCAR Cup Series for the month of May.

The Backseat Drivers debate which driver will have more success in 2020 -- Matt Kenseth or Ryan Newman.

The Backseat Drivers debate which driver will have more success in 2020 -- Matt Kenseth or Ryan Newman.

NASCAR is back and so are NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers. Listen in as they debate who has the best shot to win May 17 at Darlington Raceway.

We're revealing the second part of our top 10 of the Driver Draft -- where we'd rank the top 25 NASCAR drivers on an imaginary 'big board.'

Jonathan Merryman catches up with John Hunter Nemechek and gets the driver's thoughts on being the No. 22 pick in the 2020 NASCAR.com Driver Draft.

Alex Weaver, Jonathan Merryman and Kim Coon break down the drivers landing 25-21 on the 2020 Driver Draft board with the Backseat Drivers. Stay tuned for the full list to be revealed over the week.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down Auto Club Speedway and debate if Jimmie Johnson has the speed to get another win at his home track.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down the speed that Hendrick Motorsports and other Chevrolet teams showed with the new Camaro body style in Las Vegas.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down what to expect in the Daytona and if Denny Hamlin can go back-to-back and win his third Daytona 500.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down the real secrets to Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Daytona 500 pole-winning speed.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down who will rise to the top for Stewart-Haas Racing in 2020.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down what to expect from Jimmie Johnson in his final season and who will carry the torch for Hendrick Motorsports.

Check in with NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers and get their take on Richard Childress Racing's outlook for the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Backseat Drivers preview the 2020 season for Martin Truex Jr. with a new crew chief atop the box.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate the most impactful NASCAR Cup Series schedule change for the 2020 season.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate the potential of Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 team for his final NASCAR Cup Series season in 2020.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate the success of Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell and Cole Custer in the upcoming 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers dive into who will have the most success at Team Penske after the crew chief shake-up.

Backseat Drivers break down the championship season for Kyle Busch that saw the Joe Gibbs Racing driver win his second NASCAR Cup Series title.

Backseat Drivers break down the season for Martin Truex Jr. that saw the Joe Gibbs Racing driver become the winningest driver of 2019.

Backseat Drivers break down a 2019 season for Kevin Harvick that saw the Stewart-Haas Racing driver make yet another Championship 4 appearance.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers analyze Denny Hamlin's 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season after six victories and a playoff run.

Our Backseat Drivers analyze Joey Logano's 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season after a pair of victories and a playoff run.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers take a look back at Ryan Blaney's 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season, including his breathtaking Talladega victory.

Backseat Drivers examines a season for Kyle Larson that saw the Chip Ganassi Racing driver get back to Victory Lane and post a career-best finish in the standings.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers take a look back at Brad Keselowski's 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers take a look back at Clint Bowyer's 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers take a look back at Chase Elliott's 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season that included wins at Talladega and two road courses.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers take a look back at William Byron's 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season.

There were a lot of fun moments on NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers throughout the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season. Take a look at them.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers take a look back at Alex Bowman's 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers look back on Kurt Busch's 2019 season and his playoff run.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers look back on Aric Almirola's 2019 season and second consecutive playoff run.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down Ryan Newman's 2019 season that consisted of a playoff run and a turnaround for the No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing team.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down Erik Jones' 2019 season that included a Southern 500 win and an appearance in the playoffs.

NASCAR.com's Alex Weaver unveils the top 10 for the 2019 Most Popular Driver Award presented by Hooters.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers dive into Kyle Busch's chances to win the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series title at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down Martin Truex Jr.'s chances to win the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series title.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers dive into the Hooters Most Popular Driver voting and into some of Hooters famous wings.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers discuss how Denny Hamlin needs a rebound day at ISM Raceway to make it into the Championship 4.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate how Chase Elliott looks heading into the Round of 8 as the only Hendrick Motorsports driver still in the NASCAR Playoffs.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate whether Denny Hamlin is a guaranteed Championship 4 driver, and if he can even lock himself in at Martinsville Speedway this weekend.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers dive into who should be worried about advancing from the Round of 12 in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

Did the contact from Ryan Newman affect Matt DiBenedetto's shot to win the Bristol Night Race? Our Backseat Drivers debate.

The Bristol Night Race shifted the playoff bubble quite a bit and our Backseat Drivers debate which driver now finds themselves in the most bubble trouble.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers dive into Denny Hamlin's emergence as a championship favorite in 2019.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down if recent driver feuds will carry over to one of NASCAR's most aggressive short tracks, Bristol Motor Speedway.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers wave the green flag and yellow flag on various situations as the regular season finale approaches.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers discuss what car numbers belong on the Mount Rushmore of NASCAR and why.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate whether or not Ryan Blaney was in the wrong after an incident with Jimmie Johnson led to heated chat at Watkins Glen.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers discuss Chase Elliott's summer slump and which Hendrick Motorsports driver is performing the best.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers debate Denny Hamlin's shot at competing for a title at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The strategy by Kevin Harvick and crew chief Rodney Childers played out perfectly for the New Hampshire win. Our Backseat Drivers break it all down.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers share their thoughts on Kurt Busch's career and where he stands in comparison to the legendary drivers of the sport.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers sit down with William Byron to talk about his relationship with his new crew chief Chad Knaus.

NASCAR.com's backseat drivers talk about Hendrick Motorsports season so far and who is the best driver out of Elliott, Bowman, Byron and Johnson.

Harry Gant, remembered for his four-race win streak, checks in as our pick for the best driver in the No. 33 in NASCAR history.

The Backseat Drivers debate whether Joe Gibbs Racing or Team Penske has the upper hand this season.

This summer, we'll take a look at the best driver for every car number in NASCAR history. Here's our reveal of Nos. 31-40, with highlights from each selection.

This summer, we'll take a look at the best driver for every car number in NASCAR history. For the No. 39, Ryan Newman stands alone.

Ricky Craven is NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers' choice at No. 32 in the Driver by Number series.

Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch have four wins apiece this season after Sonoma, so is there a rivalry between teammates? Our Backseat Drivers debate.

Backseat Drivers submit their predictions on who will make it to the Championship 4 and who will clinch the 2019 championship.

The Backseat Drivers bunch puts in their predictions on which driver will or will not make the playoffs.

NASCAR.com's backseat drivers dive into the No. 21 and its history with the Wood Brothers and David Pearson.

NASCAR.com's backseat drivers talk about the playoff picture in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and debate if Cole Custer, Tyler Reddick and Christopher Bell will make it to Homestead.

Tony Stewart made history in both the No. 14 and the No. 20 throughout his memorable NASCAR career -- so we picked him to represent both numbers.

This summer, we'll take a look at the best driver for every car number in NASCAR history. Here's our reveal of Nos. 11-20, with highlights from each selection.

As part of our summer series in picking the best or most emblematic driver for every car number, we take a dive into Mark Martin and the No. 6.

As part of our summer series in picking the best driver for every car number, we take a dive into the No. 4 and debate drivers Rex White and Kevin Harvick.

As part of our summer series in picking the best or most emblematic driver for every car number, we take a dive into the Rusty Wallace-Brad Keselowski debate.

We're spending the summer counting down our picks for the best driver by car number in NASCAR history.

This summer, we'll take a look at the best driver for every car number in NASCAR history. Here's our reveal of Nos. 1-10, with highlights from each driver.

From Larson's win to Bubba's emotional night, Backseat Drivers break down the best moments from the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race.

Should Clint Bowyer have taken his helmet off? Did the punches phase Ryan Newman? Backseat Drivers break down their All-Star Race fight.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers have some bold picks to win the Monster Energy Open and NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte.

Who would you send into the wall to win the Monster Energy All-Star Race prize? Grandma and teammates aren't off limits with our Backseat Drivers.

NASCAR.com's panel debates if the field has caught up to Gibbs and Penske and if a drought is coming.

Kyle Larson has struggled throughout the first 10 races of the 2019 season. Is it too early to say if he's in danger of missing the Playoffs?

Chevrolet showed their strength at Talladega by teaming up against the Fords and it worked. Our Backseat Drivers discuss the strategy.

How many more races will Chase Elliott win this season? Is Elliott's win a turning point for Hendrick Motorsports? Our Backseat Drivers talk Talladega!

NASCAR.com's backseat drivers break down who they would draft first in a NASCAR Driver Draft.

The Backseat Drivers take their pick for which active driver they would take to make a last-lap pass or throw the block for victory at Talladega.

Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano have eight wins combined at Talladega but who else should be considered a favorite at the superspeedway?

NASCAR.com’s Backseat Drivers review the 2019 season to date and pick their best moments.

NASCAR.com’s Backseat Drivers review the biggest surprise of the 2019 season so far and the answers are quite intriguing.

There's some disagreement between our Backseat Drivers on who the best driver is at the moment.

Martin Truex Jr. held off Joey Logano for the Richmond win, but could Logano have done more?

NASCAR.com's backseat drivers shake down the 'Big 3' and whether it's time for Martin Truex Jr. and Cole Pearn to start to worry.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down the insane first stage from the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

NASCAR.com's Backseat Drivers break down who to keep an eye on at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The Stewart-Haas Racing driver has not led a lap since Las Vegas but has recorded six straight top 10s.