Alex Bowman, who just two weeks ago was desperately trying to debunk rumors his seat was in danger, will start the first elimination race of NASCAR's playoffs from the pole.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he anticipates that tonight’s Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway will be his final series race to at least 2026. Earnhardt, who turns 50 in October, said Friday afternoon that there is no sponsor requirement that he race next year.