Straight Talk Wireless 400
Championship hopes were dwindling as the NASCAR Cup Series rolled into Homestead-Miami Speedway. After Joey Logano locked himself into the Championship 4 at Las Vegas, only three spots remained.
After an early caution when Justin Haley went spinning on Lap 2, things settled down. Tyler Reddick won the opening stage and Denny Hamlin won Stage 2.
A late caution came with 12 to go in the race when Kyle Larson spun in an attempt to pass race leader, Ryan Blaney.
The race resumed with seven to go. And from there came the Rich MARvelous Move of the Race.
Rich MARvelous Move of the Race
Reddick opted to stay out while the rest of the leaders took to the pits for fresh tires. Blaney was one of the takers and won the race off pit road. He lined up next to Reddick on the front row and momentarily resumed the lead after taking it away from Hamlin.
Blaney took the white flag, and at that point, it was his race to lose.
Unfortunately for the No. 12 Team Penske driver, he did just that. Blaney left a wide-open door on the high lane and Reddick slipped right through it.
See for yourself just how it happened:
TYLER REDDICK PASSES RYAN BLANEY IN THE FINAL CORNER!
HE WINS AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI AND IS GOING TO THE NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP! pic.twitter.com/GtgwGyY6jb
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 27, 2024
And with that, the Regular Season Champion locked himself into the Championship 4.
Playoff Implications
As drivers head to Martinsville Speedway, two spots remain in the Championship 4. Christopher Bell sits 29 points above the cut line, while spring race winner, William Byron sits seven points above. We will have to wait and see if Larson, Blaney, Hamlin, or Chase Elliott can secure a spot at the Paperclip.
If Reddick’s option to stay out wasn’t your Rich MARvelous Move of the Race, what was?
Thank you to Rich Mar Florist for sponsoring the Rich MARvelous Move of the Race. Give them a follow on social media (Facebook, Instagram, X) to stay up-to-date with all the Team Rich Mar NASCAR happenings. Be sure to check out their website for all your floral needs.
