Points Pay: Close Cup battle to wrap up in Phoenix

AVONDALE, ARIZ. — Six NASCAR Cup Series teams are focused on a key battle for their bottom line Sunday at Phoenix Raceway.

Money from the year-end points fund will go to the top 25 in Cup Series owner points.

The difference in money, between 25th and 26th is significant (NASCAR doesn’t disclose the exact amount). The difference in points, between 25th and 26th, is just three points.

The maximum amount of points one can make up in a Cup Series race is 59. Here are the teams within that range:

23. Team Penske 2/Cindric 624 (+42)
24. SHR 41/Preece 614 (+32)
25. Kaulig 31/Haley 585 (+3)
26. Spire 7/LaJoie 582 (-3)
27. LMC 43/E. Jones 557 (-28)
28. FRM 38/Gilliland 539 (-46)

The focus point is on 25th-27th. Erik Jones qualified seventh while Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley qualified 29th and 35th.

As is, before factoring in presumptive stage points, that would put the No. 7 team in the top-25 with the No. 43 team.

Factoring presumptive points in for stage one, and the No. 43 team would be in the top-25 by one point over the No. 7 team.

The Season Finale 500 NASCAR Cup Series Championship race goes green at Phoenix Raceway just after 3 p.m. ET. The broadcast is on NBC/Peacock, MRN affiliates and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.