ASCAR Playoff Drama: Four Drivers Face Elimination at Gateway

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are in full swing, and the tension is palpable as the second race of the first round looms at World Wide Technology Raceway (Gateway) on September 7, 2025. With only three races in the Round of 16, the stakes are sky-high, and four drivers are teetering on the edge of elimination. Among them is rookie sensation Shane van Gisbergen, whose road-course dominance has made him a fan favorite but whose oval-track inexperience could spell trouble. Alongside him, Josh Berry, Austin Cindric, and Alex Bowman are fighting to keep their championship dreams alive. As the playoff field prepares for Gateway, a track known for its unique challenges, the question remains: who will rise, and who will fall?

Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand-born rookie, has been a revelation in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. His four victories—at Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen—set a new record for the most wins by a rookie in a single season, all on road courses. His dominance on these tracks, where he’s outclassed veterans like Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson, has earned him the No. 2 seed in the playoffs with 22 playoff points. “It’s just amazing to have him here,” van Gisbergen said of his father, Robert, who watched his Watkins Glen triumph, marking an emotional milestone for the Trackhouse Racing driver. Yet, despite his road-course prowess, van Gisbergen’s average finish of 26.9 on ovals this season raises red flags.

Gateway, a 1.25-mile oval with minimal banking and distinct corners, is uncharted territory for van Gisbergen. He qualified 18th for the race, outpacing playoff rivals like Chase Elliott (19th) and Alex Bowman (25th), but his lack of oval experience could hinder him. NASCAR commentator Steve Letarte expressed skepticism about van Gisbergen’s ability to score stage points, which are critical in the playoffs. “He’s not going to score one stage point in the first three races,” Letarte said bluntly, emphasizing that van Gisbergen’s typical 11th-to-15th-place runs on ovals won’t cut it when stage points are awarded to the top 10. However, van Gisbergen remains unfazed. “It ain’t going to be easy, that’s for sure,” he admitted, but his analytical approach and tire-management skills could keep him above the cut line if he avoids disaster.

Josh Berry, driving for Wood Brothers Racing, is another driver at risk. His journey to the Cup Series is a testament to perseverance, having climbed the ranks purely on merit. Yet, his playoff campaign is on shaky ground after a last-place finish at Darlington, where an early incident derailed his race. Berry’s average finish in the 20s and inconsistent pit-road performance have left him vulnerable. “I just don’t see the math of how the Wood Brothers No. 21 team overcomes what they have been over the summer,” one analyst noted, pointing to Berry’s lack of playoff points and modest car speed.

Gateway offers a fresh opportunity, but Berry, sitting one point below the cut line, needs a strong finish to stay in contention. His team’s struggles with pit strategy and occasional driver errors could prove costly on a track where precision is paramount. Despite these challenges, Berry’s grit and determination make him a driver to watch. Can he defy the odds and deliver a performance that keeps his playoff hopes alive?

Austin Cindric, representing Team Penske, is no stranger to playoff pressure, but his 2025 season has been a mixed bag. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, his overall performance lacks the consistency needed to guarantee advancement. Analysts have questioned whether Team Penske’s “playoff voodoo magic” can carry Cindric through the Round of 16. “I just don’t see the greatness in Cindric and the No. 2 team right now,” one expert observed, noting that Cindric’s best season yet may not be enough when four drivers must be cut.

Cindric’s qualifying position at Gateway hasn’t been detailed, but his ability to score stage points could be his saving grace. Unlike van Gisbergen, Cindric has more oval experience, but he’ll need to capitalize on every opportunity to outpace his rivals. With Darlington already exposing weaknesses in the playoff field, Cindric’s performance at Gateway will be a defining moment in his championship bid.

Alex Bowman, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, entered the playoffs with high expectations but stumbled at Darlington with a pit stop described as “the pit stop from Hell.” His 25th-place qualifying at Gateway puts him at a disadvantage, and with only five points separating him from the cut line, the pressure is on. Bowman’s season has been solid but unspectacular, and his inability to match the pace of teammates like Chase Elliott has raised concerns. “Alex Bowman is at -5 for Hendrick Motorsports,” noted NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck, highlighting the tight margins in the playoff race.

Gateway’s unique layout, with its low banking and contrasting corners, demands adaptability, and Bowman’s experience could give him an edge over van Gisbergen and Berry. However, a single mistake could end his championship hopes. His team’s focus will be on clean execution and maximizing stage points to climb the standings.

World Wide Technology Raceway, making its playoff debut in 2025, is a wildcard in the Round of 16. Its 1.25-mile oval, with minimal banking and two distinct corner profiles, tests drivers’ versatility. For van Gisbergen, who prepared using video analysis and Simulator Motion Technology rather than sim racing, the track’s unfamiliarity is a hurdle. “I’ve never seen the track before race day,” he admitted, underscoring the challenge ahead. Meanwhile, Berry, Cindric, and Bowman must navigate the track’s abrasive surface and tight racing to avoid falling into the bottom four.

The Round of 16 concludes at Bristol Motor Speedway, a half-mile bullring known for chaos, where the final four eliminations will be decided. “Bristol is probably going to be his biggest challenge,” Letarte said of van Gisbergen, a sentiment echoed for Berry and Cindric. Bowman, with more short-track experience, might have a slight advantage, but the unpredictability of Bristol could upend any predictions.

The NASCAR playoffs are more than just races; they’re a crucible of human drama, where dreams are tested, and legacies are forged. Shane van Gisbergen’s journey from Australian Supercars to NASCAR stardom is a story of bold ambition. His candid reflection at Darlington—“If we have a tough week, it puts us in a hole, and it’s going to be hard to get out of it”—captures the razor-thin margins of the playoffs. Josh Berry’s underdog story resonates with fans who admire his climb from the grassroots. Austin Cindric carries the weight of Team Penske’s storied reputation, while Alex Bowman fights to prove he belongs among Hendrick’s elite.

As Gateway approaches, the spotlight is on these four drivers. Will van Gisbergen’s road-course brilliance translate to a respectable oval finish? Can Berry find the speed to keep his Cinderella story alive? Will Cindric tap into Penske’s playoff magic, or will Bowman’s experience pull him through? The answers will unfold on September 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network, in a race that could reshape the playoff landscape.

NASCAR’s playoffs thrive on passion, and fans are the heartbeat of the sport. Who do you think will survive the Round of 16? Share your predictions on social media and join the conversation as the championship chase heats up. With Gateway poised to deliver surprises, one thing is certain: the road to the NASCAR Cup Series title is anything but predictable.