One week ago, the beginning of the NASCAR playoffs was marked by a tradition old and unchanging, as the legendary Southern 500 at Darlington opened the race for the 2025 Cup Series championship. Now, with Chase Briscoe having won his second-straight Southern 500 and becoming the first driver to advance to the Round of 12, it's on to something new for the 15 drivers still trying to ensure their playoff push goes beyond the first round.

For the very first time, World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis plays host to a playoff race, as the Cup Series makes its annual trip out to Gateway for the Enjoy Illinois 300. After being added to the Cup schedule in 2022, Gateway moved from an early June date to the second race of the Round of 16 for 2025, making this the first time that NASCAR's best

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