Fansided

What are the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Chase races?

By Ted Fleming

Nov 20, 2016; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship after the Ford Ecoboost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Homestead, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship after the Ford Ecoboost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

This year’s NASCAR Premier Series schedule has some interesting races during the regular season, but like fans of other sports, they always look toward the playoffs.

It might seem like it is way too early in the season to be talking about the playoffs, but NASCAR is the only sport that has the venues and dates already set. In fact, there is a good chance that drivers you see in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 26 will be the same ones that will pull into Chicagoland Speedway on Sept. 17.

The only unknown entering the final 10 events will be the 16 names that will battle it out for the first ever Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Championship. Beginning with the Daytona 500, there will be 26 points races to determine the playoff field and with the changes to the points structure this year, it could come down to the finish at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 9 before that happens.

Next: NASCAR releases new Damaged Vehicle Policy

The Field of 16 will be whittled down to a dozen after the first three races. The Bank of America 500 will be the start of the second round where another four drivers will be eliminated following the next three. Round 3 kicks off at Martinsville and the Final Four field will be set at the conclusion of the Can-Am 500 in Phoenix. The highest finishing car at Homestead-Miami will be declared the 2017 champion.

With that in mind, here is an early look at the races and dates for the Monster Energy Chase for the Cup:

Sept. 17 @ 3:00 p.m. – Chicagoland 400
Sept. 24 @ 2:00 p.m. – New Hampshire 300

Oct. 1 @ 2:00 p.m. – Dover Fall Race
Oct. 7 @ 7:00 p.m. – Bank of America 500 (Charlotte)
Oct. 15 @ 2:00 p.m. – Alabama 500 (Talladega)
Oct. 22 @ 3:00 p.m. – Hollywood Casino 400 (Kansas)
Oct. 29 @ 1:00 p.m. – Martinsville Fall Race

Nov. 5 @ 2:00 p.m. – AAA Texas 500
Nov. 12 @ 2:30 p.m. – Can-Am 500 (Phoenix)
Nov. 19 @ 2:30 p.m. – Ford EcoBoost 400 (Homestead-Miami)

NOTE: Weather delays/postponements could change times/dates.

Home/NASCAR