TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Ryan Blaney beat Ryan Newman in a door-to-door race to the finish line to win Monday at Talladega Superspeedway and advance to the third round of NASCAR's playoffs.
Blaney's first win of the season came as he was desperately trying to remain in title contention. The playoff field will be trimmed from 12 drivers to eight next weekend at Kansas and Blaney was in danger of elimination before his Talladega victory.
Blaney joins Kyle Larson in the round of eight, with six spots sill available.
The race began Sunday until rain stopped it after the first stage and pushed the finish to Monday.