For the fifth time in his career, Brad Keselowski is the winner at Talladega Superspeedway.
Keselowski passed Ryan Newman on the last lap of the race to earn the victory and advance to the Round of 8 in his 300th career start.
Brad @Keselowski passes Ryan Newman on the last lap to win at @TalladegaSuperS! #NASCARPlayoffs #GoingFor2 pic.twitter.com/pA0TU5QgIk
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 15, 2017
It was a crash-filled race, and Keselwoski said after the race that he "survived."
"It's a huge honor to race for you guys, thank you!" @Keselowski thanks the fans after winning @TalladegaSuperS! #GoingFor2 #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/FKMOcJ5ZKk
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 15, 2017
He said it was a special win, and he needed a little luck to avoid the big crashes earlier in the race.
Speaking of crashes... wow. There were so many throughout the race, and numerous playoff drivers were eliminated. Chase Elliott was one of the last drivers remaining, but
The "Big One" strikes again! Guess who avoided it.
Watch the FINISH NOW on NBC! Stream: https://t.co/fo3o7PskHo pic.twitter.com/RI4ui1nOuJ
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 15, 2017
Related: Several playoff drivers eliminated from the race later after the big one at Talladega
Ryan Blaney and Kevin Harvick were eliminated from the race on this late crash:
A tough finish for @Blaney and @KevinHarvick, two #NASCARPlayoffs drivers.#Blaney #4TheCup pic.twitter.com/ucr2BPptvx
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 15, 2017
The biggest crash of the final stage involved 16 drivers, including several playoff drivers. Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Jimmie Johnson were all eliminated in the crash.
The "Big One" strikes at @TalladegaSuperS! #NASCARPlayoffs
Watch NOW on NBC! Stream here: https://t.co/JuuG9zjAmF pic.twitter.com/RmUkTudzhU
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) October 15, 2017
This crash didn't involve any playoff drivers, but Clint Bowyer did get upset with his pit crew after his day ended here:
The cause for the caution at @TalladegaSuperS.#NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/9ahoGHa3Nu
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 15, 2017
Jamie McMurray's day came to an early end after this crash:
Green flag pit stops are always dicey. @JamieMcMurray is out of the race following a crash. #TeamJMac #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/M3ac4Up11A
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 15, 2017
As Keselowski said, it was all about surviving.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. had chances to win the race as he avoided the major crashes, but he managed a seventh place finish. Newman finished second, followed by Trevor Bayne, Joey Logano, Aric Almirola, Denny Hamlin, Earnhardt, Kasey Kahne, Gray Gaulding and David Ragan.
Keselowski joins Martin Truex Jr. as the two drivers locked into the Round of 8. The rest of the playoff field will attempt to qualify for the next round next Sunday at Kansas Speedway.