Kevin Harvick hadn't had an ideal start to the 2017 postseason, but he started Sunday's race at Charlotte Motor Speedway with a Stage 1 victory.
Are you happy? @KevinHarvick is. He wins Stage 1 at @CLTMotorSpdwy! #NASCARPlayoffs #4TheCup pic.twitter.com/1Ukv1HAfUt
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 8, 2017
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Jamie McMurray, who is currently 12th in the points, earned some much needed points in Stage 1.
Kevin Harvick got the win, as Jamie McMurray picked up valuable points in Stage One at Charlotte, presented by @Kroger! #ClickList pic.twitter.com/2ZHktN59na
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 8, 2017
There are three races in the Round of 12, and four drivers will be eliminated after those three races. A win automatically qualifies a playoff driver for the next round, and the rest of the field will be determined by points. So, McMurray's points from Stage 1 could be very beneficial in determining whether he can advance to another round.