Brad Keselowski started off the Round of 8 with a stage win in the first stage at Martinsville Speedway.
Keselowski held off rival Kyle Busch to earn the stage win. Keselowski's Team Penske teammates, Joey Logano, finished third, followed by Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr.
Brad Keselowski got one step closer to Homestead with a Stage 1 win at Martinsville Speedway, presented by @Kroger! #ClickList pic.twitter.com/L9x2AmcYNx
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 29, 2017
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Keselowski earned much needed points, but Johnson's fourth place finish was a major improvement for him considering he's struggled in the first stage this season and started from the back of the pack.
Keselowski's team was confident entering Martinsville, and they believed he needed a strong performance to advance into the final race at Homestead.
Winning Stage 1 was a great start for Keselowski, and a win would clinch his spot in the final race. Either way. The stage points will certainly help even if he doesn't win one of the next three races.