Kevin Harvick entered Sunday's race at Texas Motor Speedway fourth in the points, but he didn't have much margin for error with only two races remaining in the Round of 8.
Harvick to a major step towards making the final four at Homestead with a Stage 1 win at Texas. He passed Kyle Larson late in the stage to pick up the win.
.@KevinHarvick gets by Kyle Larson for the lead at @TXMotorSpeedway! #4theCup #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/RshxiX1sE4
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 5, 2017
Related: Just one playoff driver isn't starting in the top 10 at Texas, and he's a long way back
Martin Truex Jr. finished second, followed by Denny Hamlin, Larson and Kurt Busch.
Kevin Harvick got one step closer to Homestead with a Stage 1 win at Texas Motor Speedway, presented by @Kroger. #ClickList pic.twitter.com/oI3NCMIs2U
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 5, 2017
The first stage was mostly uneventful outside of Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch making contact with each other.
The stage win gives Harvick much needed playoff points, and he'll look to add to his point total during the last two stages of the race.