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Austin Dillon Clinches Playoff Spot Amid Controversy

8/17/2025

36 8 Full Breakdown

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Story summary
  • Austin Dillon's win at the Cook Out 400 earns him a playoff spot, marking Richard Childress Racing's postseason return since 2023.
  • Dillon led 107 laps, a first for the No. 3 car since Dale Earnhardt in 1998.
  • He raced with a broken rib, an injury from before the Iowa race.
  • Alex Bowman criticized "race manipulation" after finishing second, citing slower cars as a hindrance.
  • The last playoff spots will be decided in the final regular-season race at Daytona.
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