UPDATED WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 7, AT 4:45 P.M. ET.
CONCORD, N.C. -- This weekend, the regular season comes to a close.
That means Saturday's race at Richmond International Raceway provides the last chance for drivers to secure their spots in the 16-driver Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
Jimmie Johnson is one of 12 drivers to have clinched their positions in NASCAR's postseason.
Chase Elliott, while not officially locked into the Chase, controls his own destiny. He would clinch a Chase berth on Saturday by finishing with two points -- 39th with no laps led or 40th with at least one lap led -- if there is a repeat winner.
If there is a repeat winner and Chris Buescher falls out of the top 30 in the standings, Elliott clinches his spot on points regardless of finish.
If there is a new winner Saturday, the driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet SS would still secure his spot by earning 24 points -- finishing 17th with no laps led, 18th with at least one lap led or 19th with the most laps led.
He would also lock up his spot with a win.
Teammate Kasey Kahne needs help in order to secure his position in the postseason on points. He could clinch if the Richmond victory is earned by a repeat winner -- or by Elliott, Austin Dillon or Jamie McMurray, who are ahead of him in the standings -- Chris Buescher falls out of the top 30 and Kahne earns 22 or 23 more points than Ryan Newman, depending on tie-breakers.
Regardless of points, Kahne could additionally find his way into the playoffs with a win Saturday.