NASCAR playoff standings after Kansas: Chase Elliott locks into Round of 8; Kyle Larson, William Byron above cutline

KANSAS CITY, Kansas - Chase Elliott locking himself into the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 8 via win at Kansas Speedway on Sunday wasn't the only good news for Hendrick Motorsports when it came to the playoff picture. 

Thanks to a consistent run and a sixth-place showing, Kyle Larson moved to the verge of clinching his own spot and will enter the dangerous Charlotte ROVAL next weekend a full 54 points above the cutline in third place. William Byron, who overcame some early adversity to finish ninth and has a 40-point cushion to fall back on as well. 

By the end of Sunday's race, the field of 12 remaining drivers will be whittled down to eight with Elliott already reserving a spot in the next round. 

Here's a look at the standings with one race remaining before the Round of 8: 

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NASCAR standings after today