Ryan Blaney used a crossover move to nudge ahead of Kevin Harvick with two laps remaining and won at Talladega by 0.012 seconds to advance into the round of eight of NASCAR’s playoffs.

Now the playoffs head to the cutoff race for the round of 12 at the Charlotte Roval.

Blaney, who has two wins but just five top-five finishes this season, joined William Byron as drivers locked into the next playoff round. ... Harvick was later disqualified after failing post-race inspection. He remains winless this season, which will end with his retirement. 

Harvick’s DQ gave second place to Byron with Denny Hamlin third. 

The field of 12 drivers will be pared to eight following Sunday’s race on The Roval at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Brad Keselowski remained two points above the round of eight cutline; the four drivers behind him are Tyler Reddick, Ross Chastain, Bubba Wallace, and two-time series champion Kyle Busch. Busch must win at Charlotte to advance.

Christopher Bell won after starting eighth.

Practice and qualifying is at 11 am Saturday. Race time is 1 pm Sunday afternoon. 

John Hunter Nemechek won at Texas Motor Speedway for his series-best seventh win of the year in the Xfinity Series two weeks ago.

Nemechek, Justin Allgaier, and Cole Custer have all clinched berths in the round of eight with the final spots to be set this weekend. 

Sheldon Creed (plus 9) and Daniel Hemric (plus 1) are the last two drivers inside the playoff bubble with Parker Kligerman (minus 1), Jeb Burton (minus 19), Josh Berry (minus 27), and Sam Mayer (minus 34) all hoping to work their way into the next round this weekend.

A.J. Allmendinger won from the pole position.

Practice and qualifying is 9 am on Saturday morning. Race time is 2:30 pm on Saturday. 

The Craftsman Truck Series returns later in October at Homestead-Miami.