This is how the playoffs work. Every round until the championship will consist of three races. Every stage win in the season is worth one playoff point, and every race win is worth five playoff points. And here's how the points shape up after 26 races.

1st #24 Arrby 2036

2nd #19 Liberty 2036

3rd #11 Marshall 2025

4th #17 Rory 2021

5th #8 Rocky 2019

6th #5 Ryder 2017

7th #20 Skye 2014

8th #1 Sweetie 2011

9th #6 Shade 2010

10th #45 Everest 2009

11th #22 Rubble 2008

12th #12 Ella 2008

13th #34 Hubcap 2007

14th #47 Wheeler 2005

15th #4 Zuma 2004

16th #23 Claw 2000

Every round is 3 races. A win for a playoff driver will lock them into the next round no matter where they are in points. At the end of the third race in every round, the bottom 4 drivers in points are eliminated, and the points reset every round until the final race at Phoenix. The final 4 drivers will compete for the championship, and whoever finishes the highest will be crowned the NASCAR Cup Series Champion.

The Round of 16 consists of Darlington, Kansas, and Bristol.

The Round of 12 has Texas, Talladega, and the Charlotte Roval.

The Round of 8 owns Las Vegas, Homestead, and Martinsville.

Finally, the Championship race takes place at ISM Raceway in Phoenix, Arizona.

Who's hot and who's not? Let's find out.

WHO'S HOT:

Rory is the hottest driver right now, winning 3 of the last 5 races and proving she's a championship threat. Sitting 4th in the playoffs, we're gonna find out how much of a threat she is.

Marshall is fired up for the playoffs getting 4 top 5's in the last 6 races including a win at Pocono. Having already two wins this season, he is easily one of the most consistent drivers all season, and he's hoping for his first championship.

Arrby has claimed five wins this season including one two weeks ago at Watkins Glen. He's tied first in the standings with Liberty and the Dachshund is looking great for the playoffs.

WHO'S NOT:

Sweetie hasn't been the best driver recently. After her win at Nashville, she's had only 1 top 5 and 2 top 10's in the last 10 races. She finished runner up in the championship last year, but can the Trackhouse terrier turn her luck around in this year's playoffs?

Rubble is the defending champion and he's really been lackluster this season. With only one win, and a very mid 15.6 average finish, the bulldog needs to step it up if he wants any chance of winning the championship again.

Rocky might come as a shock to you despite he has 3 wins, but he's had 3 DNF's in the last 7 races, and only 2 top 10's come from those last 7 races. Can Rocky find that dominance again to compete for the title?

Who do you want to see win the championship?