Brad Keselowki, Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs and Harrison Burton knocked out as the 16-driver field was cut to 12 in the first of three elimination races.

Kyle Larson led 462 of 500 laps to win the night race at Bristol, while four other drivers were eliminated from the Cup Series playoffs.

Alex Bowman, who just two weeks ago was desperately trying to debunk rumors his seat was in danger, will start the first elimination race of NASCAR's playoffs from the pole.