Darlington's big question: Are you in the playoffs or not?
DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Austin Dillon loves his position entering the Southern 500 — planning for NASCAR's playoffs rather than trying to qualify for the postseason.
Dillon was the first to lock up a spot in the 16-team playoffs with his win at the Daytona 500 in February.
He's largely felt pressure-free ever since, something he expects will change as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series wraps up its final two regular-season races here at Darlington and then Indianapolis next week.
"In two weeks from now we are going to be thinking about points again," said Dillon, 19th in the point standings. "So you've got to race these last two races like the playoffs have started.