Bowman will lead a trio of Hendrick Motorsports drivers at the front of the field, as he is flanked by teammates Kyle Larson in second and William Byron in third. Eight of the top 10 qualifiers were drivers in the Round of 16 of the NASCAR 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.

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.