Sadler Attempts to Open Playoffs with Win for Second Straight Season

Elliott Sadler, the driver of the #1 OneMain Financial Chevrolet, stands on the grid prior to the NASCAR XFINITY Series TheHouse.com 300 at Chicagoland Speedway on September 16, 2017, in Joliet, Illinois. Photo – Jared C Tilton/Getty Images

Elliott Sadler won the NASCAR XFINITY Series regular season championship, but only has one goal on his mind now – capturing the overall series crown.

He starts his quest in Saturday’s VisitMyrtleBeach.com 300 at Kentucky Speedway (8 p.m. ET on NBCSN) where he won the Playoff opener last year.

“Our OneMain Financial team has been gearing up for the playoffs ever since Daytona in February,” Sadler said. “Our strong regular season and Kentucky win last year helps our confidence heading into this weekend.”

In 12 career starts at Kentucky, Sadler claims one win, five top-fives, eight top-tens and a 7.8 average finish.

Although Sadler earned the regular season championship, he starts the Playoffs third in the standings. He sits five points behind leader William Byron and trails second-place Justin Allgaier by three points.

Byron and Allgaier are ahead of Sadler because they accumulated more playoff points during the regular season. Byron won three races and two stages to earn 17 playoff points in addition to his eight for finishing third in the standings. Allgaier recorded two victories and three stage wins for 13 playoff points to supplement his ten for placing second in the standings. Sadler earned 15 playoff points for his regular season championship and logged five for his five stage wins.

“We’re still a long way from Homestead and that’s where we ultimately want to be – racing in the final four for the championship. Kevin (Meendering, crew chief), myself, and the guys are going to take it one race at a time, starting with this weekend’s race. We’re confident in our strategy and we’re ready.”