With seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson not a part of this season’s Playoff picture, there is a good chance that NASCAR could crown its first multi-time champion since Johnson earned his seventh title in 2016. He is the only active driver with more than one championship.

Among those vying for their second champion’s trophy is Kyle Busch (2015), Joey Logano (2018), Martin Truex Jr. (2017), Brad Keselowski(2012), Kevin Harvick (2014) and Kurt Busch (2004).

Should defending champion Logano earn a second straight he would be the first driver to do so since the start of Johnson’s amazing string of five consecutive trophies from 2006-2010.

Keselowski made no bones about the importance of his pursuit of a second championship.

“It would be a huge mark for me personally,’’ Keselowski said. “I think there is a big difference between drivers that have won one championship and two, that is my own personal barometer.

“There is quite a long list of drivers in the sport now and past that won a single championship. The ones that I think get mentioned or thought of the most are the drivers that have won multiples.

“Certainly winning a championship is a legacy. Winning a second championship is an elite legacy in the sport. Something I certainly hope to do and have put a lot of emphasis on and probably the biggest thing I want to do in the sport. That opportunity is in front of us over these ten weeks.’’