(NEXSTAR) – The NASCAR Xfinity postseason playoff field has now been dwindled down from 12 drivers to the final eight.
The Drive for the Cure 250 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway saw a thrilling finish with some late race dramatics featuring Parker Kligerman.
NASCAR waited to call a caution and did not throw the yellow flag until Kligerman was inches away from claiming his first career Xfinity Series victory and advancing in the playoffs.
Kligerman was forced to regroup for two overtime laps, which ultimately lost him the race and eliminated him from the playoffs.
Sam Mayer ended up winning the race – his third this year – clinching his spot in the playoffs final eight.
“It’s so big for a lot of reasons. Obviously, getting a win is big in and of itself,” Mayer said following the race. “But we had to win today to advance in the playoffs in the Xfinity Series. So, you know, it’s a big deal for that reason. Obviously going back to back is super special for me as well.”
One major shakeup as a result of Saturday’s race: While Sheldon Creed came into the race fourth in the Xfinity playoff standings, he had an early engine failure in stage two. This forced Creed to leave the race early and as a result, he fell outside the final eight.
Shane Van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst were also eliminated from the playoffs in the race.
The Xfinity Series Round of 8 begins next Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.