Harvick Wins NASCAR Playoff Event

Kevin Harvick headed into the second round of NASCAR's playoffs in a championship clearly his to lose.

Harvick held off a charging Kyle Busch over the final 40 laps Saturday night at Bristol for his career best and Cup Series-high ninth victory of the season. He did it in front of a sold-out crowd of 30,000 spectators, the most Bristol was allowed to admit and the largest crowd since March.

Erik Jones finished third, followed by rookie Tyler Reddick and playoff contenders Aric Almirola and Clint Bowyer.

Chase Briscoe won the Xfinity Series race Friday night, defeating Ross Chastain.