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.

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,

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Alex Bowman will lead the field to the green flag in Saturday night’s playoff elimination race at Bristol Motor Speedway after scoring his first pole of the Cup season Friday. Bowman led a dominant Hendrick Motorsports performance. Hendrick drivers took the top three spots. After Bowman were teammates Kyle Larson and William Byron.