Buescher's third-place finish, combined with a win in stage one, proved to be an 11-point swing in his favor in the battle for the final spot in the NASCAR playoffs. Buescher has now built his advantage over RFK Racing teammate Ryan Preece to 34 points with two races to go, as Preece wound up finishing 13th.

Here are the winners and losers from Sunday's Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, evaluating the best and worst performances.

Shane van Gisbergen won the NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen race on Aug. 10 at Watkins Glen. Here are some winners and losers from the race.