NASCAR Hollywood Casino 400 takeaways: Chase Elliott edges Denny Hamlin in thrilling finish

It capped a successful weekend all around for Elliott, who has struggled in qualifying all season. He took the green in fourth on Sunday, led 24 laps and scored the fourth-most stage points (15) of any driver, showing some positive signs midway through the playoffs.

Elliott joins Team Penske's Ryan Blaney as the only two drivers currently locked into the Round of 8 and can rest easy going to next week's Round of 12 finale at the Charlotte Roval.

What could have been for Toyota

For much of Sunday's race at Kansas, it looked like Hamlin was on his way to extending his track record to five wins in the "Sunflower State." He swept  the first two stages and led his most laps ever at a 1.5-mile track (159). However, contact with Wallace in the final corner kept him from getting to Victory Lane and it followed a run-in with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs one week ago at New Hampshire.

In addition to power steering issues late in the race for Hamlin, Christopher Bell led 43 laps, Chase Briscoe paced the field for 19 laps from the pole and 23XI Racing teammates Wallace (-26) and Tyler Reddick (-29) still find themselves below the cutline following an improved performance from their rough day at New Hampshire.

It was another strong showing for Toyota after its sweep of the opening round of the playoffs. It may have not had a win to show for it, but the speed was evident in the Toyotas for the duration of the race on Sunday.

Disappointing results for Team Penske

It all started with an eventful practice session on Saturday when the Team Penske trio of Blaney, Austin Cindric and Joey Logano each experienced issues that forced them to start the race from the rear.

While Logano was still able to salvage eight stage points and Blaney picked up two, a multi-car crash with 51 laps remaining took out Logano and Cindric. Logano was able to continue, but finished 21st and Cindric fell four laps off the pace to 30th.

Although Blaney is locked into the next round, Logano (+13) clings to the final transfer spot, while Cindric (-48) is facing a must-win situation at the Charlotte Roval. It capped a frustrating weekend for the organization and puts Logano and Cindric in an uncomfortable position as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.