Four drivers will be cut from the playoff field after the NASCAR Cup Series’ Bass Pro Shops Night Race from Bristol, Tennessee, on Saturday night.

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,

Alex Bowman scored his fifth career Cup Series pole as he'll lead the field to green Saturday night at Bristol (7 p.m. ET, USA).

BRISTOL, Tenn. - Alex Bowman continued his solid effort in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs on Friday, securing the pole position for Saturday's Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Bowman turned a lap at 126.720 miles per hour Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway to earn the fifth pole of his career. Bowman heads into Saturday night's elimination race ranked fourth in the Cup Series standings – best of all four Hendrick Motorsports drivers.

Hendrick driver Alex Bowman continued his strong performance in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs on Friday by grabbing the pole for Saturday’s Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

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.

Brad Keselowski will roll off deep in the field, starting 23rd. Harrison Burton and Daniel Suarez were the slowest of the playoff drivers and will start 34th and 35th. All 37 entries set a timed lap and will race on Saturday night.