SHANE van Gisbergen needs a big result this weekend in the Bristol Night Race, the final hit out in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 16.
Coming into the weekend, SVG is 15 points short of the cutoff, with numerous permutations of points in play.
Also on the outside prior to the race is Austin Dillon, some 11 points behind the cut line, while Alex Bowman (-35 points) and Josh Berry (-45) are essentially in must-win positions.
While pressure will be on van Gisbergen to put his best foot forward, drama for those above the cut line could impact his post-season prospects.
On a track where carnage can strike at any time, those current in will need to race carefully.
Currently placed inside the top-12 are Christopher Bell, +32, Chase Elliot, +28, Joey Logano, +21, Ross Chastain, +19 and Austin Cindric, +11.
For the event, van Gisbergen will sport an eye-catching Wendy’s livery.
Earlier this year at the venue, he finished 38th after contact from Cody Ware, while last year in the Xfinity Series, he placed 18th.
“Well, Bristol is a cool track,” said van Gisbergen.
“I really struggled there in the spring, and it’s a tough track for someone like me.
“It will be important to have a clean, well-executed race, try and get stage points and be up there all night.
“It’s going to be a battle.”
The last two weeks of the Playoffs have been tough for the three-time Supercars champion.
After finishing 31st at Darlington, last week at Gateway, he registered a 25th-place finish.
“It’s been good,” reflected van Gisbergen.
“I just wish, obviously, that we could’ve gotten better results the last two races.
“It’s going to be tough this weekend to get through, but the reality is we aren’t there yet on ovals.
“It’s coming, but we are just forcing it too quickly at the moment.”
In Australian time, qualifying will be contested on Saturday ahead of Sunday morning’s race.