HOMESTEAD, Fla. - In a high-speed display of skill and precision, Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick dominated the track at Homestead-Miami Speedway during their recent practice sessions. Both drivers, known for their dirt racing backgrounds, showcased their expertise in maneuvering inches from the wall, a technique that has proven successful for them at this 1.5-mile speedway.

Larson, who secured his place in the championship race with a victory at Las Vegas last week, reflected on the pivotal moment that contributed to his mastery of running close to the wall. In the 2013 Xfinity race, Larson received a gesture from Kyle Busch, pointing with his index finger to indicate that Larson should run higher on the track. Taking it as a cue, Larson heeded Busch's advice and gradually perfected his technique, ultimately becoming one of the fastest drivers at Homestead.

"I'd get really close to the wall, and once you do that a few times, you can feel the effect that the right side of the car has against the wall," Larson explained. "Over time, you start pushing it - entering higher and getting to the wall at an earlier point in the corner, until eventually, you just end up running up next to the wall the whole lap."

Reddick, a two-time Xfinity champion, has also excelled at Homestead using the high line. Coming from a dirt racing background like Larson, Reddick attributes their success to the similarities between Homestead and dirt tracks like Eldora Speedway. Both tracks feature cupped turns and the sensation of packing the air against the wall, reminiscent of running on a soft cushion on dirt.

As the playoff race intensifies, drivers like Larson and Reddick have a clear advantage in their comfort level against the wall. Traditional pavement-background drivers, such as Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr., acknowledge the prowess of Larson and Reddick in running the high line. Hamlin acknowledged that the difference lies in their willingness to take risks and push the boundaries, which can make all the difference in crucial race scenarios.

Looking ahead to Sunday's race, Larson remains the sole driver who has already secured a spot in the championship race at Phoenix on November 5th. Meanwhile, William Byron, Martin Truex Jr., and Denny Hamlin currently sit in the transfer spots. However, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, and Chris Buescher, all below the cutline, are determined to make their way into the top spots.

Bell, who narrowly missed out on victory at Las Vegas, understands the challenges he faces, noting that winning at either Martinsville or Homestead will be crucial for his chances of making it to Phoenix. With the championship race in sight, Bell is aware of the need to replicate his recent success and maintain a championship-level performance.

The stage is set for an exhilarating battle at Homestead-Miami Speedway as drivers navigate the high line and utilize their expertise running inches from the wall. The playoff contenders will undoubtedly be watching their every move, as they aim to secure a spot in the championship race and make their mark in NASCAR history.