The dozen drivers who advanced to the second round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs saw Kansas Speedway as a relatively straightforward test, given the potential chaos looming at Talladega and the unpredictability of the road course at Charlotte. Just about everyone aside from Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron, who finished second to Ross Chastain, and Alex Bowman had to overcome problems Sunday. “We had a good recovery,” admitted defending series champion Ryan Blaney, who had a loose wheel with 77 laps to go, rallied to finish fourth, and left in a tie for second behind Byron in the postseason points standings.