There are just ten races remaining before NASCAR enters it’s “playoff” season – the Chase for the Championship. After race No. 26, drivers that are in the top-10 in points are locked in and they are the drivers that are eligible to win the championship. There are also two wildcard spots available. Drivers who are in positions 11-20 are eligible for a wildcard. The criteria to earn a wildcard is based on wins. The two drivers with the most wins get the two spots, with their points being the tie-breaker.
This season has seen a very tight points battle between just inside the top-10 to 15th. These drivers are fighting hard to get inside or stay inside the top-10. They also need to score as many victories as possible to lock in a wildcard in case they miss the top-10.
There is also a fierce battle for drivers trying get into or stay inside the top-20. These drivers have two concerns. First, they must get inside the top-20, second they must have more wins than the drivers ahead of them in points.
Currently there are several drivers on the outside looking in, or just barely inside trying to stay in and secure a coveted spot in the Chase for the Championship.
Kyle Busch – Currently 8th in points, but only 16 points ahead of Kasey Kahne in 11th.
Plus – Kyle does have two wins which gives him some security.
Minus – Toyota has struggled with engine problems this season. They have sacrificed some horsepower for durability.
Brad Keselowski – Currently 9th in points, just nine points ahead of 11th place.
Plus – Brad has ran well at times and as defending series champion, has experienced team.
Minus – The team changed to Ford this season and Ford’s, as a whole, have been a little lackluster. The team has also seemed to struggle to catch up after they were penalized for illegal rear end housings setups.
Martin Truex Jr. – Currently 10th in points, only 8 points ahead of 11th.
Plus – Martin is the series’ most recent winner and has confidence and momentum heading into crucial time of the season.
Minus – Team has struggled to “close the deal”.
Kasey Kahne – Currently 8 points outside the top-10 in 11th
Plus – Kahne has ran strong this season, has one win. Solid performer all season.
Minus – Has had some bad luck, recently blew tire while leading at Michigan. Needs to stay consistent
Paul Menard – Currently 12th in points, tied with 11th
Plus – Paul has shown promise. In midst of best season of career. Team confidence is high
Minus – Team has started strong in past, but faded during middle of season
Jeff Gordon – Currently 13th in points, 12 points out of 10th
Plus – Jeff has performed well at times
Minus – Does not have a win, and has been very inconsistent. Must find victory lane, must find confidence
Joey Logano – Currently 14th in points, 14 points out of 10th
Plus – Joey has ran stronger this season than any time in his career. Fitting in nicely at Penske Racing
Minus – Same as teammate – The team changed to Ford this season and Ford’s, as a whole, have been a little lackluster. The team has also seemed to struggle to catch up after they were penalized for illegal rear end housings setups.
Tony Stewart – Currently 15th points, 20 points out of 10th
Plus – Team has one win. Tony very experienced in championship battles. Gets support and equipment from Hendrick Motorsports. Has seemed to improve lately. Tony runs well at this time of season
Minus – Team has been wildly inconsistent. Struggled in many races
Kurt Busch – Currently 17th in points, 28 points out of 10th
Plus – Team has ran extremely well. Receives support and engines from Richard Childress Racing
Minus – Team seems to beat themselves. Constant battle to overcome small problems of their own creation.
Jamie McMurray – Currently 21st in points, 8 pints out of top-20
Plus – Team has improved recently and had strong runs.
Minus – Very inconsistent, needs wins badly, does not seem to be able to close the deal
Marcos Ambrose – Currently 22nd in points, 23 points out of top-20
Plus – Team seems to be showing improvement recently
Minus – Lack consistently. Missed best opportunity for a win at Sonoma. Must win to get in
The next ten races for each of these teams are crucial. They must find their problems, fix them and acquire all the pints they possibly can. We are in the closing moments and now is no time to fumble the ball and beat yourself. Discipline and performance will make or break their season. This is the time when true champions shine, and the cream rises to the top.
NASCAR has achieved the goals they desired when they created the Chase format and then enhanced it with the wildcard spots. There are many exciting points battles throughout the standings. At any time during a race there are several races within the race. Many times we come down to the last race of the regular season before we know who is in and who is out.
