NOT too early to think Chase ...

[RaceFanStan]

Here is a trivia tidbit I ran across & found rather interesting. :D
So it ISN'T too early to be thinking about the Chase ... http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/eek.gif

Of the 54* drivers who've made the Chase in its first 5 years
50 drivers have been in the top 20 after the 1st 4 races
44 drivers have been in the top 15 after the 1st 4 races
39 of the 54* drivers were in Chase position after the 1st 4 races http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/eek.gif
*(the top 10 in 2004-06 or the top 12 the past 2 years)

NOTE : The 4 drivers who came from outside the top 20 after 4 races to make the Chase were :
2005 - Matt Kenseth (finished 7th) & Jeremy Mayfield (finished 9th)
2006 - Kevin Harvick (finished 4th)
2007 - Martin Truex Jr. (finished 11th)

Here is something to ponder over & make some predictions ...
2009 Top 25 in points after the 1st 4 races :
01. Jeff Gordon ---- 0 win - 2 top 5 - 3 top 10 - 634 points ----
02. Clint Bowyer ---- 0 win - 2 top 5 - 3 top 10 - 591 points -43
03. Kurt Busch +4 - 1 win - 2 top 5 - 3 top 10 - 588 points -46
04. Carl Edwards +5 - 0 win - 1 top 5 - 2 top 10 - 547 points -87
05. Matt Kenseth -2 - 2 win - 2 top 5 - 2 top 10 - 546 points -88
06. Tony Stewart +2 - 0 win - 0 top 5 - 3 top 10 - 521 points -113
07. Kyle Busch -1 - 1 win - 2 top 5 - 2 top 10 - 514 points -120
08. Kevin Harvick +3 - 0 win - 2 top 5 - 2 top 10 - 511 points -123
09. Kasey Kahne +4 - 0 win - 0 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 484 points -150
10. Greg Biffle -6 - 0 win - 1 top 5 - 2 top 10 - 480 points -154
11. Brian Vickers +6 - 0 win - 1 top 5 - 3 top 10 - 477 points -157
12. David Reutimann -7 - 0 win - 1 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 475 points -159

Currently OUT of the Chase :
13. Jimmie Johnson +6 - 0 win - 0 top 5 - 2 top 10 - 457 points -177
14. Denny Hamlin ---- 0 win - 0 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 456 points -178
15. Jeff Burton +3 - 0 win - 1 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 437 points -197
16. Michael Waltrip -4 - 0 win - 0 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 434 points -200
17. Elliott Sadler -1 - 0 win - 1 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 427 points -207
18. Jamie McMurray +4 - 0 win - 0 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 423 points -211
19. Martin Truex Jr. +7 - 0 win - 0 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 423 points -211
20. A.J. Allmendinger +1 - 0 win - 1 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 417 points -217
21. Juan Montoya -6 - 0 win - 0 top 5 - 0 top 10 - 408 points -226
22. David Ragan +2 - 0 win - 0 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 405 points -229
23. Bobby Labonte -13 - 0 win - 1 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 403 points -231
24. Dale Earnhardt Jr. +5 - 0 win - 0 top 5 - 1 top 10 - 397 points -237 http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/eek.gif
25. Casey Mears +2 - 0 win - 0 top 5 - 0 top 10 - 397 points -237

2008 Chase drivers are in BOLD
(8 drivers are currently IN while 4 drivers are currently OUT of the 2009 Chase)

Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin & Jeff Burton are working hard to make it into the Chase
Will they make it in ??? :eek:

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is in a DEEP hole ...
it makes one wonder if NASCAR's favorite driver can make the Chase !!!

Will NASCAR up the Chase from the top 12 to the top 15 hoping their picks can then make it in ???

What do you people think ???

[muggle not]

I think these current top 12 drivers will not make it to the Chase:

Kenseth
Reutimann
Kahne
Biffle or Vickers

These drivers currently not in the top 12 will make it.

Johnson......(gotta have rocks in your head to think he will not make it) :)
Hamlin
Burton
Jr..........longshot and the next few races will tell

[harvick#1]

I say Vickers will be in, RBR is just getting better and better, I see them gettin their maiden win soon, either in Texas or Lowes.

David, and Kasey will be out with Johnson and Hamlin getting in.

I also say a sleeper will be Mark Martin, without the bad luck, hed be in the top 10, so I think Biffle will be in trouble

[muggle not]

I say Vickers will be in, RBR is just getting better and better, I see them gettin their maiden win soon, either in Texas or Lowes.

David, and Kasey will be out with Johnson and Hamlin getting in.

I also say a sleeper will be Mark Martin, without the bad luck, hed be in the top 10, so I think Biffle will be in trouble
yeah, I forgot about martin. He has a good chance of recovering the poor start.

[RaceFanStan]

Mark Martin is 34th in the points standings, so he has his work cut-out for him to make the Chase ...
Martin is currently 348 points behind 1st & 189 points behind 12th ...
so Mark could make the Chase IF the 23 drivers ahead of him had major trouble ...
not impossible but highly unlikely, so I think Mark Martin will MISS the 2009 Chase. :s

There are 22 races left until the Chase begins & every race counts ...
the drivers out of the Chase will need to be making big points in all of the races starting NOW !
The competition has several good cars ahead of Mark Martin but I can't see Mark making it. http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/tongue-anim.gif

[Mark in Oshawa]

Martin wont make it. It PAINS me to say that as a life time long Mark Martin fan but I just cant see him getting there. Jr. will need some disasters by the guys up in the top 12 and to win some races to get back into the chance of getting in. The current 12 now seem to be all legit. I don't see Reutimann winning the chase but he is consistent and a threat as is Vickers. Kahne I think is the most likely to drop out of the top 12, mainly because of the Dodge engine that RPM isn't using yet. Kurt Busch proved that new motor makes a difference and I see Kahne out, and Johnson getting in if I am honest. Vickers and Reutimann are the not going to be easy to knock out so unless Hamlin and Burton really go on winning streaks and the Toyota's of Reutimann and Vickers go for a bad run It may already be too late.

Jr. and Martin wont get into the top 15 without a lot of luck IMO

[RaceFanStan]

The drivers that I think will make the Chase in 2009 :
Jeff Gordon
Carl Edwards
Kyle Busch
Greg Biffle
Matt Kenseth
Tony Stewart
Jimmie Johnson
Jeff Burton
Clint Bowyer
Kurt Busch
Kevin Harvick
Kasey Kahne

I think Jeff Gordon & Carl Edwards will have a spirited points battle for the 2009 Cup Championship. http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/eek.gif
(With how good the 24 is running I have say advantage Jeff Gordon.) http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif
(IMO Carl Edwards will pull a Mark Martin & come up 1 spot short AGAIN.) http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bomb.gif

[muggle not]

The drivers that I think will make the Chase in 2009 :
Jeff Gordon
Carl Edwards
Kyle Busch
Greg Biffle
Matt Kenseth
Tony Stewart
Jimmie Johnson
Jeff Burton
Clint Bowyer
Kurt Busch
Kevin Harvick
Kasey Kahne

I think Jeff Gordon & Carl Edwards will have a spirited points battle for the 2009 Cup Championship. http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/eek.gif
(With how good the 24 is running I have say advantage Jeff Gordon.) http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif
(IMO Carl Edwards will pull a Mark Martin & come up 1 spot short AGAIN.) :bomb:
If I read it correct, you are dropping Vickers and Reutimann and adding Johnson and Burton.

[RaceFanStan]

Yes sir, that is correct, I feel Reutimann & Vickers will falter. :D
I am also jumping on the Jeff Gordon "Drive for 5" campaign. :D

[harvick#1]

Vickers will be in, RBR has been getting better every week and alot of the tracks suit the Toyota team since there are so many 1.5 cookie cutters

[wbcobrar]

I agree Vickers will be in , but there are many teams that focus on the cookie cutters. Luck will be a huge contributer this year . With the ban on testing a lot more guess work is put into set up this year . Goodyear is constantly throwing curve balls which will take out good teams as well as bad .

[wbcobrar]

Gordon , Edwards , Kenseth , Kurt and Kyle Busch , Harvick , Stewart , Vickers , Biffile , Johnson , then flip a coin over Hamlin or Burton

[Mark in Oshawa]

Gordon , Edwards , Kenseth , Kurt and Kyle Busch , Harvick , Stewart , Vickers , Biffile , Johnson , then flip a coin over Hamlin or Burton

Burton. RCR is a more consistent operation and I think Denny Hamlin has some serverly underestimated attitude issues that are simmering below the surface. His rise has not only stalled but he has regressed in my opinion and the success of Kyle Busch with the same team is NOT helping his mental frame of mind. Jeff Burton on the other hand...well one of the smartest men in NASCAR and one of the most unflappable. If anyone can claw, scratch and climb back into the top12, it is him.

[willracefan]

you only listed 11 wbcobrar unless you count both burton and hamlin.

[muggle not]

I think these current top 12 drivers will not make it to the Chase:

Kenseth
Reutimann
Kahne
Biffle or Vickers

These drivers currently not in the top 12 will make it.

Johnson......(gotta have rocks in your head to think he will not make it) :)
Hamlin
Burton
Jr..........longshot and the next few races will tell
I am still sticking with my picks. Only change would be Martin for Jr, perhaps.

[Mark in Oshawa]

I am still sticking with my picks. Only change would be Martin for Jr, perhaps.

You too are thinking one but not both will make it?

[ms0362]

I think these current top 12 drivers will not make it to the Chase:

Kenseth
Reutimann
Kahne
Biffle or Vickers

These drivers currently not in the top 12 will make it.

Johnson......(gotta have rocks in your head to think he will not make it) :)
Hamlin
Burton
Jr..........longshot and the next few races will tell

Kenseth will make it. He's one of only two drivers to make the chase every years since it started.

[jslone]

Too me its way to early to talk of the chase.All the other sports talk playoffs and such about a third of the way in thier respective season.

[RaceFanStan]

If I read it correct, you are dropping Vickers and Reutimann and adding Johnson and Burton.
after Race 05 @ Bristol, Vickers is now out & Johnson is now in ...
Reutimann is hanging on & Burton is moving up ...
my Biffle prediction is not looking good ...

2009 Top 25 in points after the 1st 4 races :
Currently IN the Chase :
01 ~ --- ~ 794 points ~ Jeff Gordon
02 ~ +1 ~ 718 points ~ Kurt Busch
03 ~ –1 ~ 715 points ~ Clint Bowyer
04 ~ +3 ~ 709 points ~ Kyle Busch
05 ~ –1 ~ 665 points ~ Carl Edwards
06 ~ +3 ~ 639 points ~ Kasey Kahne
07 ~ –1 ~ 633 points ~ Tony Stewart
08 ~ +6 ~ 631 points ~ Denny Hamlin
09 ~ +4 ~ 627 points ~ Jimmie Johnson
10 ~ –5 ~ 610 points ~ Matt Kenseth
11 ~ +1 ~ 607 points ~ David Reutimann
12 ~ –4 ~ 584 points ~ Kevin Harvick

Currently OUT of the Chase :
13 ~ +2 ~ 579 points ~ Jeff Burton
14 ~ –3 ~ 553 points ~ Brian Vickers
15 ~ +6 ~ 546 points ~ Juan Montoya
16 ~ +4 ~ 532 points ~ A.J. Allmendinger
17 ~ --- ~ 530 points ~ Elliott Sadler
18 ~ –8 ~ 526 points ~ Greg Biffle
19 ~ +5 ~ 518 points ~ Dale Earnhardt Jr.
20 ~ –1 ~ 508 points ~ Martin Truex Jr.
21 ~ –5 ~ 506 points ~ Michael Waltrip
22 ~ +4 ~ 502 points ~ David Stremme
23 ~ --- ~ 500 points ~ Bobby Labonte
24 ~ +4 ~ 495 points ~ Marcos Ambrose
25 ~ --- ~ 488 points ~ Casey Mears

[Oli_M]

I tend to think Kenseth, Reutimann and Harvick will really struggle to hold in the top 12. I have no idea who will (or even could) replace them, but I would guess Burton, Vickers, Biffle are good bets, and Montoya and even AJ have got a shot at it depending how their cars perform.

[djarumdudley]

After five race I thing the current top five of Gordon, the Busch Brothers, Bowyer & Edwards are locks for the Chase. I think Johnson, Hamlin & Kenseth will move up further in the points and hold Chase positions.

From the curren top twelve I see Kahne, Reutimann & Stewart falling out. Kahne's team has proven to be too wildly inconsistent over the years to give me coinfidence of there survival. They'll dominate & win one week and be completly out too lunch with the car spinning three times the next. Reutimann is a year away. He's the class of MWR and wouldn't suprise me if that team won a race or two, but not quite Chase ready. As for Stewart he hasn't showed top five speed and I've got to beleive there are still going to be growing pains for the team. ALso even though he's a quasi-Hendrick team, he's still fifth on that totem pole.

So for the guys to rise up into Chase position, Jeff Burton & Greg Biffle are shoe-ins. If Allmendinger runs the entire season, I really believe he's got a shot to contend. He's been quick, top 20 consistent and bringing the cars home. An amazing improvement. But seeing how sponsorship is an issue for him, Brian Vickers gets in. His RBR team is on the verge of multiple wins.

For the last spot Kevin Harvick will maintain his position. Harvick isn't really fast or tooo flashy, but manages to hang around the right place when it's Chase time.
Here's where I'd like to hedge a little. If anyone displaces Harvick, it'll be Mark Martin. It's a long shot which will require the good runs that team is capable of & no more bad luck.

As of now i've got: Jeff Gordon, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Burton, Greg Biffle, Brian Vickers & Kevin Harvick.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Dj....I like your picks BUT I do think you are giving Hamlin too high a spot and I think we are watching the Roush team struggle. Biffle I think is in trouble. Kahne is still in the top 10 and I think will stay...and I think either Martin OR Junior will make it...Not Both...

[muggle not]

Is everyone overlooking Montoya. He has been creeping up and is now in 14th place.

[RaceFanStan]

after Race 06 @ Martinsville, Reutimann lost ground & should drop-out soon …
Johnson moved up & is really looking like a contender...
my Biffle prediction is looking even more shaky ...

2009 Top 30 in points after the 1st 6 races
Currently IN the Chase :
01 ~ --- ~ 959 points ~ Jeff Gordon
02 ~ +1 ~ 870 points ~ Clint Bowyer
03 ~ –1 ~ 827 points ~ Kurt Busch
04 ~ +5 ~ 817 points ~ Jimmie Johnson
05 ~ +3 ~ 811 points ~ Denny Hamlin
06 ~ –2 ~ 800 points ~ Kyle Busch
07 ~ --- ~ 798 points ~ Tony Stewart
08 ~ –3 ~ 750 points ~ Carl Edwards
09 ~ –3 ~ 745 points ~ Kasey Kahne
10 ~ +2 ~ 714 points ~ Kevin Harvick
11 ~ --- ~ 710 points ~ David Reutimann
12 ~ –2 ~ 704 points ~ Matt Kenseth

Currently OUT of the Chase :
13 ~ --- ~ 697 points ~ Jeff Burton
14 ~ +1 ~ 673 points ~ Juan Montoya
15 ~ +1 ~ 670 points ~ A.J. Allmendinger
16 ~ +3 ~ 660 points ~ Dale Earnhardt Jr. (definitely not out of it, could pull it off & make the Chase)
17 ~ +4 ~ 630 points ~ Michael Waltrip
18 ~ +9 ~ 625 points ~ Ryan Newman (the other Stewart-Haas driver is getting on track)
19 ~ +4 ~ 620 points ~ Bobby Labonte
20 ~ –6 ~ 617 points ~ Brian Vickers (continues to drop)
21 ~ +3 ~ 616 points ~ Marcos Ambrose
22 ~ +6 ~ 609 points ~ Jamie McMurray (a Roush driver trying to get in it)
23 ~ –5 ~ 605 points ~ Greg Biffle (a Roush driver that continues to drop)
24 ~ –7 ~ 600 points ~ Elliott Sadler (continues to drop)
25 ~ –3 ~ 599 points ~ David Stremme
26 ~ –1 ~ 588 points ~ Casey Mears (the newest Childress driver isn’t having a spectacular season)
27 ~ +4 ~ 587 points ~ Mark Martin (picked up a few spots but not looking good for the Chase)
28 ~ –8 ~ 584 points ~ Martin Truex Jr. (major drop in points)
29 ~ –3 ~ 569 points ~ David Ragan (a Roush driver that continues to drop)
30 ~ –1 ~ 569 points ~ Reed Sorenson

We will have to see who survives or takes a major points hit @ Texas tomorrow ... :eek:

[harvick#1]

21 ~ +3 ~ 616 points ~ Marcos Ambrose

:D :up: who was expecting that

[RaceFanStan]

Marcos Ambrose is in a Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota ...
the other 2 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyotas are fairing better than Ambose http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/tongue-anim.gif
11 ~ --- ~ 710 points ~ David Reutimann (currently IN the Chase !) :eek:
17 ~ +4 ~ 630 points ~ Michael Waltrip

[harvick#1]

Marcos Ambrose is in a Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota ...
the other 2 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyotas are fairing better than Ambose http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/tongue-anim.gif
11 ~ --- ~ 710 points ~ David Reutimann (currently IN the Chase !) :eek:
17 ~ +4 ~ 630 points ~ Michael Waltrip

thats exactly saying Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman are in Hendrick equipment also :rolleyes:

[slorydn1]

thats exactly saying Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman are in Hendrick equipment also :rolleyes:


They are :p : :beer:

[RaceFanStan]

thats exactly saying Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman are in Hendrick equipment also :rolleyes:
That is true, Tony's & Ryan's cars are bought from Hendrick MotorSports ...
plus the engines are leased from Hendrick MotorSports ...
It would not be a very big stretch to say Tony's & Ryan's cars are Hendrick MotorSports backed. :D

[muggle not]

Marcos Ambrose is in a Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota ...
the other 2 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyotas are fairing better than Ambose http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/tongue-anim.gif
11 ~ --- ~ 710 points ~ David Reutimann (currently IN the Chase !) :eek:
17 ~ +4 ~ 630 points ~ Michael Waltrip
Ambrose must not have much talent. mikey is even ahead of him. :D

My predictions are still looking pretty good. Give it another 3 or 4 races.

[oldhippie]

i predict the chase drivers will be:
Jeff Gordon
Carl Edwards
Tony Stewart
Kyle Busch
Jimmie Johnson
Matt Kenseth
Jeff Burton
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Clint Bowyer
Denny Hamlin
Kurt Busch
Kevin Harvick

[RaceFanStan]

after Race 07 @ Texas, Reutimann hangs on but should drop-out soon …
Johnson moved up again & looks to challenge Jeff Gordon ... :s
Jeff Burton made it into the Chase as expected but at the cost of his team-mate Harvick …

2009 Top 30 in points after the 1st 07 races

Currently IN the Chase :
01 ~ --- ~ 1154 points ~ Jeff Gordon
02 ~ +2 ~ 0992 points ~ Jimmie Johnson
03 ~ --- ~ 0974 points ~ Kurt Busch
04 ~ –2 ~ 0967 points ~ Clint Bowyer
05 ~ +2 ~ 0963 points ~ Tony Stewart
06 ~ –1 ~ 0938 points ~ Denny Hamlin
07 ~ –1 ~ 0914 points ~ Kyle Busch
08 ~ --- ~ 0889 points ~ Carl Edwards
09 ~ +3 ~ 0864 points ~ Matt Kenseth
10 ~ –1 ~ 0851 points ~ Kasey Kahne
11 ~ --- ~ 0845 points ~ David Reutimann
12 ~ +1 ~ 0835 points ~ Jeff Burton

Currently OUT of the Chase :
13 ~ +1 ~ 0819 points ~ Juan Montoya
14 ~ –4 ~ 0796 points ~ Kevin Harvick (took a big points hit @ Texas, he is now chasing arch-rival Montoya)
15 ~ +8 ~ 0775 points ~ Greg Biffle (now that was more like it, could Biffle be the comeback story of 2009 ?)
16 ~ --- ~ 0768 points ~ Dale Earnhardt Jr. (his current status quo won’t get him in the Chase)
17 ~ +1 ~ 0743 points ~ Ryan Newman
18 ~ +9 ~ 0742 points ~ Mark Martin (moving up, Mark could pass Dale Jr soon)
19 ~ +1 ~ 0737 points ~ Brian Vickers
20 ~ –5 ~ 0731 points ~ A.J. Allmendinger (took a big points hit @ Texas)
21 ~ –4 ~ 0721 points ~ Michael Waltrip (dropping down the standings as most expected)
22 ~ +3 ~ 0720 points ~ David Stremme
23 ~ +3 ~ 0688 points ~ Casey Mears
24 ~ +4 ~ 0672 points ~ Martin Truex Jr.
25 ~ –1 ~ 0667 points ~ Elliott Sadler
26 ~ –7 ~ 0663 points ~ Bobby Labonte (took a big points hit @ Texas)
27 ~ –5 ~ 0658 points ~ Jamie McMurray (took a big points hit @ Texas)
28 ~ –7 ~ 0656 points ~ Marcos Ambrose (took a big points hit @ Texas)
29 ~ --- ~ 0626 points ~ David Ragan
30 ~ --- ~ 0624 points ~ Reed Sorenson

[djarumdudley]

still think Biffle is a no brainer. Glad to see Reutimann hanging in there. Would gladly sacrifice a pick of mine to see him make it, really though he was a year away. Mark Martin is coming on fast. He's a virtual lock with one more good run,

[Mark in Oshawa]

Is there a human being ANYWHERE who watches NASCAR who wouldn't have a tear in his/her eye if Mark Martin was holding that championship trophy at Homestead?

I would give my right arm to see it......well maybe not but you get the idea!

[woody2goody]

I'll go with, in no particular order:

Gordon
Johnson
Bowyer
Montoya
Reutimann
Biffle
Kenseth
Kurt Busch
Kyle Busch
Hamlin
Martin
Vickers

[harvick#1]

Is there a human being ANYWHERE who watches NASCAR who wouldn't have a tear in his/her eye if Mark Martin was holding that championship trophy at Homestead?

I would give my right arm to see it......well maybe not but you get the idea!

I would've in 05 when he retired, but now, no

[Mark in Oshawa]

I would've in 05 when he retired, but now, no

Geeze. I thought you gave up watching NASCAR? You told me not a few days back you were done with it because the racing was no good?

AS for 05, he didn't RETIRE. He said he wanted to race part time. Mark Martin NEVER said a damned word about being out of the sport altogther. What he did want was away from being a full time lackey at Roush Racing and Jack's constant noise in his left ear when he did want to take some time to evaluate his son's possible race career.

Since Matt Martin decided he didn't need the pressure, Mark Martin no longer has any reason to NOT be full time if someone was willing to offer him a ride

[RaceFanStan]

What driver could refuse to race full-time in a Hendrick MotorSports stockcar ???
Mark Martin was offered a top tier ride with a top tier team, he ain't no fool, he jumped on it. :D
IF Mark Martin is to ever win a Cup Championship, his best chance is this year or next with Hendrick MotorSports. :D

[harvick#1]

theres only one problem when going to a Hendrick team, you play third-fiddle to JJ and JG. case in point, Kyle busch.

as for Mark, I've given up watching any of the boring ass Cookie-cutter events, those tracks are perfect for the IRL, but are an absolute disgrace for Nascar, The Nationwide cars atleast prove that the car is the reason for crappy racing

[RaceFanStan]

I think Kyle Busch's problem @ Hendrick was more communication problems than equipment ...
great cars are only a part of a successful driver, he has to have a crewchief & crew that support him ...
plus it seems Kyle Busch matured with Gibbs, lessons learned @ JGR will help him from here on ...
who knows if the more mature Kyle Busch returned to Hendick he could be a contender as he is now ...
however I DON'T think Kyle Busch will return to Hendrick in the near future. ;) :D

[RaceFanStan]

Johnson got closer to Jeff Gordon ... :s
Dale Jr & Kevin Harvick are going the wrong way ̷( NASCAR would have to lock-in the top 20 for them to make it now)
Mark Martin & Greg Biffle are getting ready to stake their claim to a Chase spot ...

2009 Top 25 in points after 1st 08 races
.
Currently IN the Chase :
01 ~ --- ~ 1242 points ~ Jeff Gordon
02 ~ --- ~ 1157 points ~ Jimmie Johnson
03 ~ --- ~ 1144 points ~ Kurt Busch
04 ~ +1 ~ 1138 points ~ Tony Stewart
05 ~ +1 ~ 1088 points ~ Denny Hamlin
06 ~ –2 ~ 1052 points ~ Clint Bowyer
07 ~ --- ~ 1026 points ~ Kyle Busch
08 ~ --- ~ 1023 points ~ Carl Edwards
09 ~ +2 ~ 0992 points ~ David Reutimann
10 ~ --- ~ 0975 points ~ Kasey Kahne
11 ~ +1 ~ 0953 points ~ Jeff Burton
12 ~ –3 ~ 0946 points ~ Matt Kenseth

Currently OUT of the Chase but 18 races to go :
13 ~ +5 ~ 0937 points ~ Mark Martin
14 ~ +1 ~ 0930 points ~ Greg Biffle
15 ~ –2 ~ 0910 points ~ Juan Montoya
16 ~ –2 ~ 0869 points ~ Kevin Harvick
17 ~ --- ~ 0863 points ~ Ryan Newman
18 ~ +1 ~ 0848 points ~ Brian Vickers
19 ~ –3 ~ 0843 points ~ Dale Earnhardt Jr.
20 ~ +2 ~ 0829 points ~ David Stremme
21 ~ +3 ~ 0818 points ~ Martin Truex Jr.
22 ~ +1 ~ 0791 points ~ Casey Mears
23 ~ –3 ~ 0789 points ~ A.J. Allmendinger
24 ~ +3 ~ 0788 points ~ Jamie McMurray
25 ~ –4 ~ 0778 points ~ Michael Waltrip

[woody2goody]

I've always thought Mark Martin would be able to fight for the championship given the right equipment. Now is definitely the time for him. I'm excited about this though, because I've always liked the veteran, and since I've been watching NASCAR, since 07, he's always raced part-time. It'll be good to see him at all the races this year.

I think he's too damn good and consistent NOT to make the Chase.

[muggle not]

martin within 8 points of making the Chase and Kenseth within 8 points of dropping out. :)

[Hoss Ghoul]

What it comes down to is this: Do you really believe a MWR car with Reutimann driving is making the chase?

And a Petty car with Kahne?

[muggle not]

What it comes down to is this: Do you really believe a MWR car with Reutimann driving is making the chase?

And a Petty car with Kahne?
Probably not.

On the other hand who would have thought Montoya would be this close to making it.

[RaceFanStan]

What it comes down to is this: Do you really believe a MWR car with Reutimann driving is making the chase?

And a Petty car with Kahne?

The drivers that I think will make the Chase in 2009 :
Jeff Gordon
Carl Edwards
Kyle Busch
Greg Biffle
Matt Kenseth
Tony Stewart
Jimmie Johnson
Jeff Burton
Clint Bowyer
Kurt Busch
Kevin Harvick
Kasey Kahne

Yeah, I did pick Kahne to make the Chase, if a Petty car makes it in, it would have to be Kahne.
I still expect Reutimann will NOT make the Chase.
The way it is now looking to me, Mark Martin WILL likely make the Chase taking Reutimann's place. :eek:

[Mark in Oshawa]

Stan, I am going to disagree. Reutimann will make the chase. I am thinking Burton wont. I hate saying it, but RCR looks like with the exception of Bowyer, they are in a free fall. If Kenseth doesn't smarten up, He too wont make it.

As for Kahne. If they had that new Dodge motor, he would be there. Even without it, he has done a remarkable job of staying close. Problem is, it likely isn't enough.....

[RaceFanStan]

2009 Top 25 in points after 1st 10 races

Currently IN the Chase after Race 10 @ Darlington :
01. Jeff Gordon 1601 points ---
02. Tony Stewart 1572 points +1 / -029 points
03. Kurt Busch 1546 points -1 / -055 points
04. Jimmie Johnson 1465 points +2 / -136 points
05. Denny Hamlin 1445 points -1 / -156 points
06. Jeff Burton 1384 points +1 / -217 points
07. Kyle Busch 1380 points -2 / -221 points
08. Ryan Newman 1363 points +2 / -238 points
09. Greg Biffle 1345 points +2 / -256 points
10. Matt Kenseth 1326 points +2 / -275 points
11. Mark Martin 1316 points +4 / -285 points
12. Carl Edwards 1271 points -3 / -330 points

Currently OUT of the Chase but 16 races to go :
13. Clint Bowyer 1264 points -5 / -337 points
14. Juan Montoya 1255 points --- / -346 points
15. David Reutimann 1232 points -2 / -369 points
16. Kasey Kahne 1205 points +1 / -396 points
17. Brian Vickers 1188 points -1 / -413 points
18. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1182 points --- / -419 points
19. Martin Truex Jr. 1144 points +2 / -457 points
20. Marcos Ambrose 1131 points -1 / -470 points
21. Kevin Harvick 1109 points +2 / -492 points
22. Casey Mears 1104 points -2 / -497 points
23. Reed Sorenson 1090 points -1 / -511 points
24. Jamie McMurray 1068 points +1 / -533 points
25. A.J. Allmendinger 1059 points +3 / -542 points

as I expected Biffle has made it into the top 12 & Reutimann has dropped-out of the top 12

Still several races before the cut-off at race 26.
Nobody is locked-in yet, Jeff Gordon & Tony Stewart are looking strong so far.

[Lee Roy]

Funny to see Harvick all the way down in 21st.

[NickFalzone]

Juan, Jr, and Bowyer are my 3 bets on making the Chase. Juan because he really wants to, Jr. because he needs to, and Bowyer because he's just too good not to. Hendrick is going to turn things around on the 88 one way or another in these next 16 races.

[Lee Roy]

Funny to see Harvick all the way down in 21st.

Not to offend the fans of Harvick, I meant that as an "ironic" funny and not a "HA HA" funny. Harvick is one of the top shelf drivers out there. Never expected to see him in 21st.

[RaceFanStan]

I think the only driver that may drop out is Kurt Busch.
Not because he isn't a great driver but because his Dodge won't be able to keep-up with the other makes.
IMO if RCR can get back up to speed Clint Bowyer is the most likely driver to make it back in.

[harvick#1]

Not to offend the fans of Harvick, I meant that as an "ironic" funny and not a "HA HA" funny. Harvick is one of the top shelf drivers out there. Never expected to see him in 21st.

RCR hit a huge wall. we'll have to see how he does now that Todd is no longer the CC. but the entire RCR group has been struggling since the CoT came out

[harvick#1]

I think the only driver that may drop out is Kurt Busch.
Not because he isn't a great driver but because his Dodge won't be able to keep-up with the other makes.
IMO if RCR can get back up to speed Clint Bowyer is the most likely driver to make it back in.

I think Penske made a big revamp in the organization. Kurt has a huge lead over 13th place, all he has to do is be consistent.

[Mark in Oshawa]

I think the only driver that may drop out is Kurt Busch.
Not because he isn't a great driver but because his Dodge won't be able to keep-up with the other makes.
IMO if RCR can get back up to speed Clint Bowyer is the most likely driver to make it back in.


Stan...newsflash for you. Dodge's new motor is the REASON Kurt is up there in the points. Penske wont let that team lack resources. Heck, the new motor will likely put Kasey Kahne into the hunt as well, with inferior cars.

Kurt isn't going anywhere. He is a good driver, the new motor gives him the power he needs while being good enough on gas and more efficient, giving them options on taping up the front for downforce ( the old motor needed more air, giving less options on tape) and has a lower CG. What is more, it has been reliable.

[RaceFanStan]

Mark in Oshawa, newsflash to you, Dover will be the 1st race the new Dodge engine is used. http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/icons/tongue-anim.gif

Just so you know, a motor is considerated to be electric, for gasoline it is called an engine.

[RaceFanStan]

2009 Top 25 in points after the 1st 12 races

Currently IN the Chase after Race 12 @ Charlotte :
01. Jeff Gordon 1722 points / --- / ---------------
02. Tony Stewart 1678 points / --- / -044 points
03. Kurt Busch 1607 points / --- / -115 points
04. Jimmie Johnson 1594 points / --- / -128 points
05. Denny Hamlin 1575 points / --- / -147 points
06. Kyle Busch 1540 points / +1 / -182 points
07. Ryan Newman 1538 points / +1 / -184 points
08. Jeff Burton 1472 points / -2 / -250 points
09. Matt Kenseth 1460 points / +1 / -262 points
10. Greg Biffle 1448 points / -1 / -274 points
11. Carl Edwards 1431 points / +1 / -291 points
12. Mark Martin 1428 points / -1 / -294 points

Currently OUT of the Chase but 14 races to go :
13. David Reutimann 1422 points / +2 / -300 points
14. Juan Montoya 1397 points / --- / -325 points
15. Kasey Kahne 1351 points / +1 / -371 points
16. Brian Vickers 1348 points / +1 / -374 points
17. Clint Bowyer 1319 points / -4 / -403 points
18. Martin Truex Jr. 1238 points / +1 / -484 points
19. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1225 points / -1 / -497 points
20. Marcos Ambrose 1216 points / --- / -506 points
21. Jamie McMurray 1168 points / +3 / -554 points
22. Casey Mears 1168 points / --- / -554 points
23. Kevin Harvick 1149 points / -2 / -573 points
24. Reed Sorenson 1148 points / -1 / -574 points
25. Joey Logano 1145 points / +5 / -577 points

David Reutimann is mounting a charge to get back in the chase ...
if Reutimann does make it in one has to wonder which driver will drop out

Clint Bowyer & Kevin Harvick continue to drop the RCR banner on the ground

Dale Jr continues to drop back, it is doubtful a crewchief change will help get him back in the chase

Joey Logano won't make the chase but the rookie is starting to do better & has made the top 25

Nobody is locked-in yet, Jeff Gordon & Tony Stewart are looking very strong at this point.

[muggle not]

Vickers
bowyer
Busch
Reutimann

Will any of them make the chase?
if so, who will drop out?

[Jonesi]

The remaining races before the Chase are Bristol, Atlanta & Richmond. With two short tracks probably no one from 7th on down is safe. One 30th or worse and they could be out. I think maybe one out driver will make it in, but it could easily be Vickers, Bowyer or Busch, that extra 48 points is probably too much for Reutimann. Best guess on who drops out Biffle or Kenseth.

[harvick#1]

Vickers
bowyer
Busch
Reutimann

Will any of them make the chase?
if so, who will drop out?

want vickers or bowyer in and Martin out. just cause I'm not a fan of his since 2005

[muggle not]

Vickers
Bowyer
Busch
Reutimann

Will any of them make the chase?
if so, who will drop out?
Drivers most likely to drop out, in no particular order:
Newman
Martin
Biffle
Kenseth

My guess is that either Biffle or Kenseth will drop out and either Vickers or Bowyer will replace them. Vickers has the best chance I believe.