The 2015 NASCAR season has gone quickly so far, there is only one more race left before the start of The Chase or what many call the playoffs. So far it seems like the Joe Gibbs Racing teams are the ones to beat as they have all done very well this season so far and still look strong.
With the start of The Chase looming right around the corner, there are a few teams that are scrambling to get in on those final few spots. With eleven different drivers winning that leaves just five spots open. The best way for anyone to get in, of course, is to win since it will guarantee you a spot and because of their points position, some drivers need a win to get in.
This is what The Chase looks like so far:
- Jimmie Johnson – 4 wins (Atlanta, Texas, Kansas & Dover)
- Kyle Busch – 4 wins (Sonoma, Kentucky, New Hampshire & Indianapolis)
- Joey Logano – 3 wins (Daytona, Watkins Glen & Bristol)
- Matt Kenseth – 3 wins (Bristol, Pocono & Michigan)
- Kevin Harvick – 2 wins (Las Vegas & Phoenix)
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 2 wins (Talladega & Daytona)
- Kurt Busch – 2 wins (Richmond & Michigan)
- Carl Edwards – 2 wins (Charlotte & Darlington)
- Brad Keselowski – 1 win (California)
- Martin Truex Jr. – 1 win (Pocono)
- Denny Hamlin – 1 win (Martinsville)
- Jamie McMurray 726 points
- Ryan Newman 714 points
- Jeff Gordon 700 points
- Paul Menard 692 points
- Clint Bowyer 682 points
Anyone else outside this list is 30 points or more out, so drivers like Kasey Kahne, Kyle Larson and Austin Dillon absolutely need a win in order to get in, there is absolutely no way for them to get in otherwise.
Kyle Busch was impressive getting himself in The Chase after missing eleven races this season due to an injury in the Daytona Xfinity race at the start of the season. For special circumstances NASCAR waves the requirement of the driver having to be entered in every race, they did this last season also for Denny Hamlin. Kyle Busch not only came back and won, but won 4 races so far this season and got himself in the to 30 in points, the only other two requirements. Some say it’s not fair since other drivers raced every race, but I say if he could get himself in the top 30 after missing eleven races, good for him and he deserves it.
All eyes will be on the final spots in The Chase going into Richmond and it puts a lot of pressure on the teams in the bottom five spots in The Chase and those just outside The Chase. Richmond is generally a pretty exciting race as it is, but add the drama for it being the final race to get into The Chase and it makes it that much more exciting.
After Richmond starts The Chase and every three races, the bottom four get eliminated until the get to Homestead where the final four drivers will contend for the win. The pressure is on and the excitement level for the fans is high during all Chase races. Unlike during the season where one bad race can be made up for, during The Chase, one bad race will see you basically eliminated.
As of right now, Jeff Gordon is in and many would like to see him win the championship in his final year. While he is in right now, he’s had a fairly lackluster season but it’s not because of his driving ability, you can only do so much with what you’re given.
So, who will win The Chase? Only time will tell, but these final eleven races of the season should prove to be good!