Four positions in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup are up for grabs in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway. This number does not include Kurt Busch, who only needs to start the race to clinch a berth. Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Greg Biffle, Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin have clinched spots in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Stewart has clinched the top spot in the 10-race “Chase,” no matter what happens in Richmond.
Jeremy Mayfield will clinch a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup with a finish of 39th place or better in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway, no matter where any other competitor finishes.
Carl Edwards will clinch a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup with a finish of 19th place or better in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway, no matter where any other competitor finishes.
Matt Kenseth and Jamie McMurray are 9th and 10th respectfully with Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon, Elliott Sadler, Dale Jarrett, Kevin Harvick and Joe Nemechek still mathematically eligible for the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.
The maximum point gain that a driver can have in a race over a fellow competitor who also starts that race is 156. Therefore, it is mathematically possible for drivers who are currently in positions 11 through 16 to race their way into the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.(NASCAR)(9-7-2005)
