In two out of three years, only two drivers in the top 10 at the halfway point failed to make The Chase field. Last year, only one: Tony Stewart, fell out and Denny Hamlin raced his way in. Only Matt Kenseth has come from farther than 100 points out at halfway to make the field. In 2005, Matt roared back from 278 points out of 10th at halfway, making up 12 spots and making the field in 9th position with a 125-point cushion over 11th-place Elliott Sadler. Remember, if you’re safely in The Chase, the only thing that matters over the next 13 races is wins. Each one equals 10 precious Chase points. Only three drivers can make it a perfect four-out-of-four in making The Chase field each year since the debut in 2004: 1. #48-Jimmie Johnson; 2. #17-Matt Kenseth; and 3. #01-Mark Martin. For more see my Chase Stats page.(6-8-2007)
