#99-Carl Edwards’ big win at Bristol clinched him a spot in his second Chase after missing in 2006. #20-Tony Stewart’s fourth got him back in the Chase (his third) after failing to make it in 2006. #17-Matt Kenseth limped home to a 39th, but became the first driver to make all four Chases. #48-Jimmie Johnson can join Kenseth in this very elite club, and will probably clinch his fourth in his home state of California. #07-Clint Bowyer had a very strong third-place finish at Bristol and all but assured himself a spot in his first Chase in his sophomore year. It was also his first podium finish of the season and could be a sign the #07 is ready to challenge for a win. The real magic number for Harvick, Truex Jr. and Kurt Busch is 161 as that is the most they can lose in one race if they start it, so that’s the key number advantage over 13th place they want to come out of California with next Sunday night. If so, there will be only one story at Richmond, and that will be who wins the race and pockets 10 more points for the Chase. (Magic number is +196 over 13th coming out of California) Clinch candidates at California: Johnson +338, Burton +333, Kyle Busch +303, Bowyer +223, Harvick +167, Truex +166, Kurt Busch +158. For more see my Chase Stats after Bristol page.(8-28-2007)
