With the second year in the 12-team Chase format, more current members of the top 12 are within one race of dropping out than this time last year, 7 to 2. More outside the top 12 are within one race of the top 12, 5 to last year’s 2. Even though there’s 10 long races to go, #17-Matt Kenseth finally made it to the top 12 with his 8th at Infineon. Just five races ago, Kenseth had fallen back to 20th place, but was still only 153 points out. He’s just two ahead of #29-Kevin Harvick, but momentum seems to be with the #17 as they bid to join #48-Jimmie Johnson and the #48 as the only two teams to make all five Chases. Harvick is in a free fall, having dropped four spots and being outscored by Kenseth by 283 points over the last five. Loudon is a good track for the #29 and they desperately need a strong finish. #9-Kasey Kahne fell back from a pole start to a 33rd finish, losing 67 points to 13th place. Hamlin turned in a 27th after a late mishap and lost 54 points. Both are within one race of dropping out of the top 12. Hamlin won the first New Hampshire race last year and a top five Sunday would rejuvenate his team at just the right time. See full chase stas on my Chase Stats after Sonoma page.(6-25-2008)
