which was the greatest “Race to the Chase” in the five year history? That’s easy. The inaugural Race to the Chase in 2004 saw three drivers outside the Top 10 with three races to go, make it in: Jeremy Mayfield, Mark Martin and Ryan Newman. They unseated Kevin Harvick, Bobby Labonte and Kasey Kahne. Current positions 6-12 still aren’t safe, although Tony Stewart (6th), Greg Biffle (7th) and Kevin Harvick (8th) all look good with three to go. From there, it gets real dicey and the danger lurking on every lap at Bristol will keep these drivers and teams on edge. 9-Jeff Gordon +82 is a Bristol ace but this team is struggling 10-Matt Kenseth +74 is also usually very good at BMS, but is too close for comfort. 11-Kasey Kahne +47 has finished 2nd and 7th in his last two Bristol starts, but early summer hot streak seems like a while ago. 12-Denny Hamlin +26 has dropped five spots in five races and frustration is evident with driver and team. #18-Kyle Busch clinched a Chase spot at Michigan last week. The Magic number after Bristol is 391 points over 13th place and at California it is 196 over 13th place. See more on my 2008 Chase Stats page.(8-21-2008)
