Heres a look at how close things have been after three races in previous Chases:

2009: Six drivers within 100 points of lead
2008: Three drivers within 100 points of lead
2007: Three drivers within 100 points of lead
2006: Five drivers within 100 points of lead
2005: Five drivers within 100 points of lead (a sixth was exactly 100 back)
2004: Four drivers within 100 points of lead/(Virginian-Pilot)(10-5-2009)