The question has to be asked: who currently outside the Top 12 can mount a challenge to displace one of the current occupants? Dale Jr. might dink his way into the Top 12, especially if someone falters, and he might have to, with only one top five and four Top 10s in 16 races. Clint Bowyer is capable but the #33 car of late has been mediocre at best. Kasey Kahne, a lame duck in the #9 car, lurks 151 points out in 18th place, and is capable of scoring points in bunches. Who might fall out of the top 12? Mark Martin (+72) and Carl Edwards (+57) have to rank at the top of the list. Neither has a podium finish [top 3] this year, but Mark outdoes Carl in top 5s, 5-1. Edwards has been getting by on avoiding disaster. Kevin Harvick sits comfortably atop the standings, 459 points ahead of 13th place, and 24 spots better than last year. See more stats, year-to-year comparison and more on my Chase Stats page or info about the Chase on my 2010 Chase News, Rules and History page.(6-25-2010)
