Only #33-Clint Bowyer is within one race of dropping out of the Top 12 with two to go, and nine drivers could clinch at Atlanta. This ties 2007, when only one driver was within range of dropping out. While #48-Jimmie Johnson’s ninth in the standings with two go before the Chase is the lowest positon he’s had in the seven years of the Chase, his 3077 points is still 18 ahead of the same point in 2007, and he went on to win his second championship that year. #1-Jamie McMurray may run out of time in chasing down Clint Bowyer, but he has made a great run, picking up five spots over the last five races and outscoring Bowyer by 81 points. #29-Kevin Harvick clinched at Michigan. #24-Jeff Gordon clinched at Bristol. After Atlanta [Sunday, Sept 5th] a 196 points margin over the driver in 13th place is needed to clinch a spot in The Chase.
For season-to-season comparison after 24 races, current standings and more, see my Chase Stats after Bristol page. And for Chase history, how the ‘old system’ would had played out and more, see my 2010 Chase Rules and News page.(8-26-2010)
