#29-Kevin Harvick and #24-Jeff Gordon have already clinched berths in the 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup. A number of drivers can add their names to that coveted list. Leaving Atlanta, a driver must be 196 points ahead of 13th place to officially clinch a spot in the Chase. A few seem likely to do that; others have a chance; still others might have to wait until Richmond to cement a spot. Here’s the breakdown:
There’s no such thing as a sure thing. But these guys are as close as it gets. Below are the finishing positions each driver would need to guarantee a Chase spot this weekend, regardless of how any other driver finishes:
3) #18-Kyle Busch
40th or better, no laps led
42nd or better, at least one lap led
43rd or better, most laps led
4) #99-Carl Edwards
21st or better, no laps led
23rd or better, at least one lap led
25th or better, most laps led
5) #11-Denny Hamlin
20th or better, no laps led
22nd or better, at least one lap led
23rd or better, most laps led
Likely Candidates – Here are a few drivers who have a better than average shot at clinching this weekend:
6) #14-Tony Stewart
19th or better, no led
21st or better, at least one lap led
23rd or better, most laps led
7) #31-Jeff Burton
17th or better, no laps led
19th or better, at least one lap led
21st or better, most laps led
8) #17-Matt Kenseth
15th or better, no laps led
17th or better, at least one lap led
19th or better, most laps led
Finally there are the remaining drivers who can clinch this weekend. They may have to wait until Richmond to lock up their spot:
9) #48-Jimmie Johnson
10th or better, no laps led
11th or better, at least one lap led
13th or better, most laps led
10) #2-Kurt Busch
9th or better, no laps led
10th or better, at least one lap led
11th or better, most laps led
11) #16-Greg Biffle
4th or better, no laps led
5th or better, at least one lap led
7th or better, most laps led
12) #33-Clint Bowyer
Currently 100 points ahead of 13th, Bowyer would need to gain 96 points. Therefore, there is no finish that would guarantee a Chase spot. He would need to finish strong, and get some help.(NASCAR)(8-31-2010)
