#11-Denny Hamlin’s 15-point margin over #48-Jimmie Johnson is the thinnest in seven years of the Chase. Also, this is the first year since 2006 that more than one challenger has had a mathematical chance in the last race. Four challengers had a chance in 2004 and 2006. #29-Kevin Harvick’s 46-point deficit for third place is the second smallest in history, bettered only in 2004 when Jeff Gordon trailed leader Kurt Busch by only 21 entering Homestead.
Denny Hamlin’s 1402 points scored in nine races ranks fourth in seven Chases. Jimmie Johnson’s torrid 1521-point pace in 2007 ranks as the best and Johnson’s 1287 in 2006 is the lowest point total after nine as a leader.
Since Ford won the first Chase in 2004, Chevrolet has reeled off six straight titles. The bowtie brigade has two entries in contention, but Toyota leads by 15 with a great shot at its first Cup championship.
Denny Hamlin has finished ahead of Jimmie Johnson in four straight Chase finales at Homestead. It should be noted, however, that Johnson was protecting the title lead in each of thos e races and was pursuing a conservative race strategy. Hamlin won the 2009 Homestead race, but was out of mathematical contention entering the race. If Denny Hamlin loses the title at Homestead, it would be the first time that has happened, but the margin has never been this close and Kurt Busch won by only 8 points in 2004.
See race-by-race, all chase standings after 9 races and more on Chase Stats after Phoenix page and see history of the Chase, classics points systems each year and more on the Chase Rules and History page.(11-19-2010)
