Reality of the NASCAR 26-race regular season sets in, and the fall-back motto of “It’s still early” goes away quickly. And right now, it’s gone. This portion of the season can be described as the “playoff push.” Officially, it’s coined “The Race To The Chase.” Drivers need to take advantage of the few opportunities left in this regular season. Only 10 races remain between now and the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
These 10 races  at 10 different tracks  provide a unique blend for competitors and fans. Some of the most unique and historic venues are represented. Some highlights: Daytona, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Watkins Glen, Bristol  the list goes on.
Wild Card fever will likely sweep the garage  and fans’ consciousness  during this critical portion of the schedule.
After race No. 26 at Richmond, the top 10 drivers in points are locked into the 12-driver Chase field. Spots 11 and 12 go to those drivers outside the top 10 with the most wins, provided they are in the top 20. Each contender is a potential storyline unto himself.
Tony Stewart: Currently 12th, Stewart owns the top average Driver Rating at the upcoming 10 tracks (102.5). Overall, he has 22 wins at the upcoming 10 tracks, second only to Jeff Gordon’s 35 among drivers in the top 20.
Denny Hamlin: A 37th-place finish dropped him outside the top 10. But the stay shouldn’t linger  Hamlin has nine wins and a Driver Rating of 99.4 at the upcoming 10 tracks.
Greg Biffle: Now 13th, Biffle has five wins and 54 top 10s at the next 10 tracks.
Juan Pablo Montoya: A couple of wins over the next 10 races isn’t out of the question. He won last year’s race at Watkins Glen, has a runner-up at Indianapolis and three top 10s at Daytona.
Jamie McMurray: A two-time winner at Daytona, McMurray has to make up 55 points to get into the top 20.
A key storyline from outside the top 20 is worth notingÂ
Brad Keselowski: With a win, he’s an immediate Wild Card contender. Now he needs to land in the top 20 Â he’s currently 22nd, 12 points out.(NASCAR)(6-30-2011)
