When a driver clinches his spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, they receive a commemorative black and yellow hat with the 2012 Chase logo emblazoned on it. So far, no one’s in possession of that hat.
Ten drivers in all have a mathematical chance at clinching a Chase spot. Seven can secure a top-10 berth in the Chase this Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway. Regardless of what any other driver does, points leader #16-Greg Biffle will clinch with a finish of 28th with no laps led, 29th with at least one lap led and 30th with the most laps led. The scenario for #17-Matt Kenseth is eighth with no laps led, ninth with at least one lap led and 10th with most laps led. #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr. lands a spot in the postseason with finishes of sixth with no laps led, seventh with at least one lap led and eighth with the most laps led. Five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion #48-Jimmie Johnson will punch his Chase ticket with a victory or second-place finish while leading the most laps.
#2-Brad Keselowski, #56-Martin Truex Jr. and #15-Clint Bowyer also can reserve spots in the Chase but are not yet in charge of the their own destinies. The magic number is 97. Any driver 97 points ahead of 11th place leaving Bristol will officially clinch a top 10 spot. Those who can clinch at least a Wild Card: Keselowski, #14-Tony Stewart, #11-Denny Hamlin, #5-Kasey Kahne and #15-Clint Bowyer. A win and Keselowski and Stewart are in. Hamlin, Kahne and Bowyer have to win on Saturday night, and get some help.(NASCAR)(8-23/25-2012)
CLINCHED: #16-Biffle, #48-Johnson and #88-Earnhardt Jr. have clinched a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.(8-25-2012)
