Drivers with multiple wins and who cannot fall out of the top 30 in points have clinched a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, assuming they attempt to qualify for the remaining races. After Pocono, seven fit that category: #88-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #2-Brad Keselowski, #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #99-Carl Edwards, #22-Joey Logano and #4-Kevin Harvick. If there is a repeat 2014 winner this weekend, any driver with one win and a locked-up top 30 spot will clinch a spot in the Chase. Potentials: #18-Kyle Busch, #11-Denny Hamlin, #43-Aric Almirola and #41-Kurt Busch.
If there is a new winner, a good bit of math will come into play post-race. Kyle Busch, the highest ranked of the one-win drivers, could potentially lock up a spot with only one win (though it would be difficult). If #20-Matt Kenseth, who has clinched a top-30 spot, wins, he could be high enough in points to clinch a spot, even though it would be his first win. The same applies to #31-Ryan Newman and #15-Clint Bowyer. For Kenseth, Newman and Bowyer, a win would clinch them if they have enough points to guarantee a points position ahead of the lowest ranked winner after Richmond. After Watkins Glen, the clinching driver must be 193 points ahead of 31st place.(NASCAR.com)(8-8-2014)
