Ya know, this race is a lot like presidential election (yeah, I’m getting political, but it’s my blog, so there). While it appears the top drivers have some breathing room between themselves and the rest of the crowd, there’s still time left and still a very real possibility that anything can happen.
Will there be an “October Surprise” in the 2008 Chase for the Cup? I wouldn’t rule it out.
#5- Kevin Harvick- While the other spots were a no-brainer, this spot was hard to determine. I give Harvick credit for hanging tough in spite of numerous car issues, though quite honestly, I don’t see Happy hanging with the big boys long. Another strong finish for Kyle Busch could revive his long odds title run.
#4- Carl Edwards- Another week like he had at Lowe’s and Edwards could be watching his hopes go up in smoke. He’s got the wins, but his head is scrambled after the Harvick run-in and the mechanical problems at Charlotte. If he can pull himself together, he’ll go right back to being a serious Cup contender.
#3- Greg Biffle- Another week, another solid run for jack Roush’ equivalent to Jeff Burton. While his 7th place finish couldn’t close the gap on Jimmie Johnson, and while Jeff Burton’s win moved the “31″ team past Biffle, the 38-year-old is running strong and well-poised to capitalize if Johnson or Burton slip up.
#2- Jeff Burton- His head is very right. Burton told MRN reporters today that his team’s goal is just to go out and have fun and not get themselves in a bundle over a bad practice or qualifying run. The veteran RCR driver is very loose right now, and given his maturity, the formula works. It’s easy to forget with all the attention that’s been focused on Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson and Greg Biffle, but Burton was at one early stage the points leader. His conservative Matt Kenseth-style approach works very well for gaining points.
#1- Jimmie Johnson- Who else? Only a bad week is really going to hurt him. It’s hadr to imagine the “48″ team slipping up. By the same token, anything can happen. Johnson appeared to have equipment issues in practice at Lowe’s but overcame to run a very solid 6th. It’s too close to say ithe title is Johnson’s to lose, but the other guys are going to have to stay hot, and Jimmie will have to slip. Hard to imagine that happening.
In the pack: Kyle Busch got the kind of finish he needed to revive his hopes. I wouldn’t count out any team backed by Joe Gibbs and Toyota. Clint Bowyer is 5th in the points, but like his RCR stable mate Harvick, the Kansan can’t close the gap. Youngsters David Ragan and Brian Vickers are ready to bust out.
Fading away: Dale Jr. has to turn it around this weak to be taken seriously as a Chase contender, but it’s still better than he was last year, and his current problems are more due to a lack of luck than anything else. Same for KeMatty Kenseth. Jeff Gordon has flashes of brilliance but can’t close the deal.
5 down 5 to go. This is not a done deal for anyone.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Jimmymac….very interesting read but gotta agree…..anything is possible…..all it takes is some good luck runs for others and bad luck runs for the any of them and we could have a new champion…..
I’m won’t venture a guess at who that will be but it would be great if Jeff Burton could win a championship……he’s been tryin for many years and come very close a few times….I think he deserves one…he’s a good driver and races everyone with respect and decently..
sorry….FFS…messed up my email…..so I fixed it and left this comment..