Let the Chase begin
Before we begin with today's installment of the power rankings, there were two clarifications from Through The Gear Box that was published in the sports section.
In discussion of how NASCAR made a mistake by taking 12 instead of 10 for this year's Chase for the Nextel Cup, a paragraph was missing. The fourth paragraph ended with the word "rid."
Here's what was next, a thought on how NASCAR's goof was magnified Saturday night:
Not only did the miracle never come, Junior blew out his engine with five laps to go, basically giving Harvick a free ride into the field.
Had NASCAR not messed with a good thing, the battle for 10th would have been the story of the year. Four drivers – Harvick, Kurt Busch, Clint Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr. – were separated by only 38 points from 9th to 12th heading into Saturday.
And in the infobox on page B4, the outlook portion for Kurt Busch was missing. Here's his outlook for the 2007 Chase:
Like Edwards, Busch missed last year’s Chase and broke a long winless drought with his dominating Pocono run. He also made the 100-point penalty for his pit-road encounter with Tony Stewart at Dover a non-issue in a hurry.
Now, with that out of the way, on to the power rankings after the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 from Richmond International Raceway.
1. Jimmie Johnson: Defending champ certainly looking worthy of first repeat since Gordon in 1997-98
2. Jeff Gordon: Hasn't seen a top-10 since Watkins Glen. Drive for five has stalled.
3. Tony Stewart: Going for his third title in six seasons.
4. Carl Edwards: Season took flight after Michigan win in June.
5. Kurt Busch: New crew chief in Pat Tryson has revived Busch's season, along with two wins.
6. Denny Hamlin: Lone win of '07 came at New Hampshire in July.
7. Martin Truex, Jr.: New face of DEI has three top-10s in last five races.
8. Matt Kenseth: His 2003 title run is the reason the Chase exists today.
9. Kyle Busch: Will he ever love the Car of Tomorrow?
10. Jeff Burton: His sponsor is finally on his hood, but he's looking for one good win.
11. Kevin Harvick: If the Chase were for 10, the Daytona 500 champ wouldn't be in it.
12. Clint Bowyer: Poster child for what this year's Chase means. He's well behind the 8-ball already.
Ten races. 3,227 laps run over 4,093 miles. One champion to be left standing at Homestead.
The Chase is on. Strap yourself in for one wild ride.
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