The Race for the Chase is Heating up

Tony Stewart is breathing a little easier after securing his invitation to NASCAR’s postseason showdown last weekend during the race at Michigan. Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson will be competing Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway. They need a sixth and second place respectively to book their spots for the Chase and you can expect them to run a fast and controlled race. Winning is always the goal but with the Chase being so important to NASCAR these days, expect them to stay within themselves and not take any unnecessary chances that could cost them their berth in the Chase.

Tony Stewart has clinched a position in the Chase

Kyle Busch on the other hand is watching the sand fall in the hour glass and with only three races remaining before the showdown. He’s starting to realize that he has to make a move if he wants to make the Chase and avoid the embarrassment of not making the Chase. He’ll have to deal with a hard charging and confident Brian Vickers, who sees a position in the Chase within his reach. Juan Montoya only needs to coast to make it to the Chase, so he’ll probably just stay out of the way of any trouble. Mark Martin has been hanging on the last few races and he probably just needs to have an average race and keep his car out of trouble to make it to the Chase.

The jostling for position has definitely started, we can expect a little energy and excitement in the three remaining races as the drivers who need to make up ground push the pedal to the floor. The Chase is doing what it was designed to do and adding energy and excitement to the end of the year. The Chase has been a good thing for NASCAR but even good things can be better. Without the Chase, Tony Stewart would be 284 points in front of his nearest competitor and you wouldn’t be hearing the sound of screaming engines when you walk in the room, just the sound of the channel being changed.

The owners and operators of Bristol can smile at full stands of NASCAR fans anticipating a battle for the Chase and Atlanta in two weeks can hope for the same. Add to this the fact that the television ratings for last week’s Michigan race were increased over last year’s numbers and the Chase is a good thing.

“Image: Zuma Press”