This is where it all comes down to 1 race to make the Chase and with at least 13 drivers mathematically eligible to make the Chase. The race at Richmond International Raceway was a wild card all on its own.
David Reutimann earned his first pole in over 2 years and would lead the field to green.
Finally happy Harvick…
When Kevin Harvick qualifies well he tends to run well and Saturday night was no different. He qualified up near the front and he ran there for much of the night. As the race wore on pit strategies came into effect Harvick was getting better and better
He got passed late by Jeff Gordon but a caution for Paul Menard and a fast pit stop saw him restart ahead of Gordon and were able to hold off Carl Edwards for his fourth win of the season. Harvick’s win ties him atop the standings with Kyle Busch.
Ready, Set, Chase…
The field is set and heading into Chicagoland next weekend the 12 drivers who will challenge for the title are Kyle Busch, Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Edwards, Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin will run for the title.
Unlike in years past there really is not a favorite. Some would say Ky. Busch others will say Gordon but honestly this is as wide open as it has ever been. This is setting this up to be a very impressive and exciting run to the title this season.
A new point system and wildcards has changed the Chase completely and the fans are going to continue to reap the benefits.
Wrecked Red Bull…
This season has been a challenge for the Red Bull Racing duo of Brian Vickers and Kasey Kahne. Both drivers were expected to contend for the Chase but both have suffered through bad luck and dismal finishes. Still they had an outside chance at the Chase heading into RIR.
Kahne’s troubles started early when Gordon got into the back of him and spun him. Kahne had some damage to rear and made repairs. On Lap 51, Vickers, Kahne and Marcos Ambrose took it three wide.
Contact between Vickers and Ambrose saw Vickers and Kahne make contact. Kahne’s night was over but Vickers returned the favor to Ambrose spinning under caution. Vickers went to the garage but was told to report to the NASCAR hauler following the race. It was another dismal race for a team with a very uncertain future ahead.
Lug Nuts…
-Casey Mears finished a season best 17th.
-Clint Bowyer had a strong racecar but early contact and damage took him out of the equation early. He wound up finishing 22nd.
- Keselowski finished 12th.
-Joey Logano engine struggles continued as they blew an engine late in the race and finished 35th.
For the rest of the race results click here and for the reset and standings following RIR click here.
Next up is Chicagoland Speedway, next Sunday at 2 ET on ESPN.
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