NASCAR at Chicago 2014: Latest NASCAR Team News, Top Drivers and More
Chicago is where the fun starts.
After 26 races during the regular season, the Chase for the Sprint Cup is finally here. And thanks to a victory for Brad Keselowski in Richmond, the 2012 champion carries the points lead into NASCAR's postseason.
The win marked the Penske driver's fourth of the season, putting him ahead of every other contender. But with the numbers resetting heading into the Chase, Keselowski has 2,012 points—ironic, isn't it?—and is ahead of 16th-place Ryan Newman by just 12.
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That separation also places the Hendrick trio of Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson just behind him. With 10 championships between Gordon and Johnson, both will be strong contenders after collecting three wins apiece.
Before the first race of the Chase gets underway, here's a look at the schedule, latest team news and drivers to watch for the MyAFibStory.com 400.
Race Information
Where: Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, Illinois
When: Sunday, Sept. 14, 2 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: Motor Racing Network
| 1 | Brad Keselowski | 2012 | 4 | 11 | 13 |
| 2 | Jeff Gordon | 2009 | 3 | 9 | 17 |
| 3 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | 2009 | 3 | 11 | 16 |
| 4 | Jimmie Johnson | 2009 | 3 | 8 | 16 |
| 5 | Joey Logano | 2009 | 3 | 10 | 15 |
| 6 | Kevin Harvick | 2006 | 2 | 8 | 13 |
| 7 | Carl Edwards | 2006 | 2 | 6 | 11 |
| 8 | Kyle Busch | 2003 | 1 | 6 | 9 |
| 9 | Denny Hamlin | 2003 | 1 | 6 | 11 |
| 10 | Kurt Busch | 2003 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| 11 | Kasey Kahne | 2003 | 1 | 3 | 10 |
| 12 | Aric Almirola | 2003 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| 13 | AJ Allmendinger | 2003 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 14 | Matt Kenseth | 2000 | 0 | 10 | 16 |
| 15 | Greg Biffle | 2000 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| 16 | Ryan Newman | 2000 | 0 | 2 | 10 |
Latest Team News
There is no bigger news right now for nearly every team than focusing on the Chase. While much of the focus will be on teams like Hendrick and Penske—for obvious reasons—several small crews are also in the playoffs.
AJ Allmendinger represents JTG Daugherty Racing by virtue of his victory at Watkins Glen. Aric Almirola is the lone driver for Richard Petty Motorsports thanks to his first win at Daytona. Though neither will likely win the championship, there is no shortage of Cinderella stories in this new bracket.
In fact, Allmendinger is happy to be overlooked heading in, per Mark Garrow of PRN:
But with an emphasis put on winning during the Chase as well, the perceived underdogs will likely need one to make the final rounds.
The first three rounds of the Chase will be divided up into three races before the final showdown in Miami with just four contenders remaining. In order to advance out of the Challenger Round before the Kansas race, drivers will either need a victory or to finish in the top 12 in points.
After blistering the field all season, Bob Pockrass of Sporting News believes the Chase will come down to Hendrick and Penske:
"Drivers always say not to count anyone out. That’s the nature of competition and a competitor’s focus of not overlooking anyone.
But it’s hard to ignore the heavyweights: Keselowski has four victories, with teammate Joey Logano having three. Hendrick’s Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Johnson each have three wins while Kasey Kahne has one. SHR’s Kevin Harvick, who has had a dominant car at various times this year, has two wins while teammate Kurt Busch has one. Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush Fenway have just two wins apiece.
"
Much like the regular season, a checkered flag secures a berth into the next round. As the Chase gets started on Sunday afternoon, expect an all-out brawl between the top contenders to clinch their spot in the the Contender Round.
Top Drivers
Brad Keselowski
If Keselowski truly is in 2012 form, a win at Chicagoland would prove it.
During that season, Keselowski dominated nearly every other driver on the track on a weekly basis. But his performance in Joliet saw him lead 76 laps, more than his other four starts combined.
After missing out on the Chase last season, Keselowski has been driving inspired in 2014 and is set on winning a second title. He spoke about how last year's struggles have helped him this season, per Dustin Long of MRN:
"I think last year was a bit of a kick in the butt. It’s not what you want, but it was enough to really push you and find another level. We did a great job in 2012, but in the sports world you have to keep progressing and everyone else progressed and we didn’t. …
It seems like everybody seems to find another level when it comes time for the Chase.
"
In order to continue, Keselowski will likely just have to continue the success he's endured this season. While other drivers are looking for that next level, the No. 2 team has appeared to be a step ahead of everyone else all season.
Outside of maybe Gordon, Keselowski has been one of the most consistent forces in the race to the Chase. Continuing that success will be crucial, however, with just 12 spots remaining before Kansas.
Matt Kenseth
Wait, a driver who hasn't won all season is miraculously going to rise to the occasion when the Chase starts? If anyone can do it, Matt Kenseth will.
The 2003 champion came up just short to Johnson last season and has yet to win this year. But with the most recent victory at Chicago to his credit, Kenseth heads in as one of the favorites.
Kenseth's closest chance at a win this season came in Atlanta, but it was dashed by Kasey Kahne. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver referenced that close finish prior to the Richmond race, per NASCAR on ESPN:
"Kenseth, who clinched a Chase berth: "We did all we could (to hold off Kahne). Things are looking up; I'm looking forward to the next 11."
— NASCAR on ESPN (@ESPNNASCAR) September 1, 2014"
Struggles this season to close out races have hurt Kenseth, but he has remained one of the most consistent drivers in NASCAR. If he can find a way to clean air and get some help from his JGR teammates, this might just be the race that changes his season.
Kevin Harvick
I'll admit, it's been a pretty consistent theme to have Kevin Harvick on the list of drivers to watch the last few weeks. While those predictions have yet to come to fruition, he has a pretty good chance in Joliet.
After all, he is the only active driver with multiple wins at the track who remains in the Chase. Tony Stewart may have three victories at Chicagoland, but it's Harvick who has been the stronger driver for Stewart-Haas Racing this season.
Along with his two wins, Harvick also has seven top fives during his 12 races at the track. The man in the No. 4 machine has the second-best driver rating of 106.7 this season despite several disappointing finishes due to car issues.
He's consistently had one of the fastest cars every time he's hit the track, so it will likely come down to skill in Chicago for Harvick. If he can stay on the track, expect a strong run for Harvick with the potential for a third win at Chicagoland and on the season.
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