NASCAR Power Rankings: Richmond

(Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Note: the quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Jimmie Johnson—Johnson was quick early, but loose handling conditions that developed on long runs later in the race unhinged his chances for victory. He finished 11th in the Chevy Rock And Roll 400, and starts the Chase 10 points behind Mark Martin.

"It doesn't matter where you start," said Johnson. "It matters where you finish. As three consecutive Sprint Cup titles can attest, I'm the 'finisher,' and everyone else in 'finished.'"

"I know everyone wants what I've got. But I won't let them take it from me. Those other 11 Chasers may have nerves of 'steal,' but I've got nerves of 'steel.'"

2. Denny Hamlin—Hamlin led 299 of 400 laps in Richmond, and blew away the competition on the final restart to win the Chevy Rock and Roll 400. Hamlin called the win at his home track the biggest of his career, and issued a warning to the rest of the field that the No. 11 FedEx team is "dangerous."

"Hey, I don't fear anyone," said Hamlin. "Nor do I scare anyone. But, with apologies to Kasey Kahne, I feel like I'm the hottest driver entering the Chase."

"And, as the only member of Joe Gibbs Racing in the Chase, I'll have the full support of the organization at my disposal. Heck, even Kyle Busch has said he'll do whatever necessary to help me bring home the Cup. Hopefully, that will mean staying as far away from me as possible."

3. Mark Martin—Martin finished fourth in Richmond, clinching his spot and locking up the top seed in the Chase For the Cup by virtue of his four wins, tied for tops on the circuit this year. Martin will start 10 points ahead of Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart, and brings nearly 30 years of racing experience to his quest for the Cup.

"I'm not known for being tall," said Martin, "so it's not often you'll find me commenting on the 'view from the top.'"

"I'm just hoping I can remain at the top. You know, it's times like this I wish I was still in the Viagra car, because right now, above all other things, I need staying power."

4. Jeff Gordon—Gordon posted a solid third-place finish in Richmond, his 12th top-five of the year, and starts the Chase 30 points down to Mark Martin. Gordon led 97 laps on the night, but his No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet was no match for Denny Hamlin, who led 299 laps.

"Clearly, we couldn't touch Hamlin's car," said Gordon. "But I thought we easily had the second-best car out there. And I guess I'm satisfied with that. If being Jimmie Johnson's teammate has taught me anything, it's that there's nothing wrong with being second best."

5. Tony Stewart —

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