NASCAR Chase Patrol: "Midterm Grades" for Top 12 Sprint Cup Contenders

Analyst Written on October 18, 2009

Slide 1 of 14

RICHMOND, VA - SEPTEMBER 12: (Back row from L-R) Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot Chevrolet, Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Aflac Ford, Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 3M Ford, Mark Martin, driver of the #5 Kellogg's Chevrolet, Jimmie Johnson

We've reached the halfway point of the 2009 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship, and it's shaping up as a five driver fight for the title. While the battle began with 12 contenders, the Chase field has dwindled race after race with challengers falling by the wayside.

Perennial stars have made their presence known so far, occupying the top spots, while surprise faces have seen their magic fading away. Still, a lot is on the line for the Top 12, ranging from points, money, and for some lucky drivers, the prestigious Sprint Cup championship trophy.

While some fans and media outlets are already declaring the Chase as won by a particular three-time titlist named Jimmie Johnson, five races remain in which the unexpected may occur. Martinsville, Talladega, Texas, Phoenix, and Homestead-Miami are not the easiest of hurdles to attack and leap over en route to stock car immortality.

To say the least, whoever wins this year's championship will surely earn it. Will it be a Hendrick Motorsports battle for the Cup, or will an outsider walk into town to engage in a lengthy gunfight in NASCAR-Ville? Only time will tell.

In the meantime, here's a look at this year's Chase field with observations, expectations, and a "midterm" grade with their performance thus far. Between Martinsville and Homestead-Miami, one thing is certain: there'll be a whole lotta shaking goin' on!

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NASCAR Chase Patrol: "Midterm Grades" for Top 12 Sprint Cup Contenders

Rob Tiongson

NASCAR Chase Patrol

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