NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Power Rankings: Who Are The Fans Rooting For?

By (Contributor) on October 20, 2010

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CONCORD, NC - OCTOBER 16: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, leads Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 AFLAC Ford and Paul Menard, driver of the #98 Menards/Schrock Ford and others during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charl
Geoff Burke/Getty Images

The 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup is already half-way over, with drivers rising to the occasion of the intense pressure and others coming up short, the championship picture is starting to become more and more clear.

Heading into the legendary track of Martinsville for this Sunday's TUMS Fast Relief 500, these are the top 10 drivers in the series based on fan support and on-track performance.

No. 10: Jamie McMurray

CONCORD, NC - OCTOBER 16:  Jamie McMurray, driver of the #1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 16, 2010 in Concord, North
Jason Smith/Getty Images

Ah, what a win will do for you... As McMurray's 2010 dream season continues with another victory Saturday night at Charlotte, he has emerged as the 13th driver in the points standings and is primed to take home the $1 million bonus at season's end.

No. 9: Carl Edwards

CONCORD, NC - OCTOBER 14:  Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Aflac Ford, climbs out of his car after qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 14, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.  (Photo by Geoff
Geoff Burke/Getty Images

Just two weeks ago, Edwards would have easily graced the top five of the power rankings, but with his ride of momentum heading into the chase seemingly fizzling out and some of his best chances to win behind him, cousin Carl has slipped back to the rear.

No. 8: Kevin Harvick

FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 10:  Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 Shell/Pennzoil Chevrolet waits on pit road prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi Max 400 on October 10, 2010 in Fontana, California.  (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Jerry Markland/Getty Images

Happy dominated the points for almost the entire regular season, but has been playing second fiddle since the Chase started a month ago. To no surprise, Kevin has continued his streak of consistent finishes during the postseason and is third in points, just 77 markers out of the lead.

No. 7: Greg Biffle

FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 08:  Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 3M Ford, stands by his car following qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi Max 400 on October 8, 2010 in Fontana, California.  (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Jason Smith/Getty Images

Biffle's championship hopes for this season may seem o be out the window, but he is still leading the Roush Fenway charge as the only driver on the team to find victory lane this season.

Eighth in points is a long way back, but if he comes out of Talladega next week in one piece and others being swept up in the big wreck, the championship might fall right into his lap.

No. 6: Kyle Busch

CONCORD, NC - OCTOBER 15:  Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, sits in his car prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 15, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.  (Photo by Rusty Jarr
Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images

If it weren't for the late race caution Saturday night at Charlotte, Kyle Busch would have won the race.

Many fans called Kyle Busch a championship dark horse, but he has come out a bit stale in the postseason and is now a middle of the pack chase driver holding down the fifth spot in the points standings.

No. 5: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

CONCORD, NC - OCTOBER 14:  Dale Earnhardt Jr., drivere of the #88 AMP Energy/Natgional Guard Chevrolet, stands on pit road during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 14, 2010 in Concord, N
John Harrelson/Getty Images

The 2010 Sprint Cup season for Dale Jr can be summed up in one word: Disappointment.

Another lackluster season with a few flashes of brilliance has caused him to miss the chase once again. However, looking at the bight side, Junior's fan base is the largest in the sport, which is why he is ranked so high.

No. 4: Tony Stewart

CONCORD, NC - OCTOBER 14:  Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 14, 2010 in Concord, North Caroli
Jason Smith/Getty Images

Stewart's win at California a few weeks ago resurrected his title hopes after starting the chase off poorly, but with another poor finish at Charlotte, they may have just fizzled out again—this time for good.

No. 3: Jeff Gordon

CONCORD, NC - OCTOBER 14: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 14, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.  (Photo by Jas
Jason Smith/Getty Images

After snagging the pole during Friday night's qualifying at Charlotte, Gordon appeared to be primed to finally get that all important win that has eluded him the entire season.

Again, Jeff and his team came up short, but have a lot to look forward to at Martinsville, where he has seven wins.

No. 2: Denny Hamlin

CONCORD, NC - OCTOBER 14:  Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota, stands on pit road during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 14, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.  (Photo b
Jason Smith/Getty Images

Hamlin has continued to live up to the preseason championship hype and has finished very close to points leader Jimmie Johnson almost every week in the chase.

With an old fashioned shootout at Martinsville between he and Johnson set to take place at Martinsville, Denny looks to sweep the track's two Sprint Cup dates and possibly take over the points lead.

No. 1: Jimmie Johnson

CONCORD, NC - OCTOBER 14:  Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 14, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.  (Photo by
Jerry Markland/Getty Images

Although not dominating the chase like he has in season's past, Johnson has silenced the skeptics by being the most consistent driver during the postseason and has a 41-point lead over Denny Hamlin.

No driver may be more happy to be heading to Martinsville than Jimmie, who has seven career wins at the track and a series high average finish of fifth.

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