Edwards, Harvick or Johnson: 3 Reasons Each Is the NASCAR Favorite

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As we get farther into the Chase, the favorites are quickly being thrust into the spotlight, even when they don't have the best weekends. But why are Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, and Jimmie Johnson all part of that spotlight, even when one seems to be struggling and has dropped down in the standings? Let's take a look.

Carl Edwards: He Leads the Points

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Carl Edwards has a small five-point lead which doesn't seem all that big. But with five races left, the points lead is a big step in being the favorite.

Carl Edwards: 22 Top 10s

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Edwards has finished in the top 10 in all but nine races this season. That’s an astonishing 71 percent of races. He has also finished in the top five in 52 percent of races. With those stats, its hard to imagine him having any horrible races if he’s not affected by races.

Carl Edwards: Chase Experience

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True, Edwards has never won the Championship, but he has experience being up in the top of the Chase so he can handle the pressure better than some others.

Kevin Harvick: Making the Races Count

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Kevin Harvick has been making every Chase race count, even his weak track, Charlotte.  Where he seemed to disappear in the Chase last year, he’s still staying strong.

Kevin Harvick: Only Five out

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While Edwards has been having awesome top 10 races all season, Harvick is only five points behind him. If Edwards finishes 10th and Harvick finishes fifth or better (assuming neither lead laps), Harvick could tie him.

Kevin Harvick: Solid Equipment

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Harvick hasn’t really had any equipment problems this year. He is also in an Richard Childress Racing built car, being with a strong team that is focusing on him helps tremendously.

Jimmie Johnson: Five Time Champ

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You can’t really go wrong with having Johnson's five championships as a plus. He’s been successful in the Chase the last five years and knows how to navigate this.

Jimmie Johnson: He's Done This All Chase

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Johnson fell down to eighth after his wreck last weekend, but he has been up and down all Chase.  While he’s 35 points out of the lead, he just needs a few good races to get back up within striking distance.

Jimmie Johnson: One Race at a Time

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Johnson is just taking it one race at a time. He is watching the Chase and points, but by focusing on getting each race done instead of getting the Chase done, he isn’t putting too much stress on himself or his team by pounding in the “must do this to be here” every second of every race.