Now that the field is set, who will win NASCAR’s 2006 Chase for the Championship? Read below to find out who your favorite Frontstretch writer picked … and why.
Championship Picks | ||||
Expert | Cami Starr | Tom Bowles | Kim DeHaven | |
1st | Matt Kenseth | Matt Kenseth | Matt Kenseth | |
2nd | Kevin Harvick | Kevin Harvick | Kevin Harvick | |
3rd | Jimmie Johnson | Kasey Kahne | Mark Martin | |
4th | Denny Hamlin | Mark Martin | Kasey Kahne | |
5th | Jeff Burton | Jeff Gordon | Jimmie Johnson | |
6th | Jeff Gordon | Jimmie Johnson | Denny Hamlin | |
7th | Kasey Kahne | Denny Hamlin | Kyle Busch | |
8th | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Jeff Gordon | |
9th | Mark Martin | Kyle Busch | Jeff Burton | |
10th | Kyle Busch | Jeff Burton | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | |
Why They Picked Their Champion | Kenseth proves that he can win titles in either format. He’s always been known for consistency, and this year he’s racking up the wins, too. | Having struggled in the Chase the last two years, Kenseth is determined to prove he can win in this playoff format, which was created partly because of how he won the title three years ago. With wins at every type of track in the Chase except the superspeedways, this team’s ability to adapt to any situation that comes its way will make Kenseth difficult to beat, despite some stiff challengers. | Kenseth will be the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup champion. Despite all of the changes to the points system, the driver crowned champion is the most consistent one. This season, Kenseth earned 13 top-five finishes. What makes this year any different then others? He has gone victory lane four times and has amassed more bonus points then eight of his nine Chase competitors. Kenseth has the resources, ability, a great team and momentum in his favor. These things will lead him to the 2006 championship. |
Championship Picks | ||||
Expert | Toni Heffelfinger | Dennis Michelsen | Amy Henderson | |
1st | Matt Kenseth | Matt Kenseth | Jimmie Johnson | |
2nd | Kevin Harvick | Kevin Harvick | Matt Kenseth | |
3rd | Jimmie Johnson | Kasey Kahne | Kevin Harvick | |
4th | Kyle Busch | Mark Martin | Kyle Busch | |
5th | Jeff Burton | Denny Hamlin | Kasey Kahne | |
6th | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Jimmie Johnson | Jeff Gordon | |
7th | Kasey Kahne | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Jeff Burton | |
8th | Jeff Gordon | Jeff Gordon | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | |
9th | Denny Hamlin | Kyle Busch | Denny Hamlin | |
10th | Mark Martin | Jeff Burton | Mark Martin | |
Why They Picked Their Champion | Kenseth has clearly shown the best form of anyone this season and he knows how to be consistent. Still feels he was the reason for the Chase and still determined to prove he can win a championship no matter what rules they throw at him. | Kenseth and his DeWalt team have been the most consistent team this season. The news that NASCAR will be cracking down on the coil-binding setups used by other teams will help the Roush teams even more. | Of the 10 tracks the championship will be decided on, Johnson’s average finish is third or better among Chase drivers at eight. The No. 48 team thrives under pressure, almost always producing an autumn to remember. Provided they get through Loudon with a decent finish and Talladega without incident, this team should ride the wave all the way to Homestead. Kenseth and Harvick will be ready to pounce on any mistakes, though, so Johnson cannot afford to get down on himself if the team has one subpar race. If Team 48 keeps the mojo, they’ll win it all. |
Championship Picks | ||||
Expert | Jeff Meyer | Becca Gladden | Mike Neff | |
1st | Matt Kenseth | Matt Kenseth | Matt Kenseth | |
2nd | Kevin Harvick | Jimmie Johnson | Kevin Harvick | |
3rd | Denny Hamlin | Jeff Gordon | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | |
4th | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Jeff Burton | Jimmie Johnson | |
5th | Jeff Burton | Kevin Harvick | Kyle Busch | |
6th | Kasey Kahne | Denny Hamlin | Denny Hamlin | |
7th | Jeff Gordon | Kyle Busch | Jeff Burton | |
8th | Mark Martin | Kasey Kahne | Kasey Kahne | |
9th | Jimmie Johnson | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Jeff Gordon | |
10th | Kyle Busch | Mark Martin | Mark Martin | |
Why They Picked Their Champion | Kenseth is on a roll. The No. 17 team knows how to get things done and, more importantly, WHEN to get it done. Pit stops are second to none. In the end, Kenseth will eventually eclipse Gordon in championship rings, to be second only to the King and Dale Earnhardt Sr. | Kenseth has consistency and momentum on his side, two key factors in winning the championship. | Roush’s lead team is on a roll at the right time. Unless something disastrous happens, they will hoist the trophy in Homestead. |
Championship Picks | ||||
Expert | Jess Nicholas | Tommy Thompson | Beth Lunkenheimer | |
1st | Matt Kenseth | Matt Kenseth | Kevin Harvick | |
2nd | Kevin Harvick | Jimmie Johnson | Matt Kenseth | |
3rd | Kyle Busch | Mark Martin | Denny Hamlin | |
4th | Kasey Kahne | Jeff Gordon | Kasey Kahne | |
5th | Jimmie Johnson | Kevin Harvick | Jimmie Johnson | |
6th | Mark Martin | Kyle Busch | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | |
7th | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Kasey Kahne | Kyle Busch | |
8th | Jeff Gordon | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Mark Martin | |
9th | Denny Hamlin | Denny Hamlin | Jeff Gordon | |
10th | Jeff Burton | Jeff Burton | Jeff Burton | |
Why They Picked Their Champion | All the talk is about Harvick, but Kenseth took over the points lead from Johnson and this team is great when it’s running in front of everyone else – which is what’s happening now. | Kenseth simply has no weaknesses. His team has been a cohesive unit for a long time, able to improve on their performances with no real setbacks or distractions. Plus, Kenseth has started to peak at the right time, just prior to the beginning of the Chase. | Coming off a win at Richmond, Harvick and the No. 29 team have just the right momentum to carry them to the title. Harvick has run with quiet consistency for the majority of the season; with three wins and 11 top-five finishes, Harvick is definitely looking like the car to beat. |
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The Frontstretch Staff is made up of a group of talented men and women spread out all over the United States and Canada. Residing in 15 states throughout the country, plus Ontario, and widely ranging in age, the staff showcases a wide variety of diverse opinions that will keep you coming back for more week in and week out.
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