The fifth edition of NASCAR’s Chase has three clear favorites: Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson. But in a system where 12 drivers are separated by just 80 points, anyone could come out on top in a playoff race that seldom goes according to plan.
With so many drivers and so much at stake, how do you sort out the mess? Well, your Frontstretch favorites have given you a head start. All your favorite experts have submitted their Chase picks, giving you their take on the good, the bad, and the ugly for the next 10 weeks. Scroll down to the writer you trust… or scroll through them all to get the inside scoop on the playoffs!
|
2008 Chase for the Championship Picks |
| Expert |
Tom Bowles |
Ren Jonsin |
Kim DeHaven |
| Title |
Editor-In-Chief |
Co-Publisher |
Co-Publisher |
| 1st |
Jimmie Johnson |
Tony Stewart |
Kyle Busch |
| 2nd |
Tony Stewart |
Jimmie Johnson |
Jimmie Johnson |
|
Carl Edwards |
Kevin Harvick |
Carl Edwards |
| 4th |
Kyle Busch |
Kyle Busch |
Kevin Harvick |
| 5th |
Kevin Harvick |
Carl Edwards |
Tony Stewart |
| 6th |
Denny Hamlin |
Matt Kenseth |
Greg Biffle |
| 7th |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Denny Hamlin |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| 8th |
Jeff Gordon |
Clint Bowyer |
Matt Kenseth |
| 9th |
Greg Biffle |
Greg Biffle |
Denny Hamlin |
| 10th |
Matt Kenseth |
Jeff Burton |
Jeff Gordon |
| 11th |
Clint Bowyer |
Jeff Gordon |
Jeff Burton |
| 12th |
Jeff Burton |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Clint Bowyer |
| Darkhorse Title Pick |
Tony Stewart |
Greg Biffle |
Kevin Harvick |
| Spoiler (Best Non-Chaser) |
David Ragan AND Brian Vickers |
David Reutimann |
David Ragan |
| Why They Picked How They Did |
Two things fueled my choice: experience and payback. Johnson has the seasoning of two championships already behind him, and crew chief Chad Knaus knows how to turn it on at exactly the right time (see: two straight wins to close out the season). The No. 48 team also hasn’t ruffled any feathers this year; that’s something we can’t say for either Busch or Edwards, who could find payback a b*tch at the worst possible time. One mistake will be all it takes to lose the Chase – and here’s to betting that Johnson doesn’t make one. Also, don’t be surprised to see wins from both Ragan and Vickers over the final 10 races, as both men are having career-defining years in the Cup Series. |
I picked Stewart because the man knows how to treat a lady. Plus, Johnson is Satan… so I couldn’t put him up there. |
Simple: it’s hard to argue against eight wins. |
| Correctly Picked How Many Chasers? |
9 of 12 |
0 of 12 (Didn’t Pick) |
9 of 12 |
|
2008 Chase for the Championship Picks |
| Expert |
Toni Montgomery |
Amy Henderson |
Cami Starr |
| Title |
Senior Editor |
Senior Editor |
Fantasy Racing Editor |
| 1st |
Kyle Busch |
Tony Stewart |
Kyle Busch |
| 2nd |
Jimmie Johnson |
Jimmie Johnson |
Kevin Harvick |
| 3rd |
Carl Edwards |
Kyle Busch |
Jimmie Johnson |
|
Jeff Burton |
Carl Edwards |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| 5th |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Kevin Harvick |
Greg Biffle |
| 6th |
Denny Hamlin |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Carl Edwards |
| 7th |
Kevin Harvick |
Jeff Burton |
Matt Kenseth |
| 8th |
Tony Stewart |
Greg Biffle |
Denny Hamlin |
| 9th |
Matt Kenseth |
Matt Kenseth |
Tony Stewart |
| 10th |
Clint Bowyer |
Jeff Gordon |
Jeff Burton |
| 11th |
Greg Biffle |
Denny Hamlin |
Clint Bowyer |
| 12th |
Jeff Gordon |
Clint Bowyer |
Jeff Gordon |
| Darkhorse Title Pick |
Tony Stewart |
Kevin Harvick |
Kevin Harvick |
| Spoiler (Best Non-Chaser) |
David Ragan |
Brian Vickers |
Brian Vickers |
| Why They Picked How They Did |
Because Kyle came out of the hat first. And because I really don’t want him to win and I’m always wrong, so… |
Every time I pick Tony to win it all, Jimmie does. So I’m picking him. I don’t have to have a better reason. |
Kyle has got the determination, guts and nerve to finish the job he started this year. |
| Correctly Picked How Many Chasers? |
10 of 12 |
10 of 12 |
9 of 12 |
|
2008 Chase for the Championship Picks |
| Expert |
Matt Taliaferro |
Mike Neff |
Jeff Meyer |
| Title |
Senior Editor |
Senior Writer |
Senior Writer |
| 1st |
Jimmie Johnson |
Jimmie Johnson |
Carl Edwards |
| 2nd |
Carl Edwards |
Tony Stewart |
Kyle Busch |
| 3rd |
Kyle Busch |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| 4th |
Denny Hamlin |
Kevin Harvick |
Jeff Gordon |
| 5th |
Matt Kenseth |
Carl Edwards |
Jimmie Johnson |
| 6th |
Kevin Harvick |
Greg Biffle |
Tony Stewart |
| 7th |
Tony Stewart |
Matt Kenseth |
Clint Bowyer |
| 8th |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Kyle Busch |
Jeff Burton |
| 9th |
Jeff Burton |
Denny Hamlin |
Kevin Harvick |
| 10th |
Greg Biffle |
Jeff Gordon |
Matt Kenseth |
| 11th |
Jeff Gordon |
Jeff Burton |
Greg Biffle |
| 12th |
Clint Bowyer |
Clint Bowyer |
Denny Hamlin |
| Darkhorse Title Pick |
Denny Hamlin |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Bill Lester disguised as Jeff Burton |
| Spoiler (Best Non-Chaser) |
David Ragan |
Brian Vickers |
Kasey Kahne |
| Why They Picked How They Did |
Johnson and Chad Knaus represent the best driver/crew chief combo on the circuit – and have for the last two years. The team is hot at the right time and has proven it knows how to navigate within the parameters of the Chase better than any other. Not only will Johnson win the title, but four wins out of this bunch from here on out is not out of the question. Also, Ragan will win a race in the next 10 weeks. |
Johnson has won the most races during the Chase since it was created, and they are peaking at the right time again this year. But Earnhardt Jr. could be the darkhorse. If Tony Eury Jr. doesn’t cost them with pit strategy, he’ll be there at the end. Also, Vickers is going to win a race on an intermediate track during the Chase this year. |
Because my girlfriend would leave me (hanging) if I didn’t pick him. Besides, I’m an Edhead too! |
| Correctly Picked How Many Chasers? |
9 of 12 |
10 of 12 |
10 of 12 |
|
2008 Chase for the Championship Picks |
| Expert |
Matt McLaughlin |
Beth Lunkenheimer |
Tommy Thompson |
| Title |
Senior Writer |
Senior Writer |
Senior Writer |
| 1st |
Kyle Busch |
Jimmie Johnson |
Jimmie Johnson |
| 2nd |
Carl Edwards |
Kyle Busch |
Carl Edwards |
| 3rd |
Jimmie Johnson |
Carl Edwards |
Kyle Busch |
| 4th |
Jeff Burton |
Tony Stewart |
Jeff Burton |
| 5th |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Jeff Gordon |
| 6th |
Denny Hamlin |
Jeff Gordon |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| 7th |
Jeff Gordon |
Kevin Harvick |
Denny Hamlin |
| 8th |
Tony Stewart |
Clint Bowyer |
Tony Stewart |
| 9th |
Kevin Harvick |
Denny Hamlin |
Matt Kenseth |
| 10th |
Clint Bowyer |
Matt Kenseth |
Clint Bowyer |
| 11th |
Matt Kenseth |
Jeff Burton |
Greg Biffle |
| 12th |
Greg Biffle |
Greg Biffle |
Kevin Harvick |
| Darkhorse Title Pick |
Jeff Gordon |
Kevin Harvick |
Jeff Burton |
| Spoiler (Best Non-Chaser) |
Kasey Kahne |
David Ragan |
Ryan Newman |
| Why They Picked How They Did |
Why Kyle? The guy has won on short tracks, intermediate tracks, big tracks and road courses. Busch seems to delight in pissing the fans off, and what’s going to piss off most fans more than a Busch championship? You don’t have to like him. On a personal level, I don’t. He doesn’t want to be liked, but respect what he’s done this season to date. It won’t be long until we’re seeing “I Don’t Care Who Wins as Long as It Isn’t the 18 Car” t-shirts, just like back in Big Dale’s heyday. |
It’s easy to see it’ll be a three-way battle between Johnson, Busch and Edwards this year, and it’s hard to bet against Busch. But Johnson is coming off of two back-to-back wins (just like he had last season) and managed to win four of the 10 “Chase” races in ’07. Once again, the No. 48 team is peaking at just the right time to win their third consecutive title. |
Because that’s what Johnson/Knaus and team do, win the Chase to the Sprint Cup. They have already started their annual charge. |
| Correctly Picked How Many Chasers? |
9 of 12 |
10 of 12 |
9 of 12 |
|
2008 Chase for the Championship Picks |
| Expert |
Vito Pugliese |
Tony Lumbis |
Mike Lovecchio |
| Title |
Senior Writer |
Senior Writer |
Senior Writer |
| 1st |
Jimmie Johnson |
Kyle Busch |
Jimmie Johnson |
| 2nd |
Carl Edwards |
Carl Edwards |
Carl Edwards |
| 3rd |
Kyle Busch |
Jimmie Johnson |
Kevin Harvick |
| 4th |
Tony Stewart |
Tony Stewart |
Kyle Busch |
| 5th |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Greg Biffle |
Greg Biffle |
| 6th |
Jeff Burton |
Denny Hamlin |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| 7th |
Greg Biffle |
Matt Kenseth |
Matt Kenseth |
| 8th |
Denny Hamlin |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Tony Stewart |
| 9th |
Kevin Harvick |
Kevin Harvick |
Denny Hamlin |
| 10th |
Jeff Gordon |
Jeff Burton |
Jeff Gordon |
| 11th |
Matt Kenseth |
Jeff Gordon |
Clint Bowyer |
|
Clint Bowyer |
Clint Bowyer |
Jeff Burton |
| Darkhorse Title Pick |
Jeff Burton |
Tony Stewart |
Kevin Harvick |
| Spoiler (Best Non-Chaser) |
Mark Martin |
David Ragan |
David Ragan |
| Why They Picked How They Did |
Picking this year’s Sprint Cup champion is akin to picking who will win the Presidential nomination; the odds on favorite to win the title all year long is suddenly finding himself a half-step behind. The 2008 championship Chase is getting off to much the same start as it did in 2007, when Johnson and company laid low for much of the spring and summer – right before suddenly remembering how to race again (i.e., preparing cars for the races that matter) in winning California and Richmond while heading into the 10-race runoff. The No. 48 team has mirrored that performance this year, and have since put all others on notice that 2008 won’t be much different. Busch and Edwards are the only real serious threats to win (let alone lead) the remaining 10 races, though Earnhardt Jr. seems to get around Talladega pretty well for some reason. You will see a couple of bows and a backflip or two, but the end result will be what it has been the previous two seasons: The No. 48 team at the head table at the Waldorf Astoria in December. If not, Burton’s quiet consistency might be just enough to edge out the competition. The RCR/DEI power plants are bested in horsepower only by the Penske Racing Mopar Mills, and if it’s a seventh-place average finish that traditionally will lead you to the title, then here’s your guy. |
Earlier this year, I didn’t think Busch could keep up his blistering pace for more than a few months. But I was proved wrong, and now I think he will continue “Win-Fest 2008” all the way to the Sprint Cup championship. No wins and staying off of everyone’s radar has Stewart making a rare appearance in the “Darkhorse” category, but he is getting hot… and angry at the right time. And Ragan has been knocking on the door for a win all year long; with the pressure of the Chase gone, don’t be surprised if he puts the No. 6 in Victory Lane. |
It’s a little thing called deja vu. Every year at this time, Johnson hits his stride and proves to be the favorite for the title. Each of the past two years, he went on to win the Cup; and with two consecutive wins coming into the Chase, I don’t see why he can’t win number three this year. If Harvick can keep his top 10 streak alive (six races) he and Edwards could really factor into the championship picture as well. |
| Correctly Picked How Many Chasers? |
9 of 12 |
8 of 12 |
9 of 12 |
|
2008 Chase for the Championship Picks |
| Expert |
Danny Peters |
Kurt Allen Smith |
Bryan Davis Keith |
| Title |
Contributing Writer |
Contributing Writer |
Writer/Editor |
| 1st |
Jimmie Johnson |
Carl Edwards |
Jimmie Johnson |
| 2nd |
Carl Edwards |
Kyle Busch |
Carl Edwards |
| 3rd |
Kyle Busch |
Jeff Gordon |
Tony Stewart |
| 4th |
Kevin Harvick |
Jimmie Johnson |
Kyle Busch |
| 5th |
Greg Biffle |
Tony Stewart |
Matt Kenseth |
| 6th |
Tony Stewart |
Clint Bowyer |
Denny Hamlin |
| 7th |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Greg Biffle |
| 8th |
Jeff Gordon |
Jeff Burton |
Kevin Harvick |
| 9th |
Denny Hamlin |
Kevin Harvick |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| 10th |
Matt Kenseth |
Matt Kenseth |
Clint Bowyer |
| 11th |
Jeff Burton |
Greg Biffle |
Jeff Gordon |
| 12th |
Clint Bowyer |
Denny Hamlin |
Jeff Burton |
| Darkhorse Title Pick |
Jeff Gordon |
Jeff Gordon |
Matt Kenseth |
| Spoiler (Best Non-Chaser) |
Sam Hornish Jr. |
Kasey Kahne |
Brian Vickers |
| Why They Picked How They Did |
Johnson’s coming into form at just the right time. The No. 48 has been the team to beat in the Chase, and they will be this time around, too – no one will catch Jimmie J. Expect Hornish Jr. to take out Busch at a key point in the Chase – denying him the title. |
I picked Edwards because he was my pick at the beginning of the year and I’m sticking to it… but Kyle will be tough to beat. Jimmie will always be a threat and let’s not forget Gordon and Earnhardt Jr. are on the same team. Why Hamlin in last? His team has been too prone to self-destruction this year. |
Busch may well have eight wins and Edwards may have dominated the intermediate circuits on the Cup schedule – but Johnson has all the momentum coming into this Chase with two straight victories. The No. 48 team has more Chase experience than any of their competitors and is peaking at just the right time. It’s going to be business as usual for Johnson in the fall – and that means a third Cup is on the horizon. |
| Correctly Picked How Many Chasers? |
10 of 12 |
10 of 12 |
0 of 12 (Didn’t Pick) |
|
2008 Chase for the Championship Picks |
| Expert |
John Potts |
Phil Allaway |
Doug Turnbull |
| Title |
Contributing Writer |
Newsletter Contributor |
Contributing Writer |
| 1st |
Carl Edwards |
Carl Edwards |
Kyle Busch |
| 2nd |
Tony Stewart |
Jimmie Johnson |
Carl Edwards |
| 3rd |
Kyle Busch |
Kyle Busch |
Jimmie Johnson |
| 4th |
Jimmie Johnson |
Kevin Harvick |
Denny Hamlin |
| 5th |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Tony Stewart |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| 6th |
Jeff Gordon |
Greg Biffle |
Kevin Harvick |
| 7th |
Kevin Harvick |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Jeff Gordon |
| 8th |
Jeff Burton |
Jeff Burton |
Tony Stewart |
| 9th |
Denny Hamlin |
Matt Kenseth |
Jeff Burton |
| 10th |
Greg Biffle |
Denny Hamlin |
Clint Bowyer |
| 11th |
Matt Kenseth |
Jeff Gordon |
Matt Kenseth |
| 12th |
Clint Bowyer |
Clint Bowyer |
Greg Biffle |
| Darkhorse Title Pick |
Tony Stewart |
Kevin Harvick |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| Spoiler (Best Non-Chaser) |
Kasey Kahne |
Brian Vickers |
Kasey Kahne |
| Why They Picked How They Did |
I like Carl’s attitude, and I think he’s up to the challenge. |
To predict this, I first compiled the average finishes of the Chasers over the past six races. If you’re interested, here they are: Edwards – 5.2, Harvick – 5.5, Stewart – 8.0, Johnson – 10.3, Busch – 10.5, Biffle – 10.8, Bowyer – 13.0, Hamlin – 13.2, Kenseth – 13.5, Earnhardt Jr. – 15.0, Gordon – 18.2, Burton – 19.0. Watch out for Harvick, though: he’s been kind of quiet up front, but he’s got the momentum. And look for Vickers to potentially steal a race during the Chase. |
Busch has won on every kind of track and has not had a true slump all season. The title will end up being a crapshoot between Busch, Edwards, and Johnson, but 2008 will be the year that NASCAR welcomes a new champion to its select fraternity. And believe it or not, Earnhardt Jr. could be a darkhorse. The No. 88 team has been consistent all year, except for the past few experimental weeks. The AMP Energy team has the equipment and driver to stay in the hunt in the event of rotten luck that could strike the obvious title favorites. |
| Correctly Picked How Many Chasers? |
0 of 12 (Didn’t Pick) |
0 of 12 (Didn’t Pick) |
0 of 12 (Didn’t Pick) |
|
2008 Chase for the Championship Picks |
| Expert |
Nikki Krone |
S.D. Grady |
| Title |
Driver Diary Coordinator |
Senior Newsletter Columnist |
| 1st |
Carl Edwards |
Jimmie Johnson |
| 2nd |
Kyle Busch |
Kyle Busch |
| 3rd |
Jimmie Johnson |
Carl Edwards |
| 4th |
Tony Stewart |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| 5th |
Clint Bowyer |
Clint Bowyer |
| 6th |
Jeff Gordon |
Jeff Burton |
| 7th |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Greg Biffle |
| 8th |
Greg Biffle |
Denny Hamlin |
| 9th |
Jeff Burton |
Jeff Gordon |
| 10th |
Kevin Harvick |
Tony Stewart |
| 11th |
Matt Kenseth |
Kevin Harvick |
| 12th |
Denny Hamlin |
Matt Kenseth |
| Darkhorse Title Pick |
Tony Stewart |
Jeff Gordon |
| Spoiler (Best Non-Chaser) |
David Ragan |
Brian Vickers |
| Why They Picked How They Did |
Edwards: I still just find it interesting that had Busch decided to stay with Roush and not switch over to Hendrick, there is a very good chance Edwards may not be in the position he is today. But it may end up biting Busch in the butt if Carl wins the championship over him this season. Had it not been for a 100-point penalty at the beginning of the year, Edwards would have been much closer to Busch in the regular series points. With the bulls eye on Busch’s back and the new “rivalry” in play, I think Edwards will persevere and find a way to beat Busch to take the championship. |
Jumpin’ Jimminy! I didn’t believe he could pull off a two-in-a-row championship year. But he did. And I really don’t think he’s got a three-in-a-row season happening… so I picked him. Johnson seems to generate the best luck when the pressure is on. He must have some kind of rabbit foot farm! Should Johnson stumble too often, though, you can bet the No. 18 team will crank it up and take home the trophy. |
| Correctly Picked How Many Chasers? |
10 of 12 |
8 of 12 |
|
2008 Chase for the Championship Picks |
|
Frontstretch Top 12 (Based on Averages of All Staff Predictions) |
| 1st |
Jimmie Johnson |
| 2nd |
Carl Edwards |
| 3rd |
Kyle Busch |
| 4th |
Tony Stewart |
| 5th |
Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
| 6th |
Kevin Harvick |
| 7th |
Denny Hamlin |
| 8th |
Greg Biffle |
| 9th |
Matt Kenseth |
| 10th |
Jeff Gordon |
| 11th |
Jeff Burton |
| 12th |
Clint Bowyer |
| Darkhorse Title Pick |
Kevin Harvick |
| Spoiler (Best Non-Chaser) |
David Ragan |
| Final Analysis |
As you can see, the top three favorites leading into the Chase are our favorites as well. It was a tight race, but Johnson edged out both Edwards and Busch to be our pick to win his third straight title. Other interesting points: Earnhardt Jr. was picked to finish in the top five (despite no one having him higher than third on their list), and we picked Bowyer as a last-place finisher for the second straight year. Hey, maybe that’ll motivate last year’s Chase Cinderella! |
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