I’ve spent the last week predicting breakout drivers, rebounders, sleepers and duds, and now it’s time to put them all together and name the 2010 Chase. In no particular order, this season’s Chase for the Cup will consist of the following drivers:
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Mark Martin
3. Jeff Gordon
4. Tony Stewart
5. Kyle Busch
6. Denny Hamlin
7. Juan Pablo Montoya
8. Kurt Busch
9. Carl Edwards
10. Greg Biffle
11. Matt Kenseth
12. Brad Keselowski
I’m putting my money where my mouth is. I love Keselowski this season, and it may seem like a stretch, but this guy is ready to be a star. Every year there is one driver that surprises everyone and makes the Chase, and he’s my guy for 2010.
Who do you think will be in the Chase this year? Am I right or should I have my head checked for going with Keselowski? Let us know your thoughts by posting them in the comments section below.
I think Harvick, Bowyer and/or Burton challenge Vickers, Kahne and Newman for that last spot. If you want my darkhorse i’m going with Logano and while neither is likely i think Truex has a solid year and could challenge for a top 15 pts position if he and his team gel. Maybe a year early on Joey but he’s my sleeper to make the chase. A.J. Allmendinger is another i think could finish 15-20th in pts.
Keselowski is definitely my Chase Hail Mary this year. But it’s an educated Hail Mary, if that makes any sense.
I’m not seeing Keselowski making the Chase, PJ, but there usually is a suprise or two each year, so I’m not going to discount his chances completely. You’ll get your props if he does, though. No question.
Johnson, Martin, Gordon, Stewart, Hamlin, and Kyle are the only ones I see as anything close to a “sure thing” this year when it comes to making the Chase.
Edwards and Kurt are “likely” to make it, as I would be comewhat suprised if either didn’t.
Montoya, Biffle and Kenseth are would fall into the “maybe” category for me. Don’t have a strong opinion either way with them. Others like Burton, Bowyer, Harvick and possibly Kahne fall into this category for me.
Guys who I think are not likely, but have a decent shot are Newman, Vickers, and Logano.
Junior, Truex, Reutimann, Ambrose, McMurray, and Keselowski would be the “longshots” (still a shot) in my eyes and would suprise me some if they made it. I’d definately bet against each of them, though.
I’d find it outright shocking if either one of Ragan, Allmendinger, Hornish or Sadler made it. Hornish may be the most interesting guy to watch in this group this year, and could go through a rather big improvement. Even so, top 20 in points at the most for me.