Sizzlers -Following The Bank of America 500
Oct 11, 2014; Concord, NC, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick (4) passes Sprint Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) during the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Sizzlers
Kevin Harvick
Finally, Kevin Harvick put together a complete race to earn his third victory of the season, solidifying his position as a legitimate championship contender with five races to go in the 2014 season. Harvick’s done his part by virtue of wining three races this season. Now, it’s up to Stewart-Haas Racing to ensure the closer remains in the thick of the title fight for the final stretch run of the season, and please keep the errors to a minimum. Harvick’s triumph over the field at Charlotte culminated in a trip to victory lane, his first trip to the winners circle in six months.
Furthermore Harvick punched his ticket to the next round of the Chase. Cha-Ching!
Chip Ganassi Racing
Kyle Larson’s driving his heart out, competing like a driver that has an opportunity to claim the Sprint Cup title at Homestead; the only problem is he’s not in the Chase, but don’t tell Larson that. Larson’s phenomenal run (three top fives & five top 10 finishes in the last five races) continues heading into Talladega, a track that’s notorious for producing first time winners. Could Chip Ganassi’s rookie sensation be the next driver to lay claim to this fame?
Jamie McMurray is another driver on the outside looking in when it comes to the Chase. Like his teammate Kyle Larson, Jamie Mac continues to race his guts out. McMurray has recorded two top five finishes in the last four races, including his third place run this past weekend at Charlotte.
Chip Ganassi Racing is an organization that looks primed to challenge the heavy hitters in 2015.
Jeff Gordon
In the last six races, Jeff Gordon has recorded a victory & three runner up finishes to remain firmly in the title picture with five races left in the 2014 season. Mr. H’s most dependable driver is obviously the organization’s best chance at winning a title in 2014, despite not being locked into the next round of the Chase en route to Talladega. Not to worry Hendrick fans — Gordon is a six time Talladega winner, and barring a complete meltdown, Gordon should qualify for the next round of the Chase.
Oct 10, 2014; Concord, NC, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Ryan Newman (31) during practice for the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
The drive for five is certainly alive.
Kyle Busch
For years, critics have relished the opportunity to belittle Kyle Busch for his inability to translate his regular season successes into a championship run in the Chase. The motorsports community may not have to wait much longer for Busch to establish a legitimate run at the title, because Busch has looked invincible in this year’s edition of the Chase. Busch has done a magnificent job of keeping his team in title contention through the first five races of the Chase, recording five consecutive finishes of third of better.
Hot Rod Rowdy Busch is on the march.
Ryan Newman
There’s a wide consensus among the motorsports community that drivers without a victory shouldn’t have an opportunity to win the Sprint Cup championship despite qualifying for the Chase. Ryan Newman is one of those drivers who would fit into that category since he’s yet to record a victory in 2014, but to say he doesn’t deserve to win the 2014 Sprint Cup title is absurd.
Newman’s been one of the most consistent drivers in this year’s Chase. Remember that old adage, consistency wins championships? Well Ryan Newman’s solid chase performance is proof that consistent finishes can go a long way in turning an old adage into a reality.
Photo courtesy of Peter Casey – USA Today Sports
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