NASCAR Lessons Learned At The Midpoint
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1. You can’t Jimmie Proof The Chase
For the last couple of years people have pondered on what it would take to beat Jimmie Johnson in the Chase. The most popular concept people considered to carry out the Jimmie proofing task was to change the NASCAR schedule and put Bristol and a road course in the Chase. In 2010 Jimmie Johnson has already debunked this theory.
2. Jeff Gordon Still Has It
Jeff Gordon hasn’t won recently but you can tell he clearly has the drive (aggression) that it takes to get back to victory lane. He’s not playing Mr. Nice Guy anymore. Jeff Gordon is currently second in points and loop data wise he has the best average running position in the entire series (8.6).
3. Roush Fenway Racing Still Has Problems
Last season Ford’s across the board struggled. I honestly don’t think you can say things are different this year. The last time a current Roush driver visited victory lane was back in February 2009. Loop data wise the highest ranking Roush driver is Greg Biffle in thirteenth.
4. Kevin Harvick Is A Threat To Jimmie Johnson
Harvick is strong across the board and when things are going good for him he’s as good as anyone in the series. Kevin Harvick is also a clutch performer who doesn’t buckle under pressure. His consistency this season is second to none. If he didn’t have problems at Martinsville then he could potentially have a 300 point lead at the moment. Loop data wise Kevin Harvick is the best closer in the series (positions moved up in the last 10% of a race).
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Is A Chase Contender Based On His Consistency
Dale Earnhardt Jr. clearly hasn’t been the most competitive car this season but he’s poised to make the Chase based on his consistency. His average running position is only 18th best in the series. The most shocking thing about him and being in a Chase contention is that he’s been passed 2,113 times this season. That’s more than Scott Speed, Elliott Sadler, and Sam Hornish Jr. His 2,113 times being passed is more than anyone this season. What’s got him in Chase contention is that his competitors are wildly inconsistent this season.
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