new hampshire
Sunday, September 16th 2007 marks the start of the “Chase for the Nextel Cup. The New Hampshire International Speedway will host the Nascar Nextel Cup Series as The top twelve drivers start their bid for the now famed cup. Over fifty teams will probably attempt to qualify for Sunday’s race But only forty three will start the race worth a total of $5,319,880.

New Hampshire International Speedway is located near Loudon New Hampshire, and is a 1.058 mile oval. Sundays race will be 300 laps for a total of 317.4 miles. With banking in the turns at around 7 degrees, and 2 degrees on the straightaways, loudon is considered a flat track. The race record is 112.078 mph set by Jeff Gordon in 1998. The qualifying record is held by Ryan Newman, who turned a lap at 133.357 mph back in 2003. Kevin Harvick took the pole in last years race and also went on to win the race.

The Top twelve drivers who made the chase have had their points adjusted up to 5000 points and ten bonus points for each win in the first 26 races. Here is how they stack up going into Sunday’s Sylvania 300.

jimmy johnson

Jimmy Johnson, the defending “Nextel Cup Champion”, gets the number one seed with six wins setting his points up at 5060. For some reason or another The Lowes Chevy Team just seems to turn it on late in the season. How can you argue with six wins, 14 top fives, and 16 top tens?

Right behind The 48 team is Jeff Gordon at 5040 points. Jeff chalked up four wins this season earning his team 40 bonus points. So far, after 26 races The Dupont Chevy has 15 top 5’s and 21 top 10’s.

Tony Stewart is in third place with three regular season wins earning his the Home Depot Chevy 5030 points.

The rest of the top 12 are as follows.

4th place-Carl Edwards with 2 wins and 5020 points.
5th place-Kurt Busch with 2 wins and 5020 points. (Cousin Carl had more top 5’s and top 10’s)
6th place-Denny Hamlin with 5010 points and one win.
7th place-Martin Truex Jr. with one win and 5010 points.
8th place-Matt Kenseth, One win and 5010 points.
9th place-Kyle Busch, 5010 points.
10th place-Jeff Burton 5010 points.
11th place-Kevin Harvick 5010 points.
Making the chase with no wins and 5000 points is Clint Boyer In the Jack Daniels Number O7 Chevy.There are Four Nextel Cup Series Champions in this years chase including Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jimmy Johnson, and Kurt Busch. With all that talent on tap for this years Chase For The Nextel Cup, Sundays race should not be missed. Telivision coverage is with ABC and Radio Is M.R.N. or Sirius Satelite Radio Channel 128.

I have a feeling there will be plenty of cautions this Sunday. It just feels like there is a bit of electricity hanging over this race as the “Chase” starts. Don’t miss this one! I know I won’t! I’ll Be in my recliner Sunday with something good to eat and a cold beverage of my choice, watching the race and taking notes so in case you miss it out there on the road, I can tell you all about it. Watch for an update from me after The Field is set Friday after Qualifying.

Until then, keep em rolling out there and stay safe.