Sizing up The Chase: Turn Two

There are just three days until the playoffs begin as “Sizing up the Chase” enters turn two. Today we’ll have a look at positions 7-9 in my predicted Chase final standings. I suspect there will be few surprises today but judging from yesterday, there will be a few disagreements. Thanks for reading and continue leaving comments below.

Onwards to Turn Two after the jump!

9. Brian Vickers, 0 Wins, 13 Top 10s, Average Finish: 14.9

The most unlikely Chase driver should enter the Chase as the universal underdog but it’s that motivation that has driven the former Busch Series Champion during his entire career. He’s had a strong second half but has run into other drivers’ incidents every few weeks. He’ll need to avoid those problems if he is to win the Chase. I predict he won’t. He’ll have strong showings on the cookie-cutters but will flounder everywhere else. Vickers will also find himself involved in a Talladega Big One, finishing ninth in the Chase.

8. Juan Pablo Montoya, 0 Wins, 12 Top 10s, Average Finish: 13.8

No one can argue that Johnny Montoya has made it as a NASCAR driver. He entered 2009 with a goal of making the Chase and Richmond saw those dreams realized. The Earnhardt-Ganassi merger has most benefited Montoya whom has taken full advantage of Chevy’s horsepower and DEI’s speedway track notes. Montoya will consistently finish in the top-10 during the Chase but will not be in the title picture...yet. Watch out for Montoya in 2010. Juan Pablo finishes eighth.

7. Kurt Busch, 1 Wins, 14 Top 10s, Average Finish: 14.0

Kurt Busch has ridden a great first half start into a Chase berth but since the middle of the season the elder Busch has been a middling driver. Some may take Kurt’s positioning as a bit of a shock and to those I point out Busch’s success (or lack of) during previous Chase for the Championships (sans 2004). Busch just is not a clutch racer late in the season. The Blue Deuce has made great strides to become a contender again but they are still a season away. Kurt Busch finishes seventh.

Tomorrow: Turn 3 and positions 6-4.