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Come Fan with UsSunday, June 21, 2026

Sizing up the Chase: Checkered Flag

Ranting and Raving proudly presents the moment that you all have been waiting for. (Right?) On Wednesday, I began counting down, in reverse order of who I believe has the inside track towards winning the Sprint Cup in November at Homestead-Miami. The countdown will reach its conclusion today and you are all just a short sentence away from finding out just who this year's champion will be.

So let’s find out....after the jump!

1. Jimmie Johnson, 3 Wins, 15 Top 10s, Average Finish: 12.7

Who else could I pick, honestly? This Jimmie Johnson fellow just gets it done. With final championship results of 2nd, 2nd, 5th, 1st, 1st and 1st, Johnson has shown incredible resilience at the constant Chase venues. I expect Johnson to win one or two races and finish no lower than seventh anywhere else. This is just what he does. It’s science. Take it to the bank. Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus take home the Sprint Cup for a fourth consecutive year.

2. Jeff Gordon, 1 Win, 18 Top 10s, Average Finish: 10.9

This leaves second place to the four-time champion, Jeff Gordon. “Model of consistency” has been used ad naseum during this miniseries but no driver further exemplifies this trait more than Gordon. This championship is well within reach for Gordon but Big Daddy must start closing out races. Runner-up finishes will not be enough over the final 10. Regardless, Super G will do just as he has done all season-long and finish second. Gordon will win another championship -- just not this year. The Drive for Five rides on and Jeff Gordon finishes second.

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