Finally, My Predicted Chase Finish

O.k. before you go on to the jump to see my analysis of the final order I want you to remember this is an analysis, not how I’d really like to see it.
Oh and let’s not forget that Matt has already made his predicted outcome. I’ll do my analysis and then put up his finish so you can compare between us.

And one more thing, this list was created before the New Hampshire race so I was not influenced by it at all.

Take the jump ...

Going Backwards:

12. Kasey Kahne: Too much turmoil at the shop right now with them switching to Fords and loss of some key personnel.

11. Kurt Busch: Tryson being locked out of the shop but still expected to perform miracles at the track won’t improve performance on the track, it’ll decline.

10. Brian Vickers: Great run so far, but emotion will only get you so far and then Chase experience will have to kick in which he and his team don’t have - now this will be a different story next year.

9. Juan Montoya: See Brian Vickers, with one exception DEIhas been here before. With that being said I still project his finish here based on the fact that I expect more from others than I do from him. No offence to Juan but this is his first time in the Chase. Now let me add: if anyone can screw up my predictions it is Juan, if Ganassi can make Juan and his team believe in themselves more than they do now then Juan will finish in the top 5.

8. The Biff: Not his year this time around and I don’t expect his finishes to suddenly change during the Chase, but his experience will get him a solid 8th finish while his car would probably get him a solid 10th.

7. Ryan Newman: The Biff should really be here, but I think Newman has a better car at this point in the season and Newman is no slouch behind the wheel so the spot goes to him.

6. Carl Edwards: I know, I know, but his performance this year has been lacking compared to previous years. Again with that being said I think if there is anyone else in this Chase that can mess up my predictions it is Carl. If his car suddenly gets ‘hooked-up’ look out because Carl is one driver that is willing to let it all hangout to win.

5. Denny Hamlin: I have a feeling that Joe Gibbs Racing will step it up this time around and give him the support that he needs, but it won’t be enough to break into the top 4. Wait till next year.

now it bets hard

4. Jeff Gordon: I hate it when people say Jeff is in the twilight of his career, that’s BS. This cat can still do it if he wants to, but there has to be a reason why people are saying it right? When Jeff starts driving like Carl Edwards again then people will stop saying it and he’ll win another Championship.

3. Tony Stewart: A great season and nothing to sneeze about either, but those Hendrick cars are just too strong and you can’t tell me that Rick is giving the exact same stuff to Tony as Jeff, Jimmie, and Mark are getting. They might be getting the same base package but I’m sure the Hendrick boys are still getting that little extra.

2. Mark Martin: Don’t kill me, but Mark will be the bridesmaid yet again for no other reason than Jimmie’s team is just that much more better - but wait until next year because if Stewart doesn’t do it Mark will.

1. Jimmie Johnson: I know what are the odds for 4 in a row? What ever they are he, Knaus, and the rest of the 48 team will beat them, and also because Martin will go out of his way not to touch Jimmie’s car with his own for risk of wrecking Jimmie and taking him out of the Chase.

There you have it, now let me have it.

For comparison purposes here is Matt’s list: