Next stop on the Nextel Cup Schedule is Richmond International Raceway

Well folks, the NASCAR version of the playoffs is here. We are gearing up for a 10-week showdown that features a star-studded cast of drivers (unless your fans of Dale Earnhardt Jr), and promises to be one of the greatest finales to a NASCAR season in its rich history.

The first stop on the playoff rotation is New Hampshire International Speedway for the Sylvania 300. NHIS is a challenging, flat 1.058 mile oval track. If you recall the 2006 Chase, New Hampshire is the site of Jimmie Johnson's early stumble.

Of all the drivers in the Chase, Denny Hamlin has had the most luck at New Hampshire. In 3 starts there, Denny has an average finish of 4th.

Average Finishes for Remaining Drivers in the Chase:

Jeff Gordon - 11th
Tony Stewart - 13th
Carl Edwards - 14th
Matt Kensenth - 10th
Jimmie Johnson - 11th
Jeff Burton - 10th
Kyle Busch - 16th
Clint Bowyer - NA
Martin Truex, Jr. - 14th
Kurt Busch - 16th
Kevin Harvick - 12th

Next Week's Schedule:
(all times EST)

Nextel Cup at New Hampshire International Speedway - ESPN
09/14/07 - 03:14am Slyvania 300 Qualifying
09/15/07 - 11:30am Slyvania 300 Practice
09/16/07 - 02:00pm Slyvania 300

Busch Series off until September 22nd at Dover International Speedway

Craftsman Truck Series at New Hampshire International Speedway
09/14/07 - 10:05am New Hampshire 200 Qualifying
09/14/07 - 01:45pm New Hampshire 200 Practice
09/15/07 - 03:00pm New Hampshire 200

Johnson Leads Captures 6th win of the Season and Top Seed in the Chase
After being silent for much of the evening, Jimmie Johnson made his surge to the front of the field late in the race when it counted most. By capturing his 6th win of the season, Johnson gained momentum and secured the top seed in the Chase.

Over the last 6 races, Johnson has been a man on the move. He has averaged a 5th place finish over that stretch including 2 wins. The question is heading into next week's race at New Hampshire, can Jimmie Johnson maintain his momentum?

Remeber the start to the Chase in 2006 where Johnson finished in 39th position. The poor start forced Johnson to climb from the back of the pack to win the 2006 Championship. Imagine if Johnson is able to start this year's Chase on the good foot. He could do what few other drivers in NASCAR's rich history have done, win back to back championships.

Dale Earnhardt Jr Earns Respect

Driving like a bat out of hell, Dale Earnhardt Jr drove with more fire and determination than any other driver on the track.

Starting in the 21st position and suffering setbacks due to bad pitstops made by his team, Earnhardt seemed to be the only person on his team who cared to be in the Chase. He was a lone wolf on the track making his way to the front. He would have finished in the top 5, but guess what. Another DEI engine failure with only a few laps remaining doomed his night.

Couple the passion and talent Earnhardt displayed in the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 with the superior engineering and teamwork of Hendrick Motorsports and I think it's a given that Jr will be in the Chase come 2008.

Chevy Rock and Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway Recap

The Chevy Rock and Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway was racing at it's finest. With nothing to gain for most drivers and nothing to lose for some, the only thing drivers were gunning for Saturday night was a win. Most of the action came as both Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jeff Gordon challenged Jimmie Johnson for the win. A win for Dale Earnhardt Jr would have meant a possible birth into the Chase while a win for Gordon would ensure him a top seed in the Chase.

In the end, Jimmie Johnson was able to pull away from Gordon and Earnhardt along with the other guys jockying back and forth between positions 2 through 5. Drivers Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick did just enough to ensure their places in the Chase. And Earnhardt Jr, despite his valiant efforts, was left only to ponder what life will be like racing for the owner that has dominated the 2007 season thus far.

Other 2007 NASCAR Drivers to Note:

Series leader, Jeff Gordon challenged for the win and led a large portion of the Chevy Rock and Roll 400. However, in the end, the team wasn't able to make enough adjustments to keep the car out on top.

Matt Kenseth had an extremely quiet 14th place finish. The strong and consistant fineshes this year are of little help in the Chase. With only one win this year, Matt is seeded in a 6 way tie for 6th place.

Denny Hamlin had another strong night, but he needed more than that. With only one win in 2007, Hamlin needed another win to seperate himself from six other dirvers in the Chase with only one win.

Dale Earnhardt Jr had one his most exciting nights of the year. Starting from deep in the pack and suffering setbacks after horrible pitstops, the most popular driver in NASCAR drove like the devil to get into the top five. However, in the end it was all for nothing. Another DEI engine failure ruined his night.