Ranking The 2008 Championship Chasers

New Hampshire International Speedway -- 09/14/08

Author: Jeremy Dunn

Published: Thursday Sep 11 2008 11:40am

1. 18-Kyle Busch: 2-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

Very few would contend the fact that Kyle Busch is the driver to beat for the 2008 Sprint Cup championship. He has been fast every brand of venue, and has an abundance of confidence. Is he too confidentΔ Well, that remains to be seen. Only Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards stand a legitimate chance to outperform the 18 group.

Strong tracks- Dover, Charlotte, Talladega, and Atlanta

Potentially weaker tracks- New Hampshire, Martinsville

2. 99-Carl Edwards: 3-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

Carl Edwards vigorously proved at Bristol that he will not just roll over and crown Kyle Busch the champion just yet. The line in the sand is drawn. Edwards won six races, just two less than Busch, over the first 26 races, and three over his wins occurred within the last six weeks.

Strong tracks- Dover, Kansas, Charlotte, Texas, and Atlanta

Potentially weaker tracks- Talladega, Martinsville

3. 48-Jimmie Johnson: 3-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

Prior to his recent surge, Jimmie Johnson was racing in the shadows of Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards. Now, he is their most formidable opponent. Johnson is aiming for a third consecutive championship, something that was last accomplished when Cale Yarborough clinched the championship in 1976, 1977, and 1978.

Strong tracks- Charlotte, Texas, Atlanta, Martinsville, and Phoenix

Potentially weaker tracks- Kansas, Homestead

4. 29-Kevin Harvick: 40-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

Despite the doughnut in the win column, Kevin Harvick is one of NASCAR’s hottest drivers heading into the Chase for the Championship. He has finished in the top ten in seven of the last eight races. Harvick is the sleeper, and could pull off what Kurt Busch did in 2004- a championship won by unparalleled consistency

Strong tracks- New Hampshire, Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix

Potentially weaker tracks- Kansas, Charlotte

5. 11-Denny Hamlin: 33-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

Denny Hamlin is another driver flying under the radar so to speak. Hamlin is fast nearly every week; however, he encountered quite a bit misfortune in the season’s first 26 races. If he can win a race or two, and create some consistency, he could be in the mix once the Sprint Cup Series visits Homestead.

Strong tracks- New Hampshire, Dover, Martinsville, and Phoenix

Potentially weaker tracks- Kansas, Atlanta

6. 88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr.: 12-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

Sure, countless fans are ready for a Dale Earnhardt, Jr. championship. Nevertheless, the fact remains that he has very little momentum heading into the Chase for the Championship. Still, Earnhardt, Jr. enjoyed a superb start to the season, and there remains a possibility he can end the year in the same fashion.

Strong tracks- Dover, Talladega, Martinsville, and Texas

Potentially weaker tracks- New Hampshire, Kansas

7. 16-Greg Biffle: 33-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

The last time Greg Biffle competed in the Chase for the Championship, he finished second to Tony Stewart by just 35 points. Biffle is still searching for that first win, but he has won a race in the final ten races in every season since 2004. Biffle falls into the same category as Harvick and Hamlin as serious sleepers.

Strong tracks- Dover, Kansas, Texas, and Homestead

Potentially weaker tracks- Talladega, Martinsville

8. 20-Tony Stewart: 25-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

Following Tony Stewart’s second place finish at Richmond, the frustration is clearly becoming more difficult for the two-time champion to mask. Stewart has been solid all year, but has not shown that he can compete for a third championship. However, do not be surprised if he puts together a string of two or three wins before the season concludes.

Strong tracks- New Hampshire, Dover, Talladega, Atlanta, and Texas

Potentially weaker tracks- Homestead

9. 17-Matt Kenseth: 33-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

One of NASCAR’s most consistent drivers of this era has yet to win a title under the Chase for the Championship format. That will likely still be the case when the checkered flag waves at Homestead in two months. Kenseth has been good in 2008, but not great. Edwards and Biffle are Jack Roush’s best bets at a third Sprint Cup championship.

10. 24-Jeff Gordon: 20-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

Jeff Gordon lost the championship to Jimmie Johnson in last year’s Chase, which many consider an upset following his remarkable regular season. Gordon is not the favorite in 2008. In fact, he is a long shot, and could play spoiler if he strikes hot at the right time. However, he has been unspectacular at the intermediate style tracks this year, and there are five of them in the final ten races.

Strong tracks- New Hampshire, Dover, Talladega, and Martinsville

Potentially weak tracks- Kansas, Texas

11. 07-Clint Bowyer: 66-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

In 2007, Clint Bowyer nearly defied the nascar odds when he was the only driver within the same zip code as Johnson and Gordon. The likelihood of that occurring again is unlikely, as Bowyer is not displayed enough consistency, especially on the intermediate tracks.

Strong tracks- New Hampshire, Dover, Kansas, and Atlanta

Potentially weak tracks- Talladega, Martinsville

12. 31-Jeff Burton: 40-1 Sprint Cup Championship Odds

With the exception of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., a championship won by Jeff Burton would be the most celebrated by the NASCAR community. Burton is not only a darkhorse, but also he is an esteemed spokesperson in the paddock. Every driver and team member respects Burton. He is the only driver capable of finishing in the top ten in all remaining races. However, the performance of this team is less than stellar heading into the Chase for the Championship.

Strong tracks- New Hampshire, Dover, Charlotte, and Phoenix

Potentially weak tracks- Kansas, Texas