Well, Now That the Chase is Settled…
who cares?
I suppose those that made it in care a lot. I would also guess fans of Tony Stewart would tend to be found on the other end of any scale that measures concern. And that prompts the same question:
Who cares? Without the Chase there would only be a legit race for the Crown between two maybe three at this point, Kenseth, Johnson and Harvick, So the Chase gives a few more drivers, teams and fans renewed hope.
Not a bad thing and what the format was designed to do, maintain fan interest til the last lap of the last event. In 2004 it accomplished just that, 2005 less so, but by and large was successful. (unless you ask Dale Jr. or Jeffy fans)
So who will win, glad you asked? The head table setting at New York will be filled with one of three drivers, all sitting at the top as they enter the Chase.
However, I discount Johnson’s chances from the beginning and only include him as a threat due to his proximity points wise. Some have argued he has been playing out the string content in the fact he’s held a “safe” position in the Chase for so long. “He’ll turn it on starting at NHIS,” they say. I don’t buy it, not for a hot second. Based on past history of being close and not closing the deal I don’t think it will happen this year either.
That leaves Kenseth and Harvick. Harvick is an easy pick because of the roll he’s been on. But not for this handicapper. I’m going the less traveled route. Less traveled by having only one of three Fords in the Chase. Less traveled because ‘05 was a “lock” with 5 Fords in the Chase and all belonging to Roush’s Mongol Horde™.
Less traveled because odds seem to dictate a Chevy will win with 7 out of 10 contenders riding with Bow Tie power. Nope, sorry I don’t buy that one either. Matt Kenseth will win the Championship.
And to go further out on this precarious limb, Kurt Busch will win next week at NHIS. How’s that for a kicker to start the Chase? A non-contender taking max points in the first event.
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Good call on Kenseth, my pick as well………..if he can survive any altercations with “Tony The Tiger.” With no constraints on him, championship wise, I expect him to drive like a man posesed and wreck a few “Chasers” along the way.
Won’t that make life interesting!
My long shot pick would be Hamlin. He hasn’t been there long enough to feel the pressure, let alone worrying about how to deal with it.
I’ve got to throw in with you on Kenseth as well. I think it will be interesting right down to the last though. I guess I’m just gullible to HWSBO’s devious scheme to keep me from watching the NFL.
You mean the Numerous Felons League Darran? I quit watching that crapola about 8 years ago, at this point I couldn’t tell ya who the reigning champ is. Same for Major League Ballonball. (i.e. players “puffed-up” beyond all recognition to their former self)
George in addition to K. Busch winning next week Tony will grab at least one win out of the next ten. I think this will be the year the Chase sees at least two non “Chaser” wins and I wouldn’t be surprised to see three or four.
The Chase in it’s first two incarnations have been rather tame. It’s far past time for a big shake-up and this will be the year.