Junior ready for last chance to get No. 8 car in Chase

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. still has a shot to qualify for the Chase for the Nextel Cup. A long shot, granted. And so he rolls into Richmond International Raceway this week on a wing, a prayer -- and a vow.

"I want [our fans and sponsors] to know that no matter what, me and the team are giving everything we got," Earnhardt said. "We're not going to lose focus or give up or pack it in."

Earnhardt is 13th in series points coming into Saturday night's Chevy Rock & Roll 400, 128 behind 12th-place Kevin Harvick.

The top eight drivers in the current points have clinched Chase spots. Drivers in ninth and 10th place must only start on Saturday night to clinch.

The lowest Earnhardt can finish at Richmond is fifth to still have a chance at making the Chase. (read more) The two caveats to that scenario: he must also lead the most laps and Harvick has to finish 43rd.

Junior can also finish fourth and lead one lap, or finish third and lead no laps and still qualify -- as long as Harvick finishes last.

On the other end of the spectrum, if Earnhardt wins Saturday night and leads the most laps, he'll clinch a spot if Harvick finishes 33rd or worse or if Kurt Busch finishes 37th or worse. If Earnhardt wins but doesn't lead the most laps, he'll need a Harvick finish of 34th or lower or a Busch finish of 39th or lower.

"Even though we have a mathematical chance to get into the Chase, we're going to worry about things within our own control," Earnhardt said. "Let's lead all the laps and win the thing."

And though Harvick is closer, Earnhardt just might want to think about training his sights on 11th-place Busch.

The reason: Harvick is a Richmond master.

Harvick, defending champion of the Chevy Rock & Roll 400, has amassed tremendous statistics at the .75-mile Virginia track. He holds top marks in Driver Rating (125.4), Average Running Position (4.6), Fastest Laps Run (250), average Green Flag Speed and Laps in the Top 15 (1,924).

"Richmond is one of those places that I really enjoy racing. You can move the car all over the racetrack," Harvick said. "It seems like the groove moves around as the race goes on. I am just really comfortable racing at Richmond and I hope for another great finish this weekend."

Busch, though 141 points ahead of Earnhardt, is closer statistically to Earnhardt at Richmond than is Harvick.

"It's going to be an interesting race in Richmond, but for us we feel like our short-track program is where it needs to be right now," Busch said. "We just have to stay focused and keep on doing what we've been doing. We're coming in there with a lot of confidence and hoping to be a contender to win the race." (Continued)