Kenseth’s win could certainly be viewed as cheap in some eyes, with Harvick only relenting his commanding lead in the closing laps because his No. 4 ran out of gas — but that’s not what the history books will show.
Joe Gibbs Racing
Hamlin followed his Chase-opening win with a runner-up to teammate Matt Kenseth. He hasn’t finished worse than sixth since Watkins Glen.
Edwards finished fifth and led 19 laps at New Hampshire, where laps led were at a premium. Compared to his teammates already locked into the Contender Round, he’s slacking. (Kidding — he’s in excellent shape.)
Logano failed to lead a lap at NHMS on Sunday, but he still came within two positions of sweeping the “Magic Mile” for the season.
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Hendrick Motorsports
You can just about always pencil Johnson in to be superb at Dover, and this weekend shouldn’t be any different. While you’re at it, you might as well also pencil him in for the Contender Round.
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Team Penske
Keselowski’s restart was certainly up for much debate — did he or didn’t he jump it? — but there’s no denying he should continue to be one of the strongest cars out there.
It wasn’t forever ago that Busch won the Dover fall race — 2011, in fact — but the fact that it came while he was driving the No. 2 Dodge for Team Penske makes it seem like ages ago. He hasn’t finished in the top 10 at the Delaware track since.
Another Chase race, another top-10 finish. It’s hard to picture consistent top-10 finishes not paying off for the Richard Childress Racing driver, who could easily coast his way into Homestead once again.
As the defending AAA 400 winner, now would be an excellent time for NASCAR’s newest Iron Man to pick up his first win — since last year’s victory at the “Monster Mile.”
An eighth-place finish was a great result for Truex, who now heads to Dover for some home-cooking at what is considered his home track. He must like it since he’s finished top-seven the past three times there.
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End result disregarded, Harvick showed what he’s capable of when his back is against the wall, leading 216 laps at New Hampshire. Expect him to be out front at Dover.
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Hendrick Motorsports
Could we be looking at a Junior-less Chase the rest of the way? It’s quite possible, with the HMS driver on the cusp of elimination and Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick behind him in the standings.
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Joe Gibbs Racing
While Busch’s deficit is disappointing this early after all he’s been through this year, it’s not insurmountable. There’s a good chance he recovers and moves on with a good Dover finish.
McMurray notched his sixth straight top-16 finish this past weekend but remains 11th in points. He may need a top-10 at Dover to continue in the Chase.
Menard is tied with Kyle Busch, 43 points behind leader Matt Kenseth. And that’s without wrecking at New Hampshire. He’ll likely need a win to advance.
Stewart-Haas Racing
After MWR’s latest setback, Bowyer must win to advance in this season’s Chase. It was a good run for the No. 15 team.