Power Rankings: Martinsville

Gordon hasn’t looked like a title contender most of the year, but here we are one race into the Eliminator Round and he’s the only one who knows he’s racing for a title at Homestead.

MORE: Gordon wins final race at Martinsville

Harvick has been on and off the edge of elimination throughout the Chase, but with two races remaining in this round -- one of which is his best track (Phoenix) -- he’s in excellent shape.

Busch recovered from an in-race spin to salvage a top-five finish, keeping himself very much in the conversation for one of the four title contenders at Homestead.

MORE: Kyle harsh on wrecks

It’s hard to believe Truex’s one-car team is still as much of a factor this late in the season, but here we are with three races left and he’s got just as good a shot for title No. 1 as anybody left in the Chase.

MORE: How Truex finished where he did

Edwards’ No. 19 survived a run-in with his teammate Kyle Busch’s No. 18 and came away with a 14th-place finish. If he makes it to Homestead -- one of his best tracks -- things look good for Edwards’ title hopes.

By now, you know what happened. Logano has been the best driver in the Chase and should be among the favorites the next two weeks. His season is not done.

MORE: Logano tweets message saying he ‘will fight’

Logano wasn’t the only Team Penske driver to make contact with Matt Kenseth, and the No. 2 wound up 32nd -- and in a similar position to his teammate over the next two races.

MORE: Luck runs dry for Kes

Busch got caught up in the Kenseth vs. Penske drama and unfortunately took the most damage. Initially looked at as one of the Eliminator Round's sleepers, Busch is in a hole.

MORE: Busch wrecks at Martinsville

Earnhardt couldn’t match his Martinsville win from last year, but a fourth-place finish ain’t too shabby, either. Expect Junior to ride out the rest of the year in style -- and maybe even pick up one more win.

Hamlin has to be kicking himself for not making this round, as it might’ve been his strongest round on paper. He proved that so far with a top-three finish.

Even though he’s no longer in the Chase, Newman is still plugging along, picking up top 10s. Consistency, consistency, consistency.

Some pegged Martinsville as where Johnson would pick up his win in the Chase -- despite being out of it. Even more had Texas pegged as where it could happen. Stay tuned.

Kenseth used his car to intentionally put rival Joey Logano in a hole after the first Eliminator Round race. Can’t give him bonus points for that, but it sure made his fans happy.

MORE: Kenseth dumps Logano

McMurray might’ve had his best run of the year at Martinsville, finishing runner-up to Gordon. It doesn’t count for much right now, but it’s a momentum builder for 2016.

Menard’s progression has been slow, but as he continues to turn in top-15 finishes, you have to think at some point top-10s will start to become more routine.

Keep your eyes on the prize, Clint Bowyer. In less than two years, you get to drive the No. 14 Chevrolet full-time.