Last night's Chevy Rock 'n Roll 400 from Richmond was the final race of the NASCAR "regular season." It was action packed, short track racing under the lights. And, it contained extra drama this year as drivers scrambled to make it into the top ten in the standings.
No one scrambled better than Jeremy Mayfield on Saturday night. Mayfield won the race and vaulted 5 positions in the standings. This moved him from 14th to 9th, so Mayfield's dream of a championship will continue. Kasey Kahne's quest for the cup will not continue, thanks in large part to a nudge in the bumper from Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Kahne wrecked and dropped out of the top ten in the standings. Junior finished second. Jeff Gordon, Mike Bliss and Mark Martin rounded out the top five in the race.
Chase for the Championship. Although everyone will continue to race for money and pride, only the top ten drivers will be able to continue in their quest for the championship. In addition, they have all been bunched together in terms of points spread. Here are the standings as the Chase for the Championship moves to New England next week:
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Jimmie Johnson -5
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. -10
4. Tony Stewart -15
5. Matt Kenseth -20
6. Elliott Sadler -25
7. Kurt Busch -30
8. Mark Martin -35
9. Jeremy Mayfield -40
10. Ryan Newman -45
