Turn 4 Transitions
by Natalie Anthony
10/2/2008

AMP Energy 500
October 5, 2008 (Sunday) - 2:20 pm (ET) - ABC

Chase Watch - Report #4
Almost half way through the chase and some drivers have already succumbed to defeat. We all know that Kyle Busch, who should have been a ringer for the championship based on his success from the first twenty-six races, can not make up the points to be in contention for the Cup. We might as well throw his teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing into the mix because they don't have enough time to dig themselves out of the point's hole. Looking ahead to race nine of the chase, we will be seeing Jimmie Johnson and Carl Edwards contending in the chase for the Sprint Cup series champion.

Front Line Chasers
Jimmie Johnson
Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 1st
I have to give Jimmie a pat on the back for taking the win away from Carl Edwards last weekend at Kansas. That was one of the best finishes I have seen in a long time. Could Jimmie make it three championships in a row? He sure has a shot at it. Jimmie placed second to teammate Jeff Gordon back in October of 2007 and missed the Top 10 this April by finishing in 13th. Jimmie really doesn't have any contenders in the chase that can knock him out of first place in the chase points.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Hendrick Motorsports - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 8th
Talladega may have the "Big one", but without the presence of Dale driving the #88, this restrictor plate race would be lacking a driver that is the best at running the draft. Dale has the most wins (5) out of the regularly repeating active drivers and is an easy pick for running in the Top 10 this weekend.

Denny Hamlin
Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 10th
Denny may be the only driver of the JGR trio that has a chance to finish this Sunday's race up front. Denny's last two races at Talladega have put him in the Top 5 for both. If Denny can stay away from teammate Kyle Busch, he just might be able to get another Top 5 this time out at TSS.

Last Lap Challenge Chasers
Clint Bowyer
Richard Childress Racing - Chevrolet
Point Standings: 7th
Clint may be one of the drivers in the series that doesn't have a whole lot of experience at TSS, but in the last two races at Talladega, back in October 2007 and earlier this year in April, Clint has made up the difference by finishing 11th and 9th respectively. Another Top 10 is not out of reach for the Jack Daniels driver.

Bottom 25 Chasers
Tony Stewart
Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 11th
For last year's race in October, Tony finished in the Top 10 and avoided any serious wrecks. Tony does have a chance to stir things up at Talladega, but since Tony is under the tutelage of Joe Gibbs, there is no luck on his side. We just may see the #20 in the garage before the checkered flag is waved.

Kyle Busch
Joe Gibbs Racing - Toyota
Point Standings: 12th
I really thought that having car trouble was out of Kyle's system, but I was sorely mistaken by last weekend's issues at Kansas. I would say that three times in a row was a fluke, but a fourth time is just unheard of for engine problems race after race. Kyle might have an engine that can go the distance this Sunday, but that doesn't mean he won't get caught up in a wreck with the way his chase season is going. Kyle is the defending champion of April's race this year.

Track Stats
Talladega Superspeedway (Talladega, AL) - TSS
AMP Energy 500
(Sister Restrictor Plate Tracks - Daytona)

UAW-Ford 500
(October 7, 2007)
Top 10 Results
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Dave Blaney
4. Denny Hamlin
5. Ryan Newman
6. Casey Mears
7. Kurt Busch
8. Tony Stewart
9. Tony Raines
10.Reed Sorenson

Aaron's 499
(April 27, 2008)
Top 10 Results
1. Kyle Busch
2. Juan Pablo Montoya
3. Denny Hamlin
4. David Ragan
5. Brian Vickers
6. Travis Kvapil
7. Casey Mears
8. Ryan Newman
9. Clint Bowyer
10.Dale Earnhardt Jr

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