Q – What has been the biggest surprise of the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup so far?

“The biggest surprise is that no one has gathered a strong rhythm. I am really perplexed why so many of the chase contenders have had problems. The only three that seem to be keeping out of trouble are Clint Bowyer, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. Everyone else is struggling big time and that’s a surprise with the caliber of teams and drivers that made the top 12. The lack of consistency out of the top 12 players has been a real surprise.”

Q – What are the characteristics of the Charlotte track that drivers like the most?

“Charlotte is a love/hate relationship for drivers. The teams love going there because it’s home. They can sleep in their own beds and a lot of the people who work back in the race shop who don’t have the opportunity to go to the races each weekend, get to bring their families and friends and watch the car that they’re associated with.

“The hate part comes in trying to maneuver around the track. Drivers can race all over the track, and since they repaved it, it has a smooth, great surface. But the downfall is that Goodyear has brought a really hard tire to run there and it causes a lot of crashes off the exit of Turn 4. I don’t expect it to be much different this time.”

Q – Jimmie Johnson has been so good at Charlotte the last few years, do you see him as the man to beat again Saturday night?

“You have to choose Jimmie because he has been so consistent, although there are many drivers just as good as him. Tony Stewart should do well and Jeff Gordon looks really good. On the older surface, Jimmie was very good. On the new surface he’s good but not as good as before. With the new surface it has opened up the playing field for more guys to compete with him.”