Dale Earnhardt Jr. still has a shot to qualify for the Chase for the Nextel Cup. A longshot, granted. “I want [our fans and sponsors] to know that no matter what, me and the team are giving everything we got,” Earnhardt said. “We’re not going to lose focus or give up or pack it in.”
Earnhardt is 13th in series points coming into Saturday night’s Chevy Rock & Roll 400, 128 behind 12th-place #29-Kevin Harvick. The top eight drivers in the current points have clinched Chase spots. Drivers in ninth and 10th place must only start on Saturday night to clinch. The lowest Earnhardt can finish at Richmond is fifth to still have a chance at making the Chase.
The two caveats to that scenario: He must also lead the most laps and Harvick has to finish 43rd. He can also finish fourth and lead one lap, or finish third and lead no laps and still qualify…as long as Harvick finishes last. On the other end of the spectrum, if Earnhardt wins Saturday night and leads the most laps, he’ll clinch a spot if Harvick finishes 33rd or worse OR if Kurt Busch finishes 37th or worse. If Earnhardt wins but doesn’t lead the most laps, he’ll need a Harvick finish of 34th or lower OR a Busch finish of 39th or lower.
[NASCAR]
- Earnhardt, Jr misses Chase, blows another engine in Richmond
- Blown engine damages Earnhardt Jr.’s Chase hopes
- Should it be called NASCAR’s Chase for Mediocrity?
- NASCAR Considers Increasing Number of Drivers in the Chase
- Urgency for Cup drivers trying to make the chase
How Dale Jr can make the Chase? Simple. Leave DEI and their substandard program.
Granted He’s a long shot but when long shots win they pay off big!
i hope he makes it……it looks like its going to be hard well good luck! thats what happens when motors break!
Jr would have to win the pole, lead all the laps, win the
race. Oh!! By the way, Harvick would also have to finish
43rd. Not going to happen! Sorry!!
It’s my policy never to comment on Dale JR stories…..sorry.
It could happen.. but it’s very unlikely.. they would have to get involved in a wreck(Busch and Harvick) and Jr would have to finish somewhere in the top 5 or 10(maybe I’m not to sure) to make the chase.
I am not posative but winning the pole has nothing to do with points. Leading the most laps gives you more points not leading all the laps. It depends on what harvick does as to what place jr needs to finish. It could happen but Harvick as been pretty good this year and I do not think he will finish below 33rd without an engine problem. I hope Jr makes the chase but it looks like a long road.
How Dale Jr can make the chase:
1) Consistent runs without a half dozen DNFs in 26 races
2) Don’t get caught cheating and get docked 100pts
3) Pray to God… that’s the only way he’s getting in now!
BTW, poles get you zero points… I think you get something like $10,000 and a spot in the next Bud Shootout, but no points. I really wish they did get points for poles, though! That would be an easy change for NASCAR to make!
OH NOES! The funny name change glitch finally got me!!! RedDevil’s post above is actually me! Wonder what in the world could cause that since I would assume that info is stored on my computer as a cookie….. Hmmmm….
Well Jeff…it’s JR fault…but, you didn’t hear that from me!
ORRRRRRRRRRR.
Some one can target Kevin Harvick, injure him, and force him to miss the race
And Junior gets in the Chase! :DD
Andy. Stop.
Jr wont make it.
LOL! I’m with you Andy,… someone needs to take out Harvick and Busch and we’re sure to get JR in!!! Ok sooo someone needs to devise the evil plan,… hurry hurry, we only have until Saturday to get it worked out!
Any takers???
YALL JUST FACE JR IS KNOW GOOD UNTILL HE GETS WITH THE WINNING TEAM!!!!!!!!!GO HENDRICKS….JIMMY GONNA WIN THIS YEAR TOO…..
Have Paul Menard wreck harvick you know take one for the team.
Perfect RG,…. take one for the team Paul, and help JR out,… let’s see DEI go out in style.
My heart bleeds. Really, it does. LOL
Seriously, I still have hope in Junior. I’ve seen weirder things happen with the chase, so only one can hope;)
next year, Nascar will implement the ‘JR rule’….20 cars in the chase!
OK, How about a good clean race, and let the best man win.
Does anyone have the actual engine failure number for the 1 , 15 and 8….Iknow the first race mark martin ran with a DEI he came in last due to the rear main seal blowing out and Menard had the same problem in that race also. I think they are letting max build the engines these days.
JR may not make the Chase this year,… not only was there so many engine failures,.. but where’s the teamwork???? Dale Sr would be putting those boys in check about working together,… seems to me that Truex is thinking “every man for himself!”
Next year will be a lot different!!!
As a JR fan I have hope! As smart self thinking individual he doesn’t have a chance!
Anonymous, I thought you did not post on Dale Jr stories?
That would be the day Sam
When you think about it Sam, there IS no story here. JR is basically at the mercy of what others do on Sunday and has lost control over whether he joins the cup this year.
I feel for him with all the engine stuff that has gone on, but that IS racing.
I don’t understand the comment about Truex, he is supposed to be doing everything possible to win for the team, and he is doing pretty well this season.
It’s not the JR cup, it’s the Nextel cup.
Careful anonymous…Sam seems to have a thing for you.
Ii agree with you anonymous but you must realize that JR is the most popular dirver in Nacar. I also agree about Truex.
He has drafted with JR when he could and JR has stated that he wants Truex to do what is best for Truex just as Dale JR did what was and is best for him. IF not for the blown motors and penalties Jr would be in the chase but that is racing.
I was merely quoting you on a previuos post.
It’s my policy never to comment on Dale JR stories…..sorry.
Is their more than one Anonymous?
Actually I have something for you Uncle Clem…..your so cute!!!!!
In responce to R.G. The only way that Menard could catch
and wreck Harvick,is if Harvick is lapping him.
How about this….Let Dale Jr finish this year….chase or not…then start off fresh with his new team…and win his ass off. thats what id like to see…its sad if he doesnt make the chase…but hey…..hes got a damn good future ahead of him!!!!!!!
P.C.inWVA … in regards to your post that is hilarious and I agree… lmao
How can Jr. make the chase? Easy…stop sucking for the majority of the year.
Does it really matter, There is only one Champion per yer, not 12. Its all media coverage and spending money. Jr is Jr and he will always be a favorite with the fans. End of story.
Being in the top 12 or just making the field of Stock Car Racing is a Dream………..
To win a Championship, one winner, and NASCAR says who that is or who that should be more or less by helping that stable, just ask Hendrick.
With Jr in that stable next year, we’ll see if Hendrick can buy that win for Jr also, like he’s done for Gordon and JJ.
Money talks and Money buys………
Go Jr……….