The split between old and new in the 2007 Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup dramatically closed at New Hampshire.

On one side, there are the four-timers. Two drivers, Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth, are the only two to make each Chase since its 2004 inception. On the other side, the first-timers. Two drivers, Clint Bowyer and Martin Truex Jr., represent that faction.

Surprisingly, the difference between the two sides is miniscule — if there at all.

Over the long haul, experience will likely play a vital role, but right now the new blood is hanging tough with the seasoned Chase veterans.

Bowyer won in dominating fashion at New Hampshire, earning a perfect 150.0 Driver Rating and launching himself from 12th to fourth in the standings. He now sits only 15 points behind the first-place Johnson. With a fifth-place finish, Truex moved up one spot to sixth and is 40 points behind first.

Both finished ahead of the two four-timers, as Johnson finished sixth and Kenseth finished seventh.

With Dover up next, that trend could continue. Both Bowyer and Truex — who won there in June — have strong numbers at the one-mile track.

Jimmie Johnson, on the other hand, has uncharacteristically struggled since his 2005 Dover win. Over the past three Dover races, Johnson has failed to earn a Driver Rating above 90.0.

Matt Kenseth is a different story at Dover. Since 2005, he has racked up four top 10s in five races, including a win last season and a fifth-place finish in this year’s June race. His overall Driver Rating at Dover since 2005 is 110.2, second only to Greg Biffle.

[NASCAR]

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