NASCAR 2008 Sprint Cup Season

As the race for the chase for the 2008 Sprint Cup draws closer, the talk inevitably turns towards who will make the chase and who will be on the outside looking in. If you've never watched Nascar, then let me give you a bit of information so you understand what I'm talking about. The Nascar Sprint Cup season starts in February in Daytona, Florida and continues until November, where it ends in Homestead, Florida. The season consists of 41 races, with only 36 of them being points earning races. The first 26 points races determine who will be racing for the Sprint Cup.

The final 10 points races are called the Chase to the Cup. As it stands, there are only 6 races left in the first part of the season. This is significant for the simple fact that at the September 14th race in New Hampshire will be the first race of the Chase. The points will be reset, The first twelve drivers will be no more than 10 points from each other at this point, making it possible for the 12th place driver to possibly win. From 13 on back to the last driver will be far enough back from the top 12 that they have absolutely no chance of winning the Sprint Cup.

Right now, we're looking at a top 12 that doesn't really shock anyone. Most of the usual suspects are there, including Kyle Busch in the number 1 position. The only real surprise, at least for anyone who has not paid a lot of attention is that Greg Biffle is doing really well and currently sitting in 7th place in the points. Personally, I was quite surprised that Kurt Busch is on the outside looking in, as are Ryan Newman and Martin Truex Jr. Truex would have been in the top 12, had he not gotten penalized for cheating a few weeks ago.

The next few races will be interesting, especially since Pocono is this week, then they head to my neck of the woods for the final road course of the season at Watkins Glen. From there, they have a few tough races with Michigan, Bristol, Fontana and wrapping up the race to the Chase at Richmond. Once the Chase starts, things will really heat up for the schedule as they hit all parts of the country, including New Hampshire, Dover, Kansas, Talladega, Charlotte, Martinsville, Atlanta, Texas, Phoenix and finally finishing up in Florida.

It's been a crazy season and it's not done yet, so keep an eye on the standing and schedule to see what is going to happen next.