Pickem: Kansas

The third race of the chase takes the Nextel Cup drivers to the open fields of Kansas for the Banquet 400. If I had to put money on a team this week it would be Roush Racing as last year all five of Jacks drivers were strong at one point in the race. This does not mean that someone outside of the chase cannot steal a victory. I expect an exciting race this weekend were the competition will be tough, and the list of which driver will prevail could be tougher.

My Pick: Elliott Sadler

Kenseths Trouble Leads To Burtons Win

Matt Kenseth looked like he would stroll into victory lane with another victory, but unfortunately Kenseth ran out of gas giving Jeff Burton the win. Burton has been strong all year but has been unable to put his #31 car into victory lane. With a little misfortune Burton finally accomplished it, and took over the point lead in the process.

A few chase contenders found bad luck early, including Kyle Busch and Kasey Kahne. Others could not get their cars into shape and fell a lap down (Johnson & Jr.). The rest of the top five included Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, Kurt Busch and Greg Biffle. Matt Kenseth coasted to a 10th place finish.

Pickem: Dover

This weekend is the second race for our cup contenders and if last weeks race was any indication, this weekend could have plenty of action. The Monster Mile (Dover) is another hurdle for the contenders, some more than others. Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch find themselves in a hole heading into this weekend, while others such as Harvick, Burton, Kenseth and Hamlin hope to stay consistent in order to move up in the points. (In my opinion) Look for Jimmie Johnson to bounce back this weekend as he is usually tough at this track. Other drivers to keep a watch on include Harvick, Mark Martin, and Tony Stewart.

My Pick: Jimmie Johnson

Happy Harvick Wins Again; Takes Over Points Lead

Kevin Harvick started on the pole and never looked back, leading 196 laps on Sunday. With the win Harvick takes over the point lead, the first time he has lead the points in his career. A few other drivers were not as lucky as Harvick. Both Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch hit the wall early in the race, putting them in the hole early in the chase for the cup. Besides Harvick Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Burton and Matt Kenseth all finished in the top ten.

Pickem: New Hampshire

It is chase time and the first race is at Loudon, New Hampshire. In order to get a quick start on the rest of the competition it is important to have a good run at this race. The last two champions both started strong here, and we saw the results. Both hoisting the cup. It is a good bet to go with one of the ten chasers in this race, but still don't neglect those other drivers.

My Pick: Greg Biffle

Harvick Wins Richmond; Kahne Squeaks By Stewart

Kevin Harvick passed Kyle Busch with a few laps to go to win the Rock and Roll 400 from Richmond. The whole race centered on who would make the chase and who would have to race for 11th. Through out the race Martin, Kahne, Burton and Stewart found themselves looking into the chase, but in the end Tony Stewart could not get his car set-up right during the race and found himself racing for his life. In the end Stewart came up two positions short of making the chase, meaning that the defending champ will have to watch as someone else holds up the cup. The rest of the top five consisted of Kyle Busch, Kasey Kahne, Dave Blaney and Mark Martin.

List of this years Chase Contenders:

1) Matt Kenseth
2) Jimmie Johnson
3) Kevin Harvick
4) Kyle Busch
5) Dale Earnhardt Jr.
6) Denny Hamlin
7) Jeff Burton
8) Mark Martin
9) Jeff Gordon
10)Kasey Kahne

Pickem: Richmond

This weekend is the deciding race to see who will make the chase. Kasey Kahne looks to have another run like last weekend, and he will need it to catch either Burton, Martin or Stewart. If the last few years have been any indication this weekends race should be exciting.

My Pick: Dale Jr.

Kahne Wins California; Stays In Hunt For The Chase

Kasey Kahne picked up his fifth win of the 2006 season, but more than the win Kahne drew a few points closer to making the chase. Even with a top five finish Carl Edwards will have to wait till next year to make the chase as him and Greg Biffle were eliminated from contention. The rest of the top five consisted of Dale Jr., Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards and Jeff Gordon. With one race left it looks as if it will come down to "bad luck", meaning that if one of the bottom drivers in the top ten run into trouble then it could allow Kahne to sneak in. Should be an exciting race from Richmond.