NASCAR: Who’s Hot And Who’s Not Heading Into Indianapolis

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

HOT – Ryan  Newman

Ryan Newman is very quietly putting together a solid season; one in which Newman could very well make the chase. If the chase were to start this weekend Newman would be in. He currently sits 49 points ahead of the final chase spot and is the second driver in line without a win to make the chase behind Matt Kenseth (with how things stand now). The most interesting thing about Newman could possibly be that he is making a run to get into the chase without having really done anything memorable this season. In 19 races Newman only has a pair of top-five finishes but he consistently runs in the top-15 which ultimately is where he is making up the points on other drivers. Newman has finished 16th or better in eight of his last 10 races. He has also posted both of his top-five finishes in two of the last three races. Newman appears to be peaking at the right time.