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NASCAR: Power Ranking The 2016 Chase Drivers Before Chicagoland

By Christopher Olmstead

Sep 10, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Sprint Cup Series drivers pose for a photo with the chase trophy after the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Sprint Cup Series drivers pose for a photo with the chase trophy after the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
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Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 16 – Austin Dillon

Were you expecting someone else here?

Austin Dillon heads into his first NASCAR Chase with three other drivers who are in the same boat. While I don’t think Dillon will fare the worst of the first-time Chase drivers, I do think that he has the most pressure on him and that worries me. Dillon is representing RCR in the 2016 NASCAR Chase and he is the only of their three cars to make the Chase. Dillon is also viewed by many as the face of that team. Although this is his first NASCAR Chase, Dillon will need to rise to the occasion.

Unlike the other first-time Chasers; Chris Buescher is playing with house money, Kyle Larson has won this season and Chase Elliott is going to be the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year, Dillon is viewed in a more critical light. Dillon is viewed by many fans as someone who hasn’t earned his spot in the sport (I don’t agree but others do). Dillon coming into the 2016 Chase and leaving after three races would be a huge disappointment for him and his team.

Dillon isn’t the worst driver in the Chase but he might have the biggest odds and the most pressure to overcome.

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