Beyond the Flag
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 17
Next
Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 14 – Jamie McMurray

The good news for Jamie McMurray is that he made the 2016 NASCAR Chase, the bad news is that McMurray is only averaging a 15th-place finish this season with one top-five and that’s not going to be good enough to result in a deep run. It also doesn’t help that McMurray isn’t even the most favored driver in the Chase on his team, that honor belongs to Kyle Larson in the No. 42 machine.

Some NASCAR fans will have McMurray making an early exit and while that is possible, I think he will at least make it to the round of 12. That being said, the round of eight might be out of reach for him (or at least the furthest that he will make it in my opinion).

The first race of the Chase will be crucial for McMurray as he has not run well at Chicagoland in his career. In 13 starts he is averaging a 20th-place finish with only seven lead-lap finishes and one top-five. McMurray needs to have a solid top-15 or even a top-10 this weekend if he plans on making some noise in NASCAR’s version of the playoffs.

Home/NASCAR