NASCAR: Five Predictions for Kansas

Kansas Prediction #2 – Jamie McMurray will find a way to make the Round of 8.

Some of the most exciting happenings in sports are come-from-behind victories. This Sunday at Kansas, Jamie McMurray will need to make up 30 points to jump ahead of Jimmie Johnson for the 8th and final playoff position.

Although he is in a bleak spot right now, McMurray still has a chance at making the Round of 8. McMurray had an 8th place finish at Kansas in May, but he will likely need an even better finish this Sunday. However, if he is able to win both the first and second stages, he jumps up 20 points with that alone. Chip Ganassi Racing has shown all season that their cars can be up front competing with the best week in and week out.

Another possibility for McMurray is getting help from teammate, Kyle Larson. Larson is in a great spot to make the Round of 8 and could help his teammate by blocking competitors from catching McMurray. Larson sits 29 points ahead of 9th place and could play a helping role for his teammate if needed. However, a key for Larson is to make the Round of 8.

Therefore, if Larson falls behind, he may not be able to help McMurray.  There is always the possibility of seeing a member of a team wreck his own teammate as well. The further a team goes with more than one driver in the playoffs raises the chances of this happening.

Any way you slice it, Jamie McMurray has quite the mountain to climb to get to the Round of 8. However, when stage points are added to the equation, the chances are much better. It is predicted that Jamie McMurray will find a way to into the Round of 8 and potentially beyond.