With Clint Bowyer, Greg Biffle, Austin Dillon and Kyle Larson trying to make the chase, NASCAR drivers have a very tight situation. One year ago, Michael Waltrip Racing got into a lot of trouble, involving a native of Emporia, Kansas, Clint Bowyer, and “Spingate” was born. NAPA Auto Parts left Michael Waltrip racing for Martin Truex, Jr., a native of Mayetta, New Jersey. Truex has since moved on to Furniture Row Racing, which is based in Denver, Colorado. He now drives the number 78 car for Furniture Row Racing.

It will be interesting to see how the six-time champion crew chief, Chad Knaus, and his driver adjust to each one of the rounds. In the past, if Jimmie Johnson finished 15th or better, the championship would be his, but now the new format is based on winning.

There are three rounds before the final four at Homestead-Miami. The NASCAR postseason will start at Chicago, and then the challenger rounds will continue in New Hampshire and Dover. Its kind of like college basketball’s March Madness. The drivers are competing for survival of the best three. May the best three win.