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Why did the Chase drivers finish where they did?

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005 by Lee Spencer

1 Tony Stewart No. 20 A

The team's determination and loyalty to Stewart is unmatched. Once it figured out the new tire-spoiler combination, it was smooth sailing from Michigan in June to Homestead. In the final 22 races of the season, Smoke finished outside of the top 10 just three times. Kudos to the engine department for providing Stewart with incredible--and reliable--horsepower. If there were a higher grade, he would get it.

2 Greg Biffle No. 16 A-

For the first time since graduating to Cup, Biffle was a player all season. But the consistency the No. 16 enjoyed early in the season dissipated as the Chase progressed. Nonetheless, his season-ending victory showed Biffle can win the title in 2006 if he improves on road courses and at Martinsville.

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3 Carl Edwards No. 99 A

Edwards exceeded all expectations with four victories and two poles. His ying to crew chief Bob Osborne's yang provides the perfect balance and makes Edwards a championship contender in 2006. If this team improves at short tracks, it will be lights out for the competition.

4 Mark Martin No. 6 B

Martin and his team deserve an "A" for effort. He paced himself like a well-trained thoroughbred through the regular season and locked up a Chase spot. But wrecking at Talladega and a poor qualifying effort at Martinsville ruined his chances for a run at the title. He was eliminated before the last race.

5 Jimmy Johnson No. 48 B+

Johnson continued to be an excellent qualifier who saves his car for when he needs it most during a race. Solid communication with crew chief Chad Knaus and a spot-on crew enabled Johnson to contend for victory in every race. Finishing fifth is a huge letdown, and the disappointment of his last race will make him more determined for 2006.

6 Ryan Newman No. 12 C+

If points were awarded for winning poles, Newman, who had eight this season, would have been a player. The momentum from winning at New Hampshire should have kept him in the title hunt. But after finishing in the top five in the first three races, the team was buried on most of the intermediate tracks. Time to return to the drawing board with the Charger.

7 Matt Kenseth No. 17 B-

For a driver in a rebuilding year, Kenseth recovered quite well. He is on top of his game but needs the support of a strong nucleus in order to return to championship form. The losses of his longtime car chief and spotter will mean similar challenges in 2006.

8 Rusty Wallace No. 2 C

What more could Wallace have done? He raced his guts out and climbed as high as second in points before his luck turned sour at Talladega. Despite his success during the season, Wallace led just one lap in the Chase. If you don't lead, you can't win. Regardless, fans should remember Wallace as going out among NASCAR's elite.

9 Jeremy Mayfield No. 19 D

Is "git 'er done" not in the No. 19 team's vocabulary? Talk about performance anxiety--the boys made it to the dance and developed two left feet. Crew chief Slugger Labbe abandoned the team six races into the Chase, which hurt its morale and confidence.

10 Kurt Busch No. 97 F

You've got to play to win. Busch, the defending champion, was fifth in points coming in, but a wreck three laps into the first Chase race sealed the No. 97's fate. Getting canned for an off-track incident was a sad way to say goodbye to Roush Racing.

Why did the Chase drivers finish where they did?

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005 by Lee Spencer

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