KIDWCKED
11-13-2010, 02:00 AM
c/p from foxsports by the a/p
Updated Nov 12, 2010 5:20 PM ET
It’s clear that the mind games are heating up in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup – or at least that the attempts at them are. But Jedi mind tricks.
The Chase has taken a dramatic and entertaining turn in recent weeks, with the top trio of teams staying tight in the battle – and offering insight into their plans and mindset. Confidence appears to be high for all three involved in the tight battle, including the four-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson camp.
Johnson is in the new position of being second in the standings entering this weekend’s penultimate chase race at Phoenix International Raceway. Each of the past four seasons, he has held the top spot in the standings at this point. Now he trails points leader Denny Hamlin by 33 points and is only 26 ahead of third-position Kevin Harvick.
He’s obviously keeping an eye on the effort of Hamlin and his Mike Ford-led team, if only because they are in front of his group. Since the Chase debuted in 2004, no team has ever rallied from second or third in the standings with two races to go to win the title.
So, does Johnson view Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 as a must-win event for his Hendrick Motorsports group? Not exactly.
Updated Nov 12, 2010 5:20 PM ET
It’s clear that the mind games are heating up in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup – or at least that the attempts at them are. But Jedi mind tricks.
The Chase has taken a dramatic and entertaining turn in recent weeks, with the top trio of teams staying tight in the battle – and offering insight into their plans and mindset. Confidence appears to be high for all three involved in the tight battle, including the four-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson camp.
Johnson is in the new position of being second in the standings entering this weekend’s penultimate chase race at Phoenix International Raceway. Each of the past four seasons, he has held the top spot in the standings at this point. Now he trails points leader Denny Hamlin by 33 points and is only 26 ahead of third-position Kevin Harvick.
He’s obviously keeping an eye on the effort of Hamlin and his Mike Ford-led team, if only because they are in front of his group. Since the Chase debuted in 2004, no team has ever rallied from second or third in the standings with two races to go to win the title.
So, does Johnson view Sunday's Kobalt Tools 500 as a must-win event for his Hendrick Motorsports group? Not exactly.