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Stewart takes the lead at Sonoma (Crabill/Getty) |
To be fair, though, it's not too hard to make good predictions when there have been so few surprises. Part of the excitement of the Chase format is that anyone who wins a race is almost assured a playoff position. This means there is the potential for a surprise someone to jump into the championship picture. Up to this point this year, the Chase field is made up of the big boys. Up until today's race at the Sonoma road course, no one was qualified for the race by virtue of a win that would not have otherwise been qualified by points.
Tony Stewart's win at Sonoma was the first win of the year by a driver back deep in the points, but a Smoke win can hardly be considered a shocker. After all, Stewart is a defending series champ and was only deep in the points because of missing the start of the season with a non-racing back injury.
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Kyle Larson needs a win in 2016 |
Among the guys currently on the outside of the Chase looking in who have a strong chance to win and get in are Kasey Kahne, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Larson, Greg Biffle and Paul Menard. Daytona, in particular, presents an excellent chance for the Hendrick powered Kahne and the super speedway savvy Menard to notch a victory. If any of those guys nab a win, it could make things very dicey for the likes of fan-favorite Dale, Jr. and sentimental favorite Ryan Blaney.
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