Well, the Chase is just seven races away. Who will make it? Everyone’s talking about it, everyone’s got some sort of analysis about it. I started to write something up about it, but then I realized I have nothing to say but the same things everyone else says and ultimately am just relying on my gut (and who I like and want to be there).

So, instead of babbling about the why, here’s my prediction for top ten after Richmond:
1. Johnson
2. Stewart
3. Biffle
4. Newman
5. Sadler
6. Wallace
7. Busch
8. Martin
9. Mayfield
10. Earnhardt, Jr.

Left out: McMurray, Harvick, Gordon, DJ, Edwards

And, finally, my completely unscientific, unresearched, off-the-wall predictions for the end of year standings:

1. Earnhardt, Jr. (wins at Talladega)
2. Stewart
3. Biffle (wins at Kansas)
4. Newman (wins at Loudon)
5. Johnson (wins at Atlanta)
6. Martin (wins at Homestead)
7. Sadler (wins at Texas)
8. Busch
9. Mayfield
10. Wallace
Kenseth gets wins at Phoenix, Dover
Gordon gets win at Martinsville, 11th place for the trip to the Big Apple
Edwards gets win at Charlotte

If you want “real” predictions, read Roushketeer’s weekly Chase race countdowns. They are really good. I feel that the communication line between Jr. and the Eury’s is back open, though, and I think they are peaking at just the right time to swing momentum onto their side just as the Chase starts.

Now, for what I’d wish for:
1. Martin
2. Biffle
3. Newman
4. Gordon
5. Smoke
6. Harvick
7. Busch
8. Earnhardt
9. Sadler
10. Johnson
11. Kenseth

Wishful thinking, I know… wouldn’t it be great if Mark could finally win a championship? Ah, one can dream….