The clock is rapidly winding down on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series regular season, which is now more than two-thirds complete.
So far, 10 drivers are eligible for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup by virtue of winning races, while an 11th, Kyle Busch, appears headed toward the top 30 in points and a Chase slot.
Among the winless drivers in the top 20 in points, here’s who has the best chance to break on through and win Sunday’s 5-Hour Energy 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway:
CLINT BOWYER — Bowyer will be up on the wheel in a race sponsored by the same company that sponsors the No. 15 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota. Bowyer already has two victories here and an average finish of 14.500.
JEFF GORDON — The four-time Sprint Cup champ is also a three-time New Hampshire winner, and the all-time lap leader at the track with 1,371 laps out front. Gordon’s average New Hampshire finish of 11.350 is impressive and he has more points in the last 10 New Hampshire races than anyone. The bad news is he hasn’t finished inside the top 10 here since 2012, despite an overall average finish of 11.350.
RYAN NEWMAN — With three New Hampshire victories to his credit, Newman is someone who could make some noise on Sunday. He’s also third among active drivers in laps led and has a solid average finish of 13.769. Newman’s three victories were a while back, though: 2002, ’05 and ’11.
KYLE LARSON — OK, here’s a wildcard for you: Larson has run just two Cup races at New Hampshire, although his results have been sensational, finishing third a year ago and second last September. He remains an intriguing option.
GREG BIFFLE — For his career, Biffle has six top fives at New Hampshire, which trail only Gordon and Newman in the drivers listed here. He also has a victory in 2008 and has finished third here three times.
JAMIE MCMURRAY — Although his average finish of 20.5 isn’t especially impressive, McMurray has top fives in two of the three most recent races at the Magic Mile.
And four who probably will struggle:
KASEY KAHNE — Three years ago, Kahne won this race, and he’s finished in the top five here on two other occasions. He needs a strong run this weekend. Really needs it.
ARIC ALMIROLA — In his last four New Hampshire starts, Almirola does have a sixth and a fifth. His other seven starts have all produced finishes of 18th or worse.
CASEY MEARS — Fresh off signing a contract extension, Mears will tackle one of his toughest tracks, a place where he has just two top 10s in 24 starts.
PAUL MENARD — In 16 starts at New Hampshire, Menard has no victories, no top fives, no top 10s, and, realistically, no hope on Sunday.
