Down to the Nitty-Gritty

Charlotte's fall race is usually a watershed for the series.

In years past, it was where all the sponsor/driver moves were made, announcements and the like. Recently, it's become the place where Chases are won and...Chase hopes go to wither on the vine.

Which will Saturday's Bank of America 500 be?

Personally, I think it will be a fair dose of the latter come Saturday's checkered flag, and some of the former will clarify.

As it stands after four races, there are three drivers already out of it: Denny Hamlin, Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon. Gordon is 47 points out and if he gets hot, that could change, but Newman and Hamlin are toast.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is 43 points out and on the verge of Chase hopelessness. He could do a big service to himself and Junior Nation by winning on Saturday and hoping everyone else finds trouble.

Other than that, it's about as wide open as it gets. The top eight are separated by 20 points, and that's total finishing positions with six races left. On Saturday night, we'll have to see what's up.

One driver hoping to do it right is Tony Stewart. He won the pole on Thursday night, and when he does that, he's usually pretty strong when the race starts. Whether he's the racer at the end that he is at the beginning is the question.

I'm enthused about the Chase, but like some of you, I'm fearful that Jimmie winning No. 6 will not be good for the sport. That's the question these days, and I'd like your thoughts.

Will it harm the sport or help it? I'm of two minds. I think it will help in that the opposition will have to step it up to beat him and whomever does will be a giant-slayer of epic talent. I also think people, casual fans, will say, "why watch NASCAR? You KNOW the 48 is going to win it all...?"

Let me know your thoughts!