THE DRIVERS | Chase for the Champion

A glance at the 10 drivers competing in NASCAR's Chase for the Nextel Cup, in order of points standings:
Jeff Gordon
Adjusted chase points: 5,050Age: 33Car: No. 24 DuPont ChevroletCrew chief: Robbie LoomisKey 2004 stats: 5 wins, 11 top 5s, 17 top 10sBest championship finish: 1st (1995, '97, '98, 2001)Outlook: If Gordon gets hot like he did early this season -- winning four-straight poles and three of six races -- he could wrap up NASCAR's first championship chase quickly. The four-time series champion can also handle the pressure of a title run.
Jimmie Johnson
Adjusted chase points: 5,045Age: Turns 29 todayCar: No. 48 Lowe's ChevroletCrew chief: Chad KnausKey 2004 stats: 4 wins, 15 top 5s, 16 top 10sBest championship finish: 2nd (2003)Outlook: The most dominating driver in the series until his young Hendrick Motorsports team fell on hard times in August with three-straight DNFs. Inexperience could keep Johnson from his first title.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Adjusted chase points: 5,040Age: 29Car: No. 8 Budweiser ChevroletCrew chief: Tony EuryKey 2004 stats: 4 wins, 12 top 5s, 14 top 10sBest championship finish: 3rd (2003)Outlook: NASCAR's most popular driver, he's the overwhelming fan favorite to win the title. But inconsistency and occasional infighting among his Dale Earnhardt Inc. crew may hold him back.
Tony Stewart
Adjusted chase points: 5,035Age: 33Car: No. 20 Home Depot ChevroletCrew chief: Greg ZipadelliKey 2004 stats: 2 wins, 9 top 5s, 13 top 10sBest championship finish: 1st (2002)Outlook: Stewart is historically at his best at the end of the season -- he's won at seven of the final 10 tracks -- but is also his own worst enemy. His temper often gets the best of him, and one blowup could take Stewart out of contention.
Matt Kenseth
Adjusted chase points: 5,030Age: 32Car: No. 17 DeWalt Tools FordCrew chief: Robbie ReiserKey 2004 stats: 2 wins, 7 top 5s, 15 top 10sBest championship finish: 1st (2003)Outlook: Used consistency to win the title last season in a non-eventful run, partially causing NASCAR to change the championship format. His tendency to stay out of trouble and finish in the top 10 each week could lead to a title under both systems.
Elliott Sadler
Adjusted chase points: 5,025Age: 29Car: No. 38 M & amp;M's FordCrew chief: Todd ParrottKey 2004 stats: 2 wins, 6 top 5s, 10 top 10sBest championship finish: 20th (2001)Outlook: The inconsistency that plagued him in past years is gone, and Sadler has proven he can run with the leaders every week. His easygoing attitude will keep him loose during the chase, but a tendency to get into on-track trouble could end his hopes.
Kurt Busch
Adjusted chase points: 5,020Age: 26Car: No. 97 Sharpie FordCrew chief: Jimmy FennigKey 2004 stats: 2 wins, 4 top 5s, 12 top 10sBest championship finish: 3rd (2002)Outlook: Often in the center of controversy for off-track problems, he's kept a low profile this year that's made him a quiet favorite. When Busch gets hot, he's capable of winning every weekend.
Mark Martin
Adjusted chase points: 5,015Age: 45Car: No. 6 Viagra FordCrew chief: Pat TrysonKey 2004 stats: 1 Win, 7 top 5s, 11 top 10sBest championship finish: 2nd (1990, '94, '98, 2002)Outlook: Used a strong second-half push to qualify for the chase, then admitted getting in was the most difficult thing he's ever done. A four-time runner-up for the series title, he's the sentimental choice to finally win a championship.
Jeremy Mayfield
Adjusted chase points: 5,010Age: 35Car: No. 19 Dodge Dealers/UAW DodgeCrew chief: Kenny FrancisKey 2004 stats: 1 Win, 4 top 5s, 10 top 10sBest championship finish: 11th (1999)Outlook: Raced his way into the chase in the final qualifying event by winning for the first time in over four years. Would be considered a longshot for title if not for car owner Ray Evernham, who won three titles as crew chief for Jeff Gordon.
Ryan Newman
Adjusted chase points: 5,005Age: 26Car: No. 12 ALLTEL DodgeCrew chief: Matt BorlandKey 2004 stats: 1 win, 9 top 5s, 12 top 10sBest championship finish: 6th (2002, '03)Outlook: An outspoken critic of the new points system, he barely made it in. Now eligible, his fast qualifying runs and mastery of the intermediate tracks could loft him to the top.
Associated Press