The Chase is On
| Published 10/01/04

Graphic by: Doni Neel

An Earnhardt leading the points at this stage of the season is not that hard to believe. Dale Earnhardt Sr., a seven-time NASCAR champion, always seemed to be hovering around the top of the standings heading down the stretch. However, that was under the old points system when constancy out-weighed out-running your opponent.

Earnhardt Jr. does not sit alone on top of the standings. Kurt Bush leaped from seventh in points before last weekends race at New Hampshire, to tie with Earnhardt Jr. by taking his number 97 Ford to victory lane. 

Nipping at their heals are Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth, who are both within 10 points of Earnhardt Jr. Jimmie Johnson rounds out the top five, 30 points back the leaders.

Two title contenders, Tony Stewart and Jeremy Mayfield, had the misfortune of being swept up in a wreck caused by a venting Robbie Gordon. 

Gordon was involved in an incident with Greg Biffle early in the race that sent Gordon spinning. He verbally communicated to his team through the in-car radio that he would retaliate and "get" Biffle.  Later in the race, Gordon's number 31 Chevrolet made contact with the back of Biffle's number 16 Ford and the ensuing chaos collected Stewart and Mayfield.   

Later in the week, Gordon's car owner, Richard Childress, placed Gordon on probation for the rest of the season. This further fuels the rumors that Gordon will not pilot the car next season. Gordon is currently 22nd in the points standings. 

  Round two of the "chase" is set for this weekend at Dower International Speedway. Title contender Mark Martin will hope to duplicate his spring run at Dover and pull his Viagra Ford into victory lane again.  

  "The Monster Mile" should prove to be critical in the crowning of a new champion.