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Chase for the Sprint Cup clinching scenarios: Richmond

chase for sprint cup logo

Then there was one.

Sprint Cup drivers not already in have one last shot to reserve a spot in the 2015 Chase For the Sprint Cup.

The opportunity comes Saturday in the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway on NBCSN.

Here are the clinching scenarios for the drivers not secured in the Chase.

Regardless of who wins at Richmond


  • Jamie McMurray clinches by starting the race.
  • Ryan Newman clinches by finishing 31st or better; 32nd with at least one lap led; or 33rd with the most laps led.
  • Jeff Gordon clinches by finishing 17th or better; 18th with at least one lap led; or 19th with the most laps led.
  • Paul Menard clinches by finishing ninth or better; 10th with at least one lap led; or 11th with the most laps led.

If there is a repeat winner


  • Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman and Jeff Gordon will clinch regardless of finish.
  • Paul Menard clinches by finishing 38th or better; 39th with at least one lap led; or 40th with the most laps led.
  • Clint Bowyer clinches by finishing 28th or better; 29th with at least one lap led; or 30th with the most laps led.

In summary


  • Four drivers control their Chase destiny without a win: Jamie McMurray, Ryan Newman, Jeff Gordon and Paul Menard).
  • Three drivers can clinch without a win, but need help in the form of poor finishes from winless drivers ahead of them in points and/or a repeat winner: Bowyer, Aric Almirola and Kasey Kahne.
  • Twelve drivers need to win to clinch a Chase spot: Greg Biffle, Kyle Larson, Austin Dillon, AJ Almendinger, Casey Mears, Danica Patrick, Tony Stewart, David Ragan, Sam Hornish Jr., Trevor Bayne, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Justin Allgaier.
  • Two other drivers need to win and get help to clinch a spot: Cole Whitt and David Gilliland.
  • All other drivers have been eliminated from Chase contention.

After NASCAR’S regular season ends, 16 drivers will advance to the Chase. Drivers will be eliminated after each round until a champion is crowned. Sign up at nbcsports.com/gridchallenge for a chance to win $16 million.

Follow @DanielMcFadin