Drivers on the outside of Chase know time is limited to make run at championship field

Race for Chase heats up

LOUDON, N.H. — The Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship traditionally kicks off at New Hampshire. So does the 10-race sprint to make the 12-driver field.

When drivers return here in September, they hope they’re gearing up for a championship run. With only 10 races left until the field is set, the pressure is on for those around the cutoff to get their programs going before it’s too late.

Carl Edwards is in 12th place entering Sunday’s race, only 57 points ahead of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman and pole sitter Juan Pablo Montoya are among the small group of drivers who have a small margin of error.

Earnhardt is coming off his best two back-to-back races of the season. He says the No. 88 Chevrolet team still has to find some more speed to stamp themselves as a legitimate Chase threat.