So The Chase is set

So the Chase is set.

Who do you like?

There is a lot of talk about Hamlin dethroning Johnson and just as much talk about Johnson being the man until he loses but I argue both bandwagons.

While Denny Hamlin would be a great champion and represent the "younger drivers" well, his team will have to have a run like they had in the Spring of this year in order to do it. DH is consistent overall, but tough stretches have hampered him for years. IE: what drivers call, "bad luck." Remember, Jimmie Johnson was Mr. Consistency for years while battling bad luck before he finally won a championship. So, net-net, Denny is going to do well, win a race or two, but ultimately a couple of really bad finishes will prevent him from winning it all this year.

With JJ, what will prevent him from 5-peteing?? Simply put, other drivers. This year no one has cut JJ any slack and in the Chase it will get worse. This team is still the best, but they will not win it all. Look for Curt Bush to seek some revenge from Jimmie wrecking him early this year and others to cash in those chips including teammate and partial owner, Jeff Gordon.

This year's winner will not have one miserable race and will have to win 2 at a minimum.

My call is Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, or Kyle Bush. But I'm routing for Smoke and Clint Bowyer. I will explain more later.

P.Gozzo, Paul Gozzo, http://www.paulgozzo.com/