Sprint Cup Series Points Analysis: Drivers 6-10

The 2016 Sprint Cup Series season is closing in on its version of racing’s spring break. Let’s examine the drivers and their teams that are positioned six through ten in the standings. Some of these competitors are on the cusp of making a move into the top five and have already won some races that have all but cashed their ticket into NASCAR’s version of the playoffs. Others have been consistent and hope the much-needed victory is right around the corner.

Nestled in the sixth spot is NASCAR’s six-time champion Jimmie Johnson. The Hendrick Motorsports team leader is up to his old tricks in 2016. The seasoned veteran has guided his #48 Lowes Chevrolet to victory lane on two different occasions already this year. Johnson finished out in front in the second race of the Sprint Cup Series in Atlanta and then again at his home track in Fontana, CA.

Obviously Chad Knauss, Johnson’s crew chief, has had him dialed in for the first half of the season. Johnson has recorded two wins, six top fives and seven top 10’s. Las Vegas fully respects the ability of the speedster and has him at 5/1 to capture his seventh Sprint Cup Series title.

Sitting seventh in the point standings is rookie Chase Elliott. If any driver has surprised more fans and odds-makers alike, it’s Elliott. Taking over for now retired Jeff Gordon has not been an issue for the youngster. The #24 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet hasn’t crossed the finish line in first yet, but is becoming more competitive race by race.

The new addition to the Hendrick Motorsports team has gathered in five to five’s and 10 top 10’s. Elliott also has been stellar in qualifying during the season and has two Coors Light pole position awards to show for it. His 25/1 chances of winning NASCAR’s crown is strictly because of the newbies inexperience.

The eighth position in the Sprint Cup Series points standings belongs to Penske Racing’s Joey Logano. Logano arguably has been the fastest car in qualifying this year and seems to be starting in the first two rows at every event. He hasn’t driven his #22 Pennzoil Ford Fusion to the winner’s circle yet, which is a big surprise to me. The aggressive driver has tallied some impressive finishes. Logano has four to five’s and eight top 10’s and has led over 400 laps this year. Team Penske really had it dialed in in the second half of the season in 2015 and Vegas acknowledges that with a 8/1 line.

Martin Truex Jr. sits in ninth in the Sprint Cup Series points as of this article. The new addition to the Joe Gibbs Racing team has more than held his own this season. Truex has guided his #78 furniture Row/Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry to victory at Charolette Speedway in the most dominate performance in NASCAR history.

The victory will put Truex Jr. into the chase for the playoffs in the last part of the season. He also lost by a nose at Daytona this year and would be higher in the standings if not a three race string of unfortunate mishaps. The speed demon has accumulated two Coors Light pole awards, one win, to more top five appearances and six top 10’s. The bookmakers have him slotted at a solid 10/1 to win it all.

Rounding out the top ten Sprint Cup Series point drivers is none other than Matt Kenseth. Another
Joe Gibbs Racing standout that has not disappointed in the first half of the season. Kenseth has guided his #20 Dollar General Toyota Camry to the winner circle at Dover in May, placing him in the chase for the end run to the season.

The experienced NASCAR driver has also had his run of bad luck to start the season or he would be higher in the standings. His to did not finishes this year hurt, but his one victory, two top fives and six top ten’s are good enough for Las Vegas to have him at a gaudy 8/1 to finish first in the Sprint Cup Series point standings.

The 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Point Standings: