This weekend marks the final race before the twelve-man Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field is set. With the top-5 in the series standings already locked in, things are still up in the air for positions 6-12. 

Points leader Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Burton are already locked into the field, while Greg Biffle and Kevin Harvick will clinch their spots by simply taking the green flag Saturday night at Richmond.

The fight for the final transfer spot is going to be a heated battle between Clint Bowyer, David Ragan and Kasey Kahne. A clash all of its own, be sure to check out this week’s “Chasing the Chase” for more on how their scenarios will play out.

As for Tony Stewart (8th), Matt Kenseth (9th), Jeff Gordon (10th) and Denny Hamlin (11th) worries of making the Chase are beginning to fade away. Each of these drivers will likely lock themselves in position at the end of the night – that is if they can stay out of trouble.

Again, nothing is set in stone and a poor finish by any of these drivers, coupled with a win or a dominating run by Bowyer, Ragan or Kahne may shake things up in a big way. On the short track at Richmond, anything can happen – just ask Kenseth or Hamlin.

Earlier this year, Kenseth was caught up in a mid-race accident at Richmond and was forced to finish a disappointing 38th. The 2003 Cup Series champion can not afford another night like the one he had in May if he plans on contending for his second championship.

Denny Hamlin also had his share of bad luck that night. After leading the most laps in dominating fashion, a flat tire ended the hometown driver’s hopes of winning. The Chesterfield, Virginia-native is sure to be looking to redeem himself and erase that disappointing memory by sealing the deal this time and locking himself into the Chase.

Below are the basics of what each driver must do on Saturday night – regardless of how anyone else finishes – in order to make the Chase:

Tony Stewart

• finish 36th or better
• finish 37th and lead one lap
• finish 40th and lead the most laps

Matt Kenseth

• finish 26th or better
• finish 28th and lead one lap
• finish 30th and lead the most laps
  

Jeff Gordon

• finish 24th or better
• finish 25th and lead one lap
• finish 28th and lead the most laps

Denny Hamlin

• finish 21st or better
• finish 22nd and lead one lap
• finish 25th and lead the most laps