Talladega was a mix of results for Chasers as most avoided running up front to help make sure they were able to contend at the end. While Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch found trouble, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. waited too long to make a move.

After a late wreck crash by Regan Smith the race was down to a two lap shootout between non-Chasers Clint Bowyer and Jeff Burton with Bowyer beating his teammate to the finish line.

Carl Edwards extended his lead in the Chase with an 11th place finish at Talladega. Matt Kenseth is 14 points back in second with Brad Keselowski trailing Edwards by 18 in third.

The Sprint Cup Series heads to Martinsville Speedway with the idea that the Chase is down to the top six or seven but Martinsville could very well shake up the Chase and allow other drivers back into the title picture.

1. Carl Edwards 1 Win       Points: 2237       Behind: Leader

2. Matt Kenseth 3 Wins      Points: 2223       Behind: -14

3. Brad Keselowski 3 Wins Points: 2219       Behind: -18

4. Tony Stewart 2 Wins       Points: 2218      Behind: - 19
5. Kevin Harvick 4 Wins       Points: 2211      Behind: - 26  
6. Kyle Busch 4 Wins           Points: 2197      Behind: - 40
7. Jimmie Johnson 2 Wins    Points: 2187      Behind: - 50
8. Kurt Busch 2 Wins            Points: 2185      Behind: - 52
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr.            Points: 2163      Behind: - 74
10. Jeff Gordon 3 Wins         Points: 2155      Behind: - 82     
11. Denny Hamlin 1 Win        Points: 2153     Behind:  - 84
12. Ryan Newman 1 Win       Points: 2149      Behind: - 88

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