After Richmond The Chase field will be set but those gunning for the Top 35 will be racing for a different kind of reward, a guarantee spot in the the first 5 races of 2009.
Positions 25th to 37th are separated by less than 450 points, but positions 30th -37th are only separated by a marginal 130 points. Every race result could heavily shuffle those 8 cars. Most likely leaving 2 outside the Top 35 when the season ends.
Right now, Robby Gordon #7 has the target on his back sitting in 35th position. Sam Hornish #77 & Michael McDowell #00 will be trying to out race Gordon for a guarantee spot next week. Gordon can heavily improve his safety net by racing past those in front him: Michael Waltrip #55, Scott Riggs #66, Dave Blaney #22, AJ Almendinger #84 and Reed Sorensen #41.
These eight drivers will likely swap positions through the remainder of the season. Missing a race or having bad luck can kill your position.
Six other usual suspect: Patrick Carpantier #10, Hall of Fame's #96, Petty's #45, Wood Bros #21 and Haas' #70 would need a lot of luck, as they are already atleast 230+ points outside of 35th place. With 13 races left they can work their way back into the fight.
Paul Menard #15, Reagn Smith #01, David Reutiman #44 and David Gilliland #38 have pretty good odds to stay inside the Top 35.
The Bubble Chase might be the one to watch, since The Chase appears to be only between about 3 drivers.