Owners’ Chase Even More Wide Open

Owners’ Chase Even More Wide Open

For the first time in the 10-year history of the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the 12 cars in the owners’ Chase might not have their corresponding drivers in the drivers’ Chase.

The No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet and the No. 55 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota could each make history, earning a spot in the owners’ Chase while neither of their drivers makes the drivers’ Chase.

With one win apiece heading into this weekend, a victory at Richmond would guarantee at least a Wild Card spot in the owners’ Chase.

The possible rarity comes from two different 2013 scenarios for the No. 14 and 55. Throughout, the No. 55 has planned for a multiple-driver campaign for 2013, shared by Mark Martin, Brian Vickers and Michael Waltrip. The No. 14 had to move to a multiple-driver lineup because of Tony Stewart’s broken leg prior to Watkins Glen. Since the injury, sustained in a Sprint Car race, the No. 14 has been piloted by Max Papis, Austin Dillon and Mark Martin. Vickers and Martin will drive the No. 55 and 14, respectively, at Richmond on Saturday.

At Richmond, Martin has one win and 30 top 10s in 55 starts. He has finished in the top 10 in three of his last four Richmond starts.

Vickers has three top 10s in 15 starts, with a best finish of seventh in 2009.

Currently, the top two Wild Cards for the owners’ Chase are the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and the No. 56 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota.