Top 11 could make the Chase

Only 147 points cover Kevin Harvick in third down to Kasey Kahne in 11th, meaning that one driver from a selection of nine is likely to suffer heartache next weekend by not making this year's Chase - NASCAR's ten-race, ten-driver playoff for the championship.

If the leading two drivers, Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson, have a poor race at Richmond it is possible for all 11 to sneak into the Chase under the 400-point rule, whereby anyone within that distance form the leader is also granted a place in the Chase.

However, NASCAR have now offered another alternative, if the points for tenth place are tied.

Previously, a tie-breaker would be used, based on wins and then top 10 finishes, to determine who made the Chase. However, NASCAR has now altered that rules, saying that if that scenario occurs, both drivers will make the Chase.

Kahne has a 30-point deficit to make up on 10th place if that is to happen, but the following drivers can ensure their place in the Chase with the following finishes - no matter where the rest of the contenders finish:

Kevin Harvick        39th
Jeff Gordon          24th
Kyle Busch           22nd
Dale Earnhardt Jr.   16th
Denny Hamlin         16th
Tony Stewart          7th
Mark Martin           4th
Jeff Burton           3rd