Suite16 NASCAR Rankings-Richmond

Suite 16 NASCAR Nextel Cup Rankings after Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond

Sep 13, 2006

Each week, Suite 101 ranks the top 16 NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers based on results and performance.

1. (3) 29-Kevin Harvick: Kevin Harvick has emerged as Matt Kenseth's toughest competition in the Nextel Cup championship race.

2. (1) 17-Matt Kenseth: Matt Kenseth is the high percentage pick to win the Nextel Cup championship.

3. (2) 48-Jimmie Johnson: Despite the fact that Jimmie Johnson is fading as we speak, I still wouldn't count him out.

4. (5) 5-Kyle Busch: Kyle Busch may have materialized as Rich Hendrick's best shot at the NASCAR Nextel Cup championship.

5. (9) 9-Kasey Kahne: It would have been a tough pill to swallow for Kasey Kahne and Ray Evernham if he were to miss the NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase For The Championship with five wins.

6. (4) 24-Jeff Gordon: Let's hope that Richmond was not a foretaste of things to come for Jeff Gordon.

7. (7) 8-Dale Earnhardt Jr: Dale Earnhardt Jr ends his 1-year hiatus from the NASCAR Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship.

8. (8) 11-Denny Hamlin: Denny Hamlin is the championship chaser that no one expects much from, which may give him an advantage.

9. (6) 20-Tony Stewart: Well, at least Tony Stewart has the 11th place consolation prize all but wrapped up.

10. (11) 6-Mark Martin: Mr. Consistency lived up to his name, and will embark upon his third consecutive Nextel Cup Chase for the Championship.

11. (10) 31-Jeff Burton: It would be heartbreaking if Jeff Burton didn't win a race this year.

12. (13) 16-Greg Biffle: Greg Biffle finds himself in first-rate companionship outside the top ten with champions such as Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Bobby Labonte, and Dale Jarrett, as well as other stars such as Ryan Newman and Carl Edwards.

14. (15) 07-Clint Bowyer: Clint Bowyer continues to knock on victory lane's door.

15. (14) 2-Kurt Busch: Kurt Busch's performance at Richmond went beyond disappointing.

16. (16) 12-Ryan Newman: Ryan Newman and the 12 team's struggles have been the biggest mystery of 2006.

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