NASCAR: Chase-Clinching Scenarios For Richmond

The 2016 NASCAR Chase is almost here. All that stands between the drivers of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and the start of the playoffs is Richmond International Raceway.

When NASCAR hits Richmond this weekend, several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers will be looking to lock their spots in the 2016 NASCAR Chase. Coming into the race 12 NASCAR drivers are locked into the Chase.

The only NASCAR driver with a win in 2016 that is not locked into the Chase is Chris Buescher. Buescher needs to come out of Richmond inside of the top-30 in points and he will secure his spot in the playoffs which begin next weekend in Chicago. Should Buescher not be inside of the top-30 after Richmond, it will open up a Chase spot for a driver without a win this season.

Below are the Chase-clinching scenarios for the drivers who have yet to secure their spot in the 2016 NASCAR Chase. These scenarios were compiled by NASCAR via NASCAR.com

The following drivers need either a win to make the Chase or some combination of a win and help from other drivers as far as getting inside of the top-30 in points.

There are two wildcards coming into the weekend in Richmond. The first is Ryan Newman and the penalty for failing post-race inspection. The penalty will cost him anywhere from 10-15 points (assuming it’s similar to others who have failed this season). That penalty will hurt him and help others who are racing him for a spot in the Chase.

The other wildcard factor is Chris Buescher. Although he has been running better as of late, he is a car that could easily have a poor finish. A poor run by Buescher and a decent run by Ragan would knock Buescher out of the Chase and open the door for another driver to make it based on points.