Indy: Last Chance to Get into the Countdown

The Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil not only represents NHRA’s most prestigious race, it also represents the last chance for teams to get into “The Countdown to the Championship”. In order to compete for a championship, drivers must be in the top 10 in points in their class at the conclusion of the U.S. Nationals. The NHRA Countdown to the Championship is basically a playoff system, but the catch is that non-playoff teams participate and can spoil the hopes of championship contenders. Here is a snapshot of each class going into Indy:

Top Fuel
Clinched a playoff spot: Del Worsham, Antron Brown, Spencer Massey, Tony Schumacher, Larry Dixon, Doug Kalitta, and Brandon Bernstein
Should clinch in Indy: Shawn Langdon and Morgan Lucas
Realistically in the hunt for a playoff spot: Dave Grubnic, Terry McMillen, and Bob Vandergriff Jr.

Funny Car
Clinched a playoff spot: Mike Neff, Robert Hight, Jack Beckman, Cruz Pedregon, Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, and John Force
Realistically in the hunt for a playoff spot: Tim Wilkerson, Jeff Arend, Bob Tasca III and Johnny Gray

Pro Stock
Clinched a playoff spot: Greg Anderson, Jason Line, Mike Edwards, Vincent Nobile, Erica Enders, Allen Johnson, Rodger Brogdon, and Greg Stanfield
Should clinch in Indy: Shane Gray
Realistically in the hunt for a playoff spot: Ron Krisher, Larry Morgan, and Ronnie Humphrey

Pro Stock Motorcycle
Clinched a playoff spot: Eddie Krawiec, Karen Stoffer, LE Tonglet, Andrew Hines, Matt Smith, and Hector Arana Sr.
Should clinch in Indy: Michael Phillips, Hector Arana Jr., and Gerald Savoie
Realistically in the hunt for a playoff spot: Jim Underdahl, Chip Ellis, and David Hope

See the attached document for further analysis of those in the hunt for a playoff spot. This analysis clearly shows why these drivers are battling for one of the final playoff spots instead of already being locked in. Here are some highlights:

• The majority of the remaining playoff contenders have lost > 50% of the time in the 1st round.
• The majority of the remaining playoff contenders tend to qualify in the bottom half of the field in their respective classes. The only exceptions are Tim Wilkerson, Bob Tasca and Ron Krisher.
• Johnny Gray has the highest number of DNQs with 3, followed by Bob Vandergriff Jr. and David Hope with 2. 
• The tightest battle for a playoff spot is in Top Fuel. Drivers in the other classes will need a bit more help to get into the playoffs.

In Summary, here is what teams need to do:

• Teams that have not yet locked themselves into the playoffs have two goals – Qualify for the race and go rounds in eliminations. If they do that, teams on the outside looking in will not be able to catch them. 
• Teams on the outside looking in must first focus on qualifying for the race.  Then they must go rounds in eliminations and hope the teams in front of them stumble. 

One of the best things about NHRA drag racing is that anything can happen. I am looking forward to seeing how things unfold as the weekend progresses.