How The Chase Was Won

Despite turmoil in the Richard Petty Racing team, Kahne had won twice in the regular season and started the Chase seeded fifth. His status as a contender lasted just 67 laps, until a blown engine left him in 38th place at Loudon.

11 CARL EDWARDS

DEFINING MOMENT: New Hampshire

Though Edwards, who broke his foot playing Frisbee in September, shed his crutches in early October, he pretty much limped through the Chase. He certainly got off on the wrong foot at Loudon, finishing an uninspired 17th.

12 BRIAN VICKERS

DEFINING MOMENT: Kansas

The Red Bull driver was red-hot coming into the Chase but struggled throughout the final 10 races, nowhere more than at Kansas, where an engine failure led to a 37th-place finish and planted him at the bottom of the standings.

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DRIVER

1 MARK MARTIN