Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, and Joey Logano. Four drivers. Three manufacturers. Two teammates. One championship. Zero room for error. Let’s take a look at seven key categories and see which of the four contenders had the edge in each of them:
YEARLONG PERFORMANCE: The Penske pair had a great start to the year, but after the return from the COVID-19 hiatus, there was one driver who shone over all others KEVIN HARVICK
PHOENIX EXPERIENCE: There’s really not much of a competition here, with one rising above the others at the desert track KEVIN HARVICK
TEAM FOCUS: Penske’s resources will be split two ways. Denny Hamlin has the distraction of the Erik Jones investigation. Hendrick might be more focused on Jimmie Johnson’s final race. Gotta give it to KEVIN HARVICK
CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE: Chase Elliott’s making his first “Final Round Appearance”. Denny Hamlin’s been close but no cigar so many times, he’s going through nicotine withdrawal. And while Brad and Joey have both won championships, last offseason’s crew chief swap put some unfamiliar faces in new places. Once again, the choice is clear KEVIN HARVICK
WHO DOES NASCAR WANT TO WIN: You might think this would go to Chase Elliott, but the money comes from the championship chase (no pun intended), not by winning it right away. With the other three having smaller fan bases, one would have to give the edge to the one driver with a “Premier Partnership” sponsor KEVIN HARVICK
SOMETHING TO PROVE: Both Penske drivers are sitting pretty and—though they’d never admit it—are likely just happy to have salvaged what was a very inconsistent season. Denny Hamlin certainly wants to finally get over the championship hump, and Chase Elliott wants to meet—or exceed—his father’s success. But lets be honest here—only one driver wants to erase last weekend’s disaster KEVIN HARVICK
MOMENTUM: Well, Chase Elliott won last weekend. So I guess you gotta give it to CHASE ELLIOTT
2020 Championship Pick: CHASE ELLIOTT