The Top 20

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CHASE. After a 26-race "regular season," the top 10 drivers in the standings put the hammer down for a 10-race "playoff" in the Chase for the Nextel Cup. Here's how they'll rank when the checkered flag falls at Homestead on Nov. 20 ('04 finish in parentheses). -- L.A.

1 JEFF GORDON (3) Under the old points system Gordon would have won his fifth title in '04. At 33 he says he's better than ever. Believe him. He'll get number 5 in '05.

2 JIMMIE JOHNSON (2) Last season JJ was otherworldly at times, winning eight races. This year he'll battle Hendrick Motorsports teammate Gordon for the title.

3 KASEY KAHNE (13) As a rookie he had more top five finishes (13) than seven of the 10 drivers who qualified for the Chase. Look for him to start winning now.

4 KURT BUSCH (1) Expect another late-season surge from the defending champ; Busch's average finish of 8.9 was the best of any driver in the final 10 races.

5 MATT KENSETH (8) After taking two of the first three races last year, the '03 champ didn't win again. This year he won't carry the burden of defending champ.

6 TONY STEWART (6) Joe Gibbs Racing hasn't been as strong since the owner returned to the NFL. Still, Stewart, the '02 champ, should be in the title mix again.

7 DALE EARNHARDT JR. (5) After replacing his crew chief and several team members, Junior will likely struggle early in the year at non-restrictor-plate tracks.

8 ELLIOTT SADLER (9) Last year's revelation, Sadler needs to rebound from his Chase swoon; he finished 30th or worse in four of the final five races.

9 RYAN NEWMAN (7) Perhaps the most inconsistent driver of '04, with nine poles set against nine DNFs, but if his engine holds up, he's always a threat to win.