So I was trying to figure out who can still get in the Chase when I saw that MRN has it figured out in somewhat simple terms so I copied their article so I can try and figure out who to watch at Richmond. Nascar seems to think they have made the Chase format easier for fans to follow.....say what?
"This much is known for the Chase - 14 drivers have clinched spots. That's the 13 different winners this season and Matt Kenseth. That leaves two spots left to be filled Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway.
Here's a look at the Chase clinch scenarios for the drivers eligible for those final two spots:
If there is a repeat winner, three winless drivers would make the Chase – one of which would be Kenseth. If there is a new winner, two winless drivers would make the Chase – one would be Kenseth (if Kenseth is not the new winner).
Any current winless driver who wins at Richmond, and is in the top 30 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup driver points standings, clinches a spot in the Chase.
Only Ryan Newman controls his own destiny, no matter who wins at Richmond. If there is a repeat 2014 winner (or a Kenseth victory), Newman is guaranteed a spot in the Chase if he finishes 41st or better; or 42nd with at least one lap led; or 43rd and the most laps led. If there is a new winner (that is not Kenseth), Newman is guaranteed a Chase spot with a finish of 18th or better; 19th and at least one lap led; or 20th and the most laps led.
Greg Biffle controls his own destiny if there is a repeat winner.If there is a repeat 2014 winner (or if Kenseth or Newman win), Biffle is guaranteed a spot in the Chase if he finishes 22nd or better; or 23rd with at least one lap led; or 24th and the most laps led. If there is a new winner (that is not Kenseth or Newman), Biffle needs to out-point Newman by 19 points and stay ahead of Clint Bowyer and Kyle Larson.
Clint Bowyer and Kyle Larson are the only other two drivers who can clinch a spot in the Chase without a victory.
The following drivers can only make the Chase with a win at Richmond (and a top-30 spot in the standings): Paul Menard, Austin Dillon, Jamie McMurray, Brian Vickers, Marcos Ambrose, Casey Mears, Martin Truex Jr., Tony Stewart, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Danica Patrick, Justin Allgaier, Michael Annett, David Gilliland, David Ragan and Cole Whitt."