Key to Making the Chase? Breaking Your Ankle and Spraining Your Back.

     As the years have gone by since 2004, the chase has been a harder and harder dream to accomplish by some of the best drivers in NASCAR's new era. The chasers couldn't be decided by a specific science or math. You have a better chance of figuring out who's in by picking names from a hat.
     As we approach the 2011 chase field though, it looks like we will have a new face in the field, unlike past years. Brad Keselowski. Just under two weeks ago, Brad went through a terrible wreak at Road America while testing his #2 Miller Lite Dodge for Penske Racing. He chipped the bone in his ankle, put a gash in his upper leg, and sprained his back, putting him in severe pain. Brad's team didn't even know if Brad was going to show up to Pocono, none the less race.
     Brad was determined though, and raced through the pain to his first win with no strings attached. This wasn't fuel mileage, nor did Carl Edwards have to fly for this trophy to hold Brad's name on it. The fact that he won is what is amazing NASCAR nation, being down a foot and all. This Monday though, the series moved onto Wakins Glen, and Brad showed what he had once again.
    He came up second on the road course, which impressed the media, his team, and the fans. "I think he showed how tough he is, because even with the injury he suffered, he won at Pocono and finished 2nd @ the glen. Also, it shows that he will probably get into the chase with the wild card spot & possibly be a factor in the chase" @KaseyKfan4 had to say when asked what she thought about Brad these past two weeks. @phillip_smalley simply said "BK is Bad ass". (Personally, I prefer Bradass, but that's just me! :D ) @Short_Court24 also expressed " [He is] just amazing, I can't believe that he sat in the car and drove that car to Victory lane and then a top 2 finish. He is a true competitor and he never gives up. Also I don't think any other driver would have been able to do what he has done...he is a beast!" Fans obviously have taken to Brad's success well, and is enjoying the way he is running.
     Along with the success, Brad has just about secured a chase berth, which even though isn't perfectly secured yet, as the weeks tick by, he's getting closer and closer to fighting with 5-time Jimmie Johnson for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
     As Brad continues to bask in the glory of his success on one foot and no back, others are scrambling to squeeze into that last spot in the top ten, and final wild card spot. Well, I have one piece of advice for them that could help them out. Break your Ankle and Sprain your back.

OPINION:My top 12 of 2011 (Will Dale Jr make my list?)

The 2011 season is upon us. Now its time for predictions. Starting Tuesday, I will be doing my Top Twelve Countdown to Daytona, putting the spotlight on each guy i think will make the chase, down to my 2011 Champion. Check it out and comment!
1.) Kevin Harvick
2.) Denny Hamlin
3.) Tony Stewart
4.) Mark Martin
5.) Jeff Gordon
6.) Jimmie Johnson
7.) Kasey Kahne
8.) Jeff Burton
9.) Brian Vickers
10.) Clint Bowyer
11.) Matt Kenseth
12.) Carl Edwards

Sorry Jr. Nation, he doesn't make my list. Personally, I don't think this year will be much different than years past. He still seems to have no motivation what so ever. Bob Dillner said it best himself. "At one point, Dale Jr. needs to look in the mirror and see that everything on that team has been changed except for him. He needs to make the change in himself, it can no longer be done by flipping in and out crew chiefs every year."

NOTE*** This isn't bashing Dale Jr. I bet most Dale Jr. fans feel the same way. I just think he needs to make a change within himself, and stop expecting everyone else to make a change, if hes not even willing to make one. But if he steps it up, starts to have some intrinsic motivation, and believe in himself and his team, it will shoot him up a few spots in points purely on moral.