Author: Jeff Gluck
Date: Feb. 9, 2015
Which driver is the championship favorite heading into the NASCAR season? It's tough to say, because this version of the Chase for the Sprint Cup — entering its second year — means the best team won't always win.
After all, anything can happen in a one-race, four-driver playoff: A tire could blow, a part could malfunction or an underdog such as Ryan Newman might have the race of his life.
With that in mind, here are six drivers who are capable of winning the title this year — if everything goes right in the Chase, of course.
1. Kevin Harvick
There's no reason to think Harvick and his No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing team can't continue their success, which means fast cars, potentially a half-dozen wins and a long playoff run. Perhaps that could lead to a second consecutive title, too.
Harvick turns 40 this year, but the defending champion seems to be in his prime. He has won at least three races in four of the last five seasons — something he did once in his first nine years. Harvick also will have virtually the same team and crew chief Rodney Childers isn't going anywhere, which means it would be a shock to see his performance suddenly drop off.
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