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Updated NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase standings after Bristol

By Ted Fleming

Aug 1, 2016; Long Pond, PA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Chris Buescher stands on pit road during a red flag during the Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Aug 1, 2016; Long Pond, PA, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Chris Buescher stands on pit road during a red flag during the Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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Kevin Harvick picked up his second win of the season on Sunday in the rain-delayed Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race that played out late Sunday afternoon, giving him some momentum heading into the Chase. But the driver who did himself the most good was Chris Buescher.

The Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway ended about the time it was scheduled to start –the day before– but for a few drivers it was a chance to make a statement in hopes of either making the Chase or solidifying their position.

A dozen drivers are technically in, ten of which have clinched a spot, however, Tony Stewart and Chris Buescher need to finish out the last three regular season events without any major difficulties.

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Stewart is as good as in with 400 points, 85 ahead of David Ragan who fell to 31st after finishing 21st, but Buescher, who started the day 31st in points, was on the outside looking in despite having a victory. He not only finished on the lead lap, he added a top-5 to his season’s résumé, just his second of the season.

There are just three races left before the Chase begins, next week at Michigan International Speedway followed by Darlington on Sept. 4 and wrapping up with another short track, the ¾ mile paved Richmond International Raceway where Chase hopes could be made or dashed.

Here is a look at the Top 20 positions after Bristol with the number of wins and where they stand overall:

1 Brad Keselowski (4 wins)
2 Kyle Busck (4)
3 Kevin Harvick (2)
5 Denny Hamlin (2)
6 Jimmie Johnson
7 Matt Kenseth (2)
8 Kurt Busch (1)
9 Joey Logano (1)
10 Martin Truex (1)
11 Tony Stewart (1 – Must finish in top 30)
12 Chris Buescher (1 – Must finish in top 30)
13 Austin Dillon (+55 ahead of cutoff)
14 Chase Elliott (+47)
15 Jamie McMurray (+42)
16 Ryan Newman (+35)

17 Trevor Bayne (-35 behind cutoff)
18 Kyle Larson (-39)
19 Kasey Kahne (-39)
20 AJ Allmendinger (-58)

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