Let The Chase begin!! After a 26 week regular season, it's time for NASCAR's version of the playoffs. Twelve drivers will battle it out over the next ten races for the honor to be called the 2012 Sprint Cup Champion. 

The Race and The Place: Round one of the 2012 Chase starts at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, for the second straight year with the GEICO 400. Last year, Tony Stewart set the pace early and had enough fuel to beat Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to claim his first win of the year and the first of five he would get over the next ten races.

• Jimmie Johnson  I think the five time champion might be hungrier than anybody else in The Chase. Which could be trouble for the rest of the field.
• Denny Hamlin  His four wins in the regular season gave him the top seed in the Chase and a three point lead over second place. He also has last years championship winning Crew Chief, Darian Grubb, on the pit box.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr.  He was one of the most consistent drivers through out the regular season but he needs to win if wants to win his first Sprint Cup Title.
• Jeff Gordon  Jeff and the #OldSchoolStache are back in The Chase but do they have anything left in the tank after the run they made to get here?
• Matt Kenseth  This years Daytona 500 Champion has ten races left in the number 17 Ford before he moves to Joe Gibbs Racing number 20 next year. Will he be focused or will he be looking forward to 2013.

2012 Sprint Cup Championship Pick

• Brad Keselowski  There are a few drivers that have the total package and can run consistent at every track. Last year, Brad got his first taste of  The Chase but eventually, burned himself out. This year, Brad Keselowski and the Blue Duece will win the 2012 Sprint Sup Series Championship.