Sprint Cup Finalist
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Richmond International Raceway near Richmond Virginia is a great place to race stock cars. It's 3/4 mile configuration is just short enough to benefit the short track drivers and just long enough to where horsepower and pit strategy can really make a difference.That is why NASCAR schedules the final race of the regular season at this track.

In last night's regular season ending to the 2012 Sprint Cup Season there was one other issue to consider, rain.

 

 

Two rain storms swept through the speedway during Saturday's  Federated Auto Parts 400 and that jumbled the field just enough to change the outcome. Clint Bowyer was the winner last night. Clint is a driver for Michael Waltrip racing, the win assured Bowyer would be joining teammate Martin Truex Jr in the NASCAR's chase for the championship.

A second place finish by 4 time Cup champ Jeff Gordon gave him just enough of an edge in the points to qualify for the "playoffs". Kyle Busch will not be among those competing for the Sprint Cup this year, he failed to make the top 12 in points and will be on the outside looking in when the trophy is officially presented later this year. He was ousted from the top 12 by virtue of Jeff Gordon's second place run.

Here is a look at who is in the Sprint Cup Chase. The biggest surprise might be that last year's runner up Carl Edwards did not make the chase this year.  Here is a look at how they finished last night in Richmond. Up next for the ,"go fast, turn left" boys is a date in Chicago at the GEICO 400 next Sunday.

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