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Five-time champion Jimmie Johnson has knowledge, wisdom and experience in battling for titles. But he faces a tall hurdle in the form of a 20 point deficit to the No. 2 Dodge of Brad Keselowski.

What has been most remarkable to me about this year's Chase for the Sprint Cup has been the performance of Jimmie Johnson over the last two weeks.

Denny Hamlin came into the Chase for the Sprint Cup with four regular-season wins and a lot of momentum. But Hamlin is one of three drivers who have been eliminated from contention for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship under the Rule of 72.

The Chase for the Sprint Cup heads to Martinsville with three more drivers eliminated from contention under the Rule of 72, and more in danger of falling too far behind the leaders to mount a realistic run at the series title.

At the halfway point of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, we're on the verge of eliminating more drivers from contention using the Rule of 72.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s difficult decision to sit out two races while recovering from concussion symptoms effectively takes him out of contention for the Chase, even though he's not yet officially eliminated by the Rule of 72.

Matt Kenseth is the first driver to be eliminated from the Chase for the Sprint Cup under the Rule of 72.

After two races, drivers in the Chase have one more thing to worry about: staying within striking distance of Jimmie Johnson.

According to Ricky Craven's Rule of 72, Jeff Gordon must average a fourth-place finish over the next eight races to stay alive in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Ricky Craven explains his formula for determining the drivers who are eliminated from Chase contention.

Ricky Craven reflects on Jimmie Johnson's remarkable championship run and the things that make him such an amazing competitor.

Ricky Craven explains what Kyle Busch needs to do if he wants to realize his potential and put his talent to good use.

Ricky Craven's Chase elimination formula leaves four drivers in the running -- Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards. Craven breaks down the biggest issues facing each of these remaining Cup contenders.

After poor finishes at Talladega, Ricky Craven's Chase elimination formula sends Kyle Busch, Kurt Busch and Jimmie Johnson packing.

Ricky Craven explains his formula for determining the drivers who are eliminated from Chase contention.

Ricky Craven has enjoyed a successful career as both a driver and TV analyst. But nothing means more to him than being a part of New Hampshire Motor Speedway's history and hearing New England fans cheer.