If there is such a thing as a “dark horse” this weekend at Dover International Speedway, it has to be Greg Biffle (No. 16 3M Ford).

Starting the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup seeded 12th, 40 points behind Mark Martin heading into New Hampshire, Biffle posted a ninth-place finish, moving himself up three spots in the Chase standings to ninth.

Thus far, Biffle has amassed eight top fives and 13 top 10s this season.

Last season Biffle swept the first two races of the Chase (New Hampshire and Dover). His victory at Dover gave Jack Roush and Roush Fenway Racing their fifth consecutive win at the fall event. Roush ranks second on the all-time wins list at Dover with eight, two behind Rick Hendrick with 10.

Biffle usually runs well at Dover; he has two wins, six top fives, nine top 10s and one pole in 14 starts.

The NASCAR Pre-Race Loop Data for Dover shows that Biffle could use Dover as a springboard this weekend. He is ranked No. 1 in three important loop categories: Driver Rating (117.0), Average Running Position (6.588) and Laps In The Top 15 percentage (93.0%).

Biffle’s consistency at Dover could pay off. In his last four starts at Dover, he has finished in the top three. This week’s event also will be Biffle’s 250th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start.

“I will be disappointed if we are not in contention for the win this weekend at Dover,” he said. “We need a good finish there to keep Mark Martin in our sights.”