What Makes A Champion?

Historically, the recipe for a Chase champion consists of these two ingredients: wins and consistency.

Only once in the previous six Chases has the eventual champion failed to win at least once in the 10 races (Tony Stewart, 2005). Here’s a breakdown of the champions since 2004 and number of wins during the Chase:

2004: Kurt Busch, one win
2005: Tony Stewart, no wins
2006: Jimmie Johnson, one win
2007: Jimmie Johnson, four wins
2008: Jimmie Johnson, three wins
2009: Jimmie Johnson four wins

But you also need consistency. Only once in the previous six Chases has the eventual champion averaged a finish outside the top 10 (Jimmie Johnson, 2006, 10.8). In 2007, Jimmie Johnson averaged a Chase-record average finish of 5.0. The list:

2004: Kurt Busch, 8.9
2005: Tony Stewart, 8.7
2006: Jimmie Johnson, 10.8
2007: Jimmie Johnson, 5.0
2008: Jimmie Johnson, 5.7
2009: Jimmie Johnson, 6.8