FONTANA, Calif.—Don’t tell Rick Hendrick that NASCAR needs Danica Patrick. Hendrick said while he’d be intrigued if the IndyCar driver opted to make a move to stock cars, he doesn’t think the sport needs her to thrive. “I don’t think she’s important to our future,“ Hendrick said. “I mean, she would add a new dimension, maybe if she participated in the Nationwide Series or Cup Series one day. But I don’t think that’s going to make any difference where NASCAR is.“

Chris and George talk about why NASCAR should switch up the 10 races in the Chase. Plus, why Jimmie Johnson is the odds-on favorite to win this weekend.

Sprint CupRace: Pepsi 500 When: Sunday, 3:15 p.m. Where: Auto Club Speedway (Fontana, Calif.) Qualifying: Friday, 6:30 p.m., SPEED Track length: 2 miles Race distance: 500 miles (250 laps) Last year’s winner: Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet Qualifying record: Kyle Busch, Chevrolet, 188.425 mph (Feb. 25, 2005) Race record: Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 155.012 mph (June 22, 1997) On the air: TV—ABC; radio—WRVA (1140) Nationwide Race: Copart 300 Where: Auto Club Speedway When: Saturday TV: ESPN2, 4:30 p.m. Camping World Truck Race: Kroger 200 Where: Martinsville Speedway When: Oct. 24 TV: SPEED, 12:30 p.m.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Longtime NASCAR fans deride the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship as manufactured drama that has ruined the racing. Try telling that to the five drivers who used Kansas Speedway to gain points on leader Mark Martin. “I think that’s why they made the Chase,“ four-time series champion Jeff Gordon said after chipping 19 points off his deficit Sunday.

Tony Stewart found himself in danger of letting a title slip away after just two rounds in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. The two-time champion wasn’t exactly in a must-win situation yesterday at Kansas Speedway, but a rocky start to the Chase put him in search of some very big finishes before leaders Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson put the title out of reach.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Oh boy, another easy victory for Jimmie Johnson. Just what NASCAR didn’t need in its bid to use an exciting championship race to spark its sagging ratings. With a runaway win Sunday at Dover International Raceway, Johnson stepped up and practically dared the competition to wrestle the Sprint Cup from his grasp. He’s going for a record fourth straight championship and is prepared to embarrass the 11 drivers in his way.

3 NASCAR could finally step into the automotive 21st century and make the switch from carburetors to electronic fuel injection by the 2011 race season. While production vehicles made the switch to EFI in the mid-80s, NASCAR has continued to use carburetors long after they had become extinct elsewhere. However, economic and environmental issues have mandated a change and EFI is one of many alternatives currently under discussion by NASCAR.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—NASCAR will allow teams to test next season at tracks that host regional touring events. NASCAR made the announcement yesterday. It’s a change from the cost-cutting policy that went into effect this season, when all tracks that hosted any NASCAR-sanctioned events were off limits for testing. Next year, NASCAR will only ban facilities that host national series events.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Lost in the drama of the late-race showdown between Mark Martin and Juan Pablo Montoya was another very strong run for Jimmie Johnson. With little fanfare, the three-time defending Sprint Cup champion finished fourth at New Hampshire. It was just another day at the office for Johnson, who is vying for a NASCAR record fourth consecutive title this season.

Mark Martin is aging like fine wine, and he showed his class at New Hampshire. But can he really win a NASCAR championship? George and Chris give you their opinions, and ask for yours.

LOUDON, N.H. It’s been seven years since Mark Martin legitimately challenged for the championship. Now he’s got his best shot at the title that’s so painfully eluded him over 27 years in NASCAR. He’ll only have to deal with Jimmie Johnson. And Jeff Gordon. And Tony Stewart. Oh, don’t forget Denny Hamlin. Or Juan Pablo Montoya.

Hometown driver Denny Hamlin won in Richmond, and Chris Wilbers picks him to finish first in New Hampshire. George prefers Greg Biffle.

Richmonder Vinny Giles won two matches yesterday to reach today’s quarterfinals of the U.S. Senior Golf Championship at Beverly Country Club. Giles defeated Tom Studer of Joliet, Ill., 1-up, and Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C., 2 and 1. Giles will meet William Doughtie of Amarillo, Texas, today. MOORESVILLE, N.C.—Kelly Bires has signed a two-year deal to drive in the Nationwide Series for Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s JR Motorsports program. Bires replaced Brad Keselowski, who will join Penske Racing’s Sprint Cup program in 2010.

Who’s the favorite this year in the NASCAR title race? Only one driver, Tony Stewart, has won the regular-season and the championship since the playoff system began five years ago.

Denny Hamlin, a first-time winner in Richmond, has 10 top-10 finishes in his last 12 starts. NASCAR officials ushered Chevy Rock & Roll 400 winner Denny Hamlin out of the postrace news conference so fast Saturday night that they had to bring him back for an encore. “Thanks for kicking me out earlier,“ he said with a laugh, after other drivers involved in the Chase for the Sprint Cup were paraded into the media center.