NASCAR In New Hampshire: Blogging The Start Of The Chase

It's time to start asking a legitimate question: Can Jimmie Johnson win five straight Sprint Cup titles?

Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin and a few others might have something to say about that. But as some have noted, Johnson is the champ until someone knocks him off.

"I think he's still the guy to beat," said Harvick, who led the points all season. "He's won the last four, so how can he not be, until somebody beats him?"

Oh, and by the way – Johnson won in June at the New England track.

New Hampshire hasn't been a make-or-break race over the years – some drivers have overcome poor races at NHMS to win the title – but none of the Chase drivers wants to be in a huge hole after the first race.

"It's pretty devastating and disappointing to come out far behind after the first race," Busch said.

Follow along with our blog keeping track of all the news and developments from New Hampshire (and don't forget the live race chat on Sunday).