Using a blown engine by Jimmy Johnson to his advantage, Greg Biffle took the checkered flag, and the points lead in the ‘Race to the Chase’ by winning the Pure Michigan 400 this past weekend at Michigan International Speedway.

On lap 191, Jimmy Johnson took the lead and you could practically hear TV’s being turned off as it looked like he was on his way to, yet, another win.  But, 4 or 5 laps later, Johnson’s engine blew which opened the door for Biffle and Brad Keselowski to duke it out for the win.  Using a push from Dale Earnhardt Jr. with two laps to go, Greg Biffle powered his way to his second win of the season at the 2 mile track, and the first win there  in 7 races for Roush Racing.

With only three races left in the ‘Race to the Chase‘, all drivers are hammering down and trying to get as many points as possible.  While the usual suspects like Jimmy Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and more continue to get the coverage, there is a dark horse that is emerging as maybe the man to beat once the Chase to the Sprint Cup actually starts.

“We’re going to make a run at the title,” Biffle promised. “I know they don’t talk about us a lot, but they will when we get to Vegas” (the postseason Sprint Cup awards banquet).

Biffle has every reason to be confident.  He has 9 top 5 finishes, 13 top 10 finishes with an average finish of 9.4 this season.  Plus, he is now the points leader with only 3 races to go before the Chase to the Sprint Cup starts at Richmond. He leads his teammate, Matt Kenseth by 20 points while Earnhardt is third, 22 points back, and Johnson fell from first to fourth, trailing Biffle by 28 points.

Here’s how the points lead is shaping up.

Sprint Cup Points Race
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So, with a handful of races left before the Chase to the Sprint Cup starts, it looks like Biffle is in the drivers seat, figuratively and literally.

Who’s your favorite to win the Chase this year? Leave your comments below.

In the meantime, check out a recap of the race in pictures.

Pure Michigan 400 Pictures

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