What Is 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup was NASCAR's 10-race playoff to determine its 2010 champion, won by Jimmie Johnson, who secured his fifth consecutive title. It began with 12 drivers and concluded on November 21, 2010, at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Key Facts

Jimmie Johnson won his fifth consecutive championship in 2010
The Chase featured 12 drivers competing over 10 races
It started on September 19, 2010, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Denny Hamlin entered the Chase with a 15-point lead over Johnson
Johnson drove the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports

Overview

The 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup was the playoff system used by NASCAR to determine its 2010 Sprint Cup Series champion. It marked the seventh season using the Chase format, which narrowed the field to 12 drivers after 26 regular-season races. The playoff spanned 10 races, beginning on September 19 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and ending on November 21 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Contested by NASCAR's top drivers, the 2010 Chase was one of the most dramatic in series history. Jimmie Johnson, the defending champion, entered the Chase seeded third but ultimately claimed his fifth consecutive title, becoming the first driver in NASCAR history to achieve such a feat. The battle came down to a tight points race between Johnson, Denny Hamlin, and Kevin Harvick.

12 drivers qualified for the 2010 Chase, based on wins and points after 26 races, including stars like Johnson, Hamlin, and Mark Martin.
The Chase began on September 19, 2010, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, officially kicking off the 10-race playoff.
Points were reset for the top 12 drivers, with each receiving 5,000 points plus a 10-point bonus for each regular-season win.
Denny Hamlin entered the Chase as the points leader, holding a 15-point advantage over Jimmie Johnson.
The final race was held on November 21, 2010, at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where Johnson clinched the title.

How It Works

The Chase for the Sprint Cup was NASCAR’s playoff format designed to create excitement and a climactic finish to the season. Introduced in 2004, it evolved over the years, with the 2010 version featuring a 12-driver field and a 10-race elimination-style structure.

Qualification: Drivers earned a Chase spot by winning a race and finishing in the top 20 in points. 12 drivers made the cut in 2010.
Points Reset: After 26 races, the top 12 drivers had their points reset to 5,000, with 10 bonus points per win.
Win-and-Advance Factor: While not fully implemented until later, winning mattered; 7 of 12 Chase drivers had a win.
Elimination Format: Though not yet formalized, poor finishes could knock drivers out of contention; Kurt Busch was eliminated early.
Final Standings: The champion was determined by cumulative points over 10 races, with Johnson finishing 39 points ahead of Hamlin.
Playoff Seedings: The top seed started with a 15-point lead, as Hamlin did, but Johnson’s consistency overcame it.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2010 Chase can be best understood by comparing it to previous years and its structure:

Feature	2004	2007	2010	2014
Number of Drivers	10	12	12	16
Playoff Length	10 races	10 races	10 races	10 races
Points Reset	5,005 base	5,040 max	5,000 + 10 per win	2,000 + bonuses
Top Seed Bonus	10 points	150 points	15 points	Win-and-in
Champion	Jeff Gordon	Jimmie Johnson	Jimmie Johnson	Kevin Harvick

The 2010 format maintained consistency with earlier versions but highlighted the growing competitiveness of the playoff. While the structure remained stable from 2007 to 2010, the margin of victory was razor-thin—Johnson beat Hamlin by just 39 points. This close finish underscored the format’s effectiveness in creating suspense and drama, even without elimination rounds.

Why It Matters

The 2010 Chase was a landmark moment in NASCAR history, cementing Jimmie Johnson’s legacy and showcasing the sport’s evolving playoff drama. It demonstrated how consistency and performance under pressure could overcome early leads, influencing future format changes.

Johnson’s fifth straight title made him the first driver in NASCAR history to achieve such a dynasty, elevating his status.
The close battle between Johnson, Hamlin, and Harvick kept fans engaged, proving the entertainment value of the Chase format.
NASCAR used the 2010 season to refine its playoff system, leading to the elimination-style format introduced in 2014.
It highlighted the importance of late-season consistency, as Johnson won only two Chase races but finished in the top 5 eight times.
The race for the title boosted TV ratings and attendance, showing the commercial success of a dramatic finish.
Homestead-Miami Speedway became a symbolic venue, hosting the season finale where championships were decided.

The 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup remains a benchmark for NASCAR’s playoff system, combining tradition with high-stakes competition. Its legacy lives on in today’s more complex formats, rooted in the drama and excellence of that season.