2006 Chase for the Nextel Cup
Champion: Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson won his first championship, beating Matt Kenseth by 56 points to begin an unprecedented run of five consecutive titles. The 2006 Chase for the Nextel Cup featured 10 drivers competing over the final 10 races of the season for the Cup Series championship.
Compare with the full 2006 season results or see all Chase history seasons.
Chase Contenders (10 Drivers)
| Pos | Driver | Wins | Top 5 | Avg Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kasey Kahne | 6 | 12 | 15.9 |
| 2 | Kevin Harvick | 5 | 15 | 12.3 |
| 3 | Tony Stewart | 5 | 15 | 13.8 |
| 4 | Jimmie Johnson ★ | 5 | 13 | 9.7 |
| 5 | Matt Kenseth | 4 | 15 | 9.8 |
| 6 | Jeff Gordon | 2 | 14 | 14.9 |
| 7 | Denny Hamlin | 2 | 9 | 12.3 |
| 8 | Greg Biffle | 2 | 8 | 18.9 |
| 9 | Dale Earnhardt, Jr. | 1 | 10 | 14.3 |
| 10 | Kyle Busch | 1 | 10 | 15.5 |
Notable Events
- • First of Johnson's record five consecutive championships (2006-2010)
- • Matt Kenseth finished runner-up after leading the standings late in the Chase
- • Chad Knaus served as crew chief for the start of NASCAR's greatest dynasty
Chase Race Results (Last 10 Races)
| # | Race | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sylvania 300 | Kevin Harvick |
| 2 | Dover 400 | Jeff Burton |
| 3 | Banquet 400 | Tony Stewart |
| 4 | UAW-Ford 500 | Brian Vickers |
| 5 | Bank of America 500 | Kasey Kahne |
| 6 | Subway 500 | Jimmie Johnson |
| 7 | Bass Pro Shops 500 | Tony Stewart |
| 8 | Dickies 500 | Tony Stewart |
| 9 | Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Havoline | Kevin Harvick |
| 10 | Ford 400 | Greg Biffle |