Ohio State ended their 2010 non-conference schedule with a record of 4-0 (all subsequently vacated), staying in the national championship hunt.

That left Nebraska free to enter the national championship hunt through the back door.

Although, he only won two races, he was always in the thick of the championship hunt.

Two points from the next six races ruled him out of the championship hunt, as he fell to an eventual fourth place classification, scoring 33 points.

Andretti had a golden opportunity to make up ground in the championship hunt, but a few laps later, blew his engine.

Three weeks ago, Johnson thought he was out of the championship hunt.

That means Hendrick drivers are likely to be factors in the championship hunt.

"We're going to be in the championship hunt," Carmazzi said.

North Carolina State has stood on the periphery of the national championship hunt.

His team also reached the national championship hunt during his last season at Malone, losing to Georgetown College.