2003 NASCAR (Winston) Cup champion Matt Kenseth makes the Chase again, but fails to make any progress toward his second cup. He is one of only 2 drivers to make the playoffs every year since the system was implimented (Jimmie Johnson being the other). Starting the Chase in 12th place and having zero wins on the season provided the #17 car with a difficult challenge; finishing 40th at New Hampshire didn't help matters any.
Kenseth's bright spot in the Chase came in the second race, The Monster Mile of Dover International Speedway. He led a race-high 136 laps and finished second to his teammate Greg Biffle (Biffle's second win in a row). Matt followed up his Dover performance with a solid weekend at Kansas, qualifying 3rd, leading 49 laps and finishing 5th. The only problem was that 4 Chasers finished in front of him and Kenseth failed to make up much ground in the Chase.
Mr. consistent was really anything but in the Chase. The #17 had 5 top 10's and an average finish of 29.4 in the other 5 races. Those stats just won't get it done against the talent pool currently in Cup competition. Kenseth's frustrations were apparent with a deliberate wrecking on A.J. Allmendinger at the checkered flag in Phoenix.
Hope is not lost however. Matt Kenseth has solid support from team owner Jack Roush; having just inked a new contract extension. He is also surrounded by talent that rivals Hendrick Motorsports with Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards also being locked-up long term by Roush Fenway. It should also be mentioned that this was Kenseth's first season with crew chief Chip Bolin. His Championship crew chief, Robbie Riser is now involved with all of the Roush Fenway teams in a front office capacity.
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