Our Power Rankings are far from a scientific formula. In fact, it's the perfect blend of analytics and bias against your favorite driver. And you think we dislike your favorite driver, so it makes sense, right? Direct all your complaints to us at happyhourmailbag@yahoo.com.

This week, on the eve of the Chase, we're going to do something different. First we're expanding to 16 drivers. Second, we're going to rank the drivers 1-16 as we think they're going to finish in the Chase.

Third, we're going to have some ridiculous fun with this "Chase Nation" concept that is being marketed for the Chase.

We all know there's one true driver nation and then after that it's just a bunch of municipalities. But let's all pretend there really are driver nations. And these driver nations are real-world countries. Which countries would they be? Let's find out with the help of some terrible photo editing!

1. Jimmie Johnson, United States: Let's start off with an obvious one. Just like you don't tell someone wearing an American flag shirt that the United States is not the greatest country in the world, you don't tell someone wearing a No. 48 shirt that Johnson isn't the best driver in NASCAR. Both types of people are very defensive, simply because they deal with a lot of guff from the rest of the world. And just like Americans, Jimmie Johnson fans know there's a little bit of envy in with all that flak. Plus, with the new format, many non-JohnsonAmericans are hoping that this is the event that finally knocks the dominant force off his perch.

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2. Dale Earnhardt Jr., China: The most populous nation in the NASCAR world is now at potentially its most powerful. The downfall of Johnson America could come at the hands of JuniorChina. It's a group that controls the most economic power in NASCAR too and a nation that is united in its love for its leader. You do not want to face the wrath of Junior Nation, for it can be swift, overwhelming and decisive.



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3. Jeff Gordon, Great Britain: Once a great power and imperial force in the world of NASCAR, Great Gordon been overshadowed by close descendant JohnsonAmerica, who quickly ascended to NASCAR nation prominence built on a Knausian Constitution. As JohnsonAmerica and Great Gordon are now allies, Great Gordon knows there are still plenty of resources here to make a final run for the championship and be one of the world's greatest powers. But is the era of domination in the past?



4. Brad Keselowski, Canada: A driver who has resources and a taste of success with the 2012 title is striving for validation from the other nations with a 2014 championship. Because without it, he fees he's viewed as a novelty. (Maple syrup and hockey are not novelties.) Add in the fact that many feel one of his greatest attributes at this point is the "hey, he's not JohnsonAmerica" factor, and there might as well be a maple leaf on the rear decklid of Keselowski's car.









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