CONCORD, N.C. -- Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have the hard part out of the way.
Their multiple victories -- four for Johnson and two for Earnhardt -- have all but assured them a spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.
But the next step in that process is securing a place in the top 30 in the point standings.
Both drivers can do that this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
If Johnson earns 26 points in Sunday's race, he will clinch his Chase spot.
If Earnhardt earns 35 points in the race, he'll clinch his spot, as well.
Once both drivers accomplish that feat, all that will remain is for them to start the remaining regular-season races in order to officially earn their positions in NASCAR's postseason.
Neither Jeff Gordon nor Kasey Kahne have found Victory Lane this season, but as the Chase grid currently stands, they would hold the 12th and 13th spots, respectively, in the 16-driver field.