By the Numbers: Bristol

The margin for error continues to shrink as the Chase draws closer. And considering the three races remaining before the cutoff are at three distinctly different tracks, consistency across the next three weeks becomes even more important.

But before one can think about three races, the focus lies on one: Bristol.

That used to mean beating and banging on the high banks. Now it's a more refined style of short-track racing. Who does that favor?

Since Bristol underwent a major overhaul between the spring and fall races last year -- fresh concrete, wider track and progressive banking -- the two winners were Carl Edwards and Jeff Burton. It just so happens they are two drivers who can clinch a Chase berth in Saturday night's Sharpie 500 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN). The other two drivers -- Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- have been night and day at Thunder Valley.

Johnson has one top-10 finish in the last six Bristol races and has never won there. Earnhardt, who won the night race in 2004, hasn't finished worse than 11th in the last 10 Bristol events.

Carl Edwards: Finish 25th or better; finish 27th and lead one lap; finish 30th and lead the most laps.

Jimmie Johnson: Finish second or better; finish third and lead one lap; finish fifth and lead the most laps.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Win and lead the most laps; lose less than 16 points to Clint Bowyer and David Ragan.

Jeff Burton: Win and lead the most laps; lose less than 20 points to Bowyer and Ragan.