At critical point, Kenseth looking for more mo' at Bristol

They say that in sports, there's nothing quite like momentum.

They being players, coaches, broadcasters and sportswriters. They all like to spout clichés about how important momentum -- that mysterious intangible in which everything seems to be going right -- is.

Jeff Burton takes a dive in the standings from fourth place to ninth. (Getty Images)

It's no different in racing, and if there is ever a time when top Nextel Cup teams need momentum on their side, it's now.

With just three races to go before the Chase for the Nextel Cup, the drivers trying to hang onto a top 10 spot and the one -- Kasey Kahne -- desperately trying to get in all need a boost of momentum to enhance their chances.

The ones who are solidly in the championship field are also looking for a little mojo, something to enhance their chances of getting off to a good start in the playoffs and riding that wave to the Nextel Cup championship.

Who has that momentum right now?

Not Jeff Burton, who blew an engine at Michigan last week, finished 42nd and plummeted from fourth to ninth in points.

Not Kyle Busch, who suffered mechanical problems, finished 39th at Michigan and fell from fifth to seventh.

And certainly not Kurt Busch and Carl Edwards, who let disappointing finishes at Michigan end their hopes of making the Chase.

No, the driver who has the most momentum entering the home stretch is Matt Kenseth, who won last week's race, locking up a spot in the Chase and closing in on point leader Jimmie Johnson.

Now he heads to Bristol Motor Speedway, where he thoroughly dominated last year's August race, leading 450 of 500 laps.

Johnson, meanwhile, has had two lackluster races after winning Aug. 6 at Indy. He finished 17th at Watkins Glen and then 13th at Michigan. Kenseth also struggled at Watkins Glen, but his victory at Michigan allowed him to close within 58 points of Johnson.

More important, he is building confidence as the 10-race playoffs near.