So how do you explain this trend in NASCAR?

Apparently, age does matter in NASCAR, just now how you might think. Consider:

In the last four years, the average age of the Chase drivers has increased nearly 4 years.

Last year's Chase field had only one driver under the age of 30, while in 2007 six of the 12 drivers were under 30.

Here's a look at the average age of Chase drivers the past four years

2007 -- 30.9 average age (six drivers under 30, 1 age 40 or older

2008 -- 33.08 average age (four drivers under age 30; 1 driver 40 or older)

2009 -- 33.25 average age (three drivers under age 30; 1 driver age 40 or older)

2010 -- 33.75 average age (one driver under age 30; 2 drivers age 40 or older)

So in the past four years, the average age of a Chase driver has gone from 30.9 years old to 33.75 years old. That's quite a jump.

Who are the young guns (drivers under 30) that could lower the average age of Chase drivers? Here's a few:

AJ Allmendinger -- 29

Kyle Busch -- 25

Brad Keselowski -- 26

Joey Logano -- 20

David Ragan -- 25

Regan Smith -- 27

Brian Vickers -- 27

How many of those drivers will make the Chase this year?

Why is it that older drivers are getting into the Chase more often than those who were under 30 the past four years? What's your take on it.

Is experience playing a greater role in the sport? Do younger drivers  not have as good of opportunities? Is this a sign of how the Nationwide Series has not developed younger drivers (with so many Cup drivers competing in some of those races)? Or anything else you think explain the recent rise in the average age of Chase drivers and how it might even impact this season.

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ONE LAST THING ...   Next month will mark 10 years since Dale Earnhardt's death. I'm wanting to know how Earnhardt still impacts you today or what makes you think of him today -- whether it's just a sticker on your car or vanity license plate or a collection of Earnhardt items in your house or something else that helps keep Earnhardt alive in your life. This is for a future story.  Please send me an email about your experiences or about someone you know who fits in this type of category. Email me at dustin.long@news-record.com. Thanks.

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