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Random thoughts about the NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase, wondering at what point tempers will be non-existence.

The question that keeps popping up following the Chase opener in Chicago is whether it's fair that Kevin Harvick, so dominant during the regular season, is now in trouble. Make that deep trouble after his 42nd place finish on Sunday dropped him to last among the 16 Chase drivers, 43 points behind leader Matt Kenseth with two race remaining.

No, it's not fair but what is in competition? This is what the playoffs are all about, the unexpected happening.

Of course, with a win in one of the next two races, Harvick advances in the playoffs. Thus, all hope is not lost. In fact, there are many who believe Harvick is at his best with his back to the wall. Remember Harvick had to win in Phoenix a year ago to earn a spot in the final four, which he also won.

This is what sets NASCAR apart from all the professional sports. There is a premium on winning, and there's no guarantee that only a Chase driver will win a race. Yes, the chances are highly unlikely another driver can do so as Jamie McMurray was the last one to do so, in 2013 at Talladega.

Of course all the focus is on the 16 drivers with a chance to win the championship. However, there are not the only ones on the spot.

Stock car racing isn't usually thought of as a team sport, such as football, basketball and baseball. That perception is far from reality.

NASCAR is truly a team sport that involves an untold number of people, more than just the ones that jump the wall during a pit stop. That's why each driver gives credit to his team after the race. He's just the guy guiding a week's worth of work by so many. He can't do it by himself.

Did Harvick punch Jimmie Johnson in the chest, or was it merely an expressive push? Depends on your point of view.

Harvick supporters will say a push, well-deserved they might add. Johnson's fans will point to the frozen camera shot that shows Harvick's closed fist on their driver's chest.

Either way, it was an expression of emotions that are running high. Old school drivers are no doubt chuckling over the thought of that being considered a punch.

Restarts are still much in question, despite the sanctioning body's attempt to clarify the procedures.

With so much on the line, will a driver take a chance, get a slight advantage and take the chance NASCAR will not call him on it? It's a big risk, for sure, but thus far NASCAR has not made the call.

Sooner or later, NASCAR is going to have to make a call on a suspicious start. Hopefully, a Chase driver won't be involved.