Headin' to 'Dega

I've been in Virginia with the KSU Formula SAE Team, so I haven't had much time to give to my site. However, I'm really hoping to be home in time to watch the Talladega race. So, I'll cut to the chase and give you my picks!

1. #29 - It was released earlier this week, after this race Todd Berrier will be moved to RCR's 07 team of Casey Mears; I think Harvick and Berrier will be able to visit Victory lane once more before ending a rather long run together.
2. #14 - Tony Stewart has been fast, and he's good at restrictor plate tracks; if he can stay out of other's messes, He should pose a strong challenge for the lead.
3. #24 - He's dominated this track before, several times, and there is a good possibilty he can extend his points lead this weekend.
4. #88 - It's been a while. I have a hunch he'll be back up front
5. #18 - Last year's winner anyone?
6. #48 - All Hendrick and Roush powered cars should be strong, so the Reigning Champ should be up there by the end of the day.
7. #42 - If he can control himself and show patience he should be a contender throughout the day.
8. #33 - The Cheerios team has started to stumble, Talladega could be where they regain some solid ground.
9. #99 - LIke I said, Roush-Yates power.
10. #96 - He's good, he's Bobby Labonte.

Dark Horses

• #16 Greg Biffle
• #98 Paul Menard
• #07 Casey Mears

Lap Leader: Tony Stewart
Pole: Mark Martin

Notes: Harvick with a pass for the lead in the final 3 laps.

Headin' to 'Dega

Phoenix Preview

Sorry everyone for skipping Texas, which happens to be my favorite track. I was able to watch the race, but I haven't had any time to devote to this blog. Regardless, I'll give a quick run-down of who I think will be the top contenders for tonight's race in Phoenix!

1. #33 - Clint Bowyer: Phoenix was the track at which Bowyer made his Sprint Cup Series Debut. Although he's never won here, he has been strong the last few visits, and with the season that team has had so far, look out!
2. #24 - Jeff Gordon: He has one win here and after winning 2 weeks ago, Gordon may just be back on a roll.
   
3. #48 Jimmie Johnson - he's won the last 3 races here, but tonight, may not be his night, he'll be in contention though.
   
4. #29 Kevin Harvick - Harvick has had success here in the path. Can he snap his losing streak tonight?
   
5. #16 Greg Biffle - He's done well here, although he's never been in victory lane, the 16 Ford Fusion could definitely be a factor.
   
6. #31 Jeff Burton
7. #5 Mark Martin
8. #18 Kyle Busch
9. #14 Tony Stewart
10. #16 Greg Biffle

Dark Horses

• #42 Juan Pablo Montoya
• #26 Jamie McMurray
• #07 Casey Mears

Pole: __Mark Martin__(not prediction, actual)
Lap Leader: Jimmie Johnson

This was done hurriedly, but after next week I should have a bit more time to elaborate and really get in the swing of things. Also, podcasts are looking more realistic. I most likely will have a weekly podcast by Chase time.
Thanks for your understanding and for reading!
-DT

In The Rearview: M'Ville

Martinsville is such a unique race track, however, I think it can tell us a lot about the season to come. First off, Jimmie Johnson won, he's been dubbed "Mr. Martinsville". On the contrary, Kyle Busch has never really done a great job at the small track in the hills of Virginia, and that continued as well. My point being, is that with a few exceptions, the guys that did well in years past, should continue to do well at the tracks they run well at.
I am by no means saying Johnson will win a 4th consecutive Cup. I am not saying Carl Edwards will end the season with the most wins. What I am saying is the teams that ran well last season will be your winners this year. With notable exceptions. I expect David Ragan to break into a win, I also wouldn't be surprised to see Marcos Ambrose and/or Scott Speed collecting wins.

Ok, I'm still trying to figure out a format for everything, so let's review how I did in my predictions

1. #24 - Jeff Gordon - Actually finished 4th. A difference of 3
   
2. #48 - Jimmie Johnson - Won the event a difference of 1
   
3. #33 - Clint Bowyer - Pulled off another top 5, off by 1
   
4. 18 - Kyle Busch - Don't want to talk about it and neither does Busch, I took a risk on Kyle who finished 24th a difference of 20
   
5. #29 - Kevin Harvick - had a decent day and finished 11th, off by 6
   
6. #11 - Denny Hamlin - Finished second after a late bump from Johnson, off by 4
   
7. #88 - Dale Earnhardt Jr - Jr likes the number 8, off by 1
   
8. #14 - Tony Stewart - had a great day and reminded everyone not to count out SHR, finishing 3rd, off by 5
   
9. #42 - Juan Montoya - originally I took him as a dark horse, but tooka risk, finished 12th, off by 3
   
10. #1 - Martin Truex Jr - had some problems early, I don't expect him to be with that team this time next season, he finished 29th, 19 off
    

Dark Horses

• #16 - Greg Biffle - 28th
  
• # 6 - David Ragan - 27th
  
• #31 - Jeff Burton - 15th
  

So, overall, you could say I was off by 63 total positions, but, if you think about it, this is why, in general, you don't want to bet on races. Not including Truex and Busch, I was off only by 24 among what then would be 8 drivers. Or 3 positions per driver.
I'll have my Texas predictions up later tonight.
As always,
Thanks for Reading!
-DT