Last Minute Hurricane Preview of the Chevy Rock and Roll 400

In this calm before the storm it seems that it has taken me longer than usual to be able to get to this blog. Regardless, it's time for the thunder to roll, twice in Richmond. Let's cut to the chase (no pun intended) and get this going right off the bat.

My Top Picks:
1) Clint Bowyer – In the spring race there were three other cars that probably should have been in Victory Lane, but Bowyer knows how to put that car in a competitive position. He knows he's under pressure and he's had success here before, as everyone learned last year, don't count him out unless it just doesn't add up.
2) Denny Hamlin – Hometown track. Fantastic run in the spring. The only thing that'll stop him is being too conservative or another tire/accident. Hamlin probably would have been the winner in the spring race.
3) Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - Honestly, Dale probably should have been in Victory Lane in the spring also.
4) Jeff Gordon – Teammate won last week, Hendrick cars historically strong at Richmond, and that No. 24 team is STILL without a win.
5) Kyle Busch – Frankly, Rowdy Busch should have been in Victory Lane for the spring race, as well.
(4/5 of the drives listed above EASILY could have, or did, win the spring race, therefore this week's actual number assignments don't matter too much)
Not What They Needed:
1) Greg Biffle – He's in the chase as long as he finds where his car is parked and he takes the green flag; however, this isn't the track the 3M Ford Fusion team needs to start off a strong Chase run.
2) Carl Edwards – Looking at trends with Edwards, Richmond seems to be a hit-or-miss track. Look for Carl to either give it his all to try to amass more bonus points, or finish mid-pack.
3) Matt Kesneth – What a trend! Roush drivers don't seem to take well to this track. Even though Kenseth has won here before, I don't think he'll be a factor in the final 'regular season' event.

Long Shots (for the win):
1) David Ragan – With a limited history to look upon, and the complete change of state this season for the No. 6 team, it seems that Ragan keeps landing on my long shots list. He's going to be a factor for championships someday, but he's going to have to beat Bowyer and Kasey Kahne, both great drivers at RIR, to be able to contend for this years Chase.
2) Ryan Newman – It's been 25 races since Newman has seen victory lane. I think he could give the Alltel Dodge a chance at victory, if he doesn't win, it's next to impossible for him to reach the Chase. How much Newman wants to move on to 2009 may outweigh what he should be concentrating on this year.
3) Kasey Kahne – To put it simply, this just isn't Kahne's year. He's done phenomenal at this three-quarter mile race track in the past; regardless, I don't think Kahne will make the Chase, but I do know he's going to be pushing that car as hard as it can go.