Halfway to the Chase
My apologies to Kurt Busch for saying that he couldn’t keep his car off the wall for 600-miles last week. Kurt used a little different line than what he used in the All-star race and went right back to victory lane. Congratulations Kurt!
We are now halfway to the Chase for the Sprint Cup and there are still over 20 drivers who have a legitimate shot to make it into the top 12 and compete for the championship. Over the next month we will see which teams are going to step up their programs and put themselves into the Chase.
This week we head to Pocono for the first of 2 races in the Pennsylvania mountains. Let’s hope that the weather doesn’t play a factor with any of the racing activities this weekend, which is often the case.
Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500 presented by Target
Denny Hamlin: I have to go with Denny to win this weekend. Denny has been very consistent at Pocono since he joined the series 5 years ago and has accumulated 3 wins and 6 top 10 finishes here in that short time span. Besides, the JGR teams are the best out there right now.
Mark Martin: It’s hard to believe that Mark has never won at Pocono during his career. I’m not sure but I believe he has finished 2nd here at least 7 times if not more. He consistently finishes in the top 10 and should be in anyone’s lineup that is asking for top 5 finishers.
Kurt Busch: Kurt picked up the win last weekend and has been very good at Pocono throughout his career also. Kurt has 2 wins and 2 runner-up finishes in the last 10 races run here. This team seems to be stepping up right now too.
Jimmie Johnson: Jimmie has been struggling lately but, he will break out of this slump at some point and then look out. Jimmie runs very well at Pocono and this could be the breakout week for him.
Tony Stewart: Tony has struggled for most of this season but that has been typical of him throughout his career. Tony never seems to get in the groove until June. Well, June is here and Tony picked up the victory in this race last year.
Carl Edwards: To say that Carl has struggled this season is an under statement. Carl needs to pick up the program right now to have a shot at making the Chase. Carl has 2 wins and a runner-up finish here over the last 10 races. He won in the fall of 2008 and finished 2nd to Tony Stewart last spring. Can he turn his season around right now?
Kevin Harvick: Kevin has retained the points lead over Kyle Busch for right now. Kevin has never been real consistent at Pocono. He finishes in the middle of the pack here more often than he is in the top 10. Kyle might be taking the points lead this weekend.
Yahoo Picks for Pocono
Group A
- Denny Hamlin
- Mark Martin
Group B
- Kasey Kahne
- Clint Bowyer
- Matt Kenseth
- Jeff Burton
Group C
- Sam Hornish Jr.
- Casey Mears
Top 5 Overall at Pocono
- Denny Hamlin
- Mark Martin
- Kurt Busch
- Jimmie Johnson
- Tony Stewart
Dark Horse: Kasey Kahne
Stay Away From: Kyle Busch
Recent Comments