Week 35 -- Darlington
The end is nigh. No, we still have one more week left in the season, but this is the last time the Southern 500 will be run in the fall at Darlington Raceway. Come this time next year, the gNA$hCAR boys will be zipping around the faster (and comparatively boring) confines of Texas Motor Speedway as they close in on the Chase finale.
And speaking of the Chase, the end is also night for some of the competitors who haven't already been eliminated. Today really should separate the men from the boys, as it were. Here are my predictions for Sunday's outcome:
Glenn's Ten:
* Jeff Gordon (winner) -- I feel like a broken record these days, picking Jeff or his protege Jimmie Johnson to win week after week. But it's tough to argue with success, and Jeff has had plenty on this track and in this race specifically. He has won five times in the fall, which ties the record. How sweet it would be to send off this fall classic by winning the last one. Jeff also has desperation on his side -- he needs to make up ground on Kurt Busch in a hurry if he hopes to capture that fifth title a week from now. I think Gordon's "drive for five" will keep him alive for a big finish.
The rest of the top 10 (in no particular order):
* Jimmie Johnson -- Won the spring race. Could repeat.
* Ryan Newman -- Robbed of a chance to win five straight poles when rain canceled qualifying on Friday. Thinks this is a great track for him. Was the car to beat last fall until he hit the kill switch on his ignition box and lost beaucoup laps on pit road trying to get refired.
* Kasey Kahne -- Won the Saturday truck race and was 11th in the Busch race. Seat time usually helps.
* Jamie McMurray -- Won the Busch race Saturday. Gnassi usually supplies good equipment.
* Kurt Busch -- This one could be trouble, but he'll do what he needs to do to keep the pressure on the other contenders.
* Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- His driver, Martin Truex Jr., captured the Busch crown Saturday. Dale wants to do the same in Cup next week.
* Dale Jarrett -- There was a point this season when I thought he was close to a win. This probably won't be it, but perhaps he can capitalize on a good starting spot (12th).
* Mark Martin -- Do or die time for the Viagra Ford. The extra incentive will help him get a good finish.
* Tony Stewart -- Clinging to hope, but barely.
Missing in action: Elliott Sadler (Little hope left, but we'll see)... Matt Kenseth (The wheels are coming off the wagon)... Jeremy Mayfield (The wheels came off a long time ago. Now the horses are running off as well.)
Sleeper picks: Casey Mears (fastest in final practice and desperate for that first win)... Carl Edwards (I always discount him, but he was quick in practice and has been running well of late.)
