Week 5 -- Bristol
I'm a little belated with this week's predictions because I went out to the local dirt track last night and just about froze sitting in the bleachers watching the action. It took me all night just to thaw out. But rest assured that even though the race is in progress as I write thiss, I have no idea what the standings are (which will probably be reflected in my wildly inaccurate prediction, but here goes anyway...)
It is perhaps fitting that I spent last night watching the quarter-mile fender-bending, because it is a preview of the type of action we usually see at Bristol. I love this race, as do most gNA$hCAR fans. We'd all probably love it a lot more if Kurt Busch didn't keep winning. Keep in mind that this is a good track for first-time winners, as the tight racing often takes out even the best cars.
GLENN'S TEN:
* Jeff Gordon (winner) -- Jeff's having one of those streaky seasons: win at Daytona, engine woes at California, in the show at Vegas, wrecked on the first lap at Atlanta -- so it would figure that this should be an "on" week for him at one of his good tracks. Wouldn't be surprised to see him dominate the race, but even if not, I'd expect him to be near the front all afternoon.
REST OF THE TOP 10 (in no particular order):
* Rusty Wallace -- Most wins here of any active driver (9). If he's going to notch another win, this is a place to do it.
* Kurt Busch -- Looking for fourth spring race in a row. Streaks all end eventually.
* Ryan Newman -- Has shown he can run well here. Now can he stay out of trouble?
* Elliott Sadler -- Last guy to win a spring Bristol race before Busch started his domination.
* Kevin Harvick -- Has had short track success.
* Jimmie Johnson -- I'm a little nervous about this, but it's hard to argue with a guy who has been on such a dominant streak of top-fives,
* Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- His season has stunk worse than burnt rubber so far, but I've got a hunch this is where he might turn things around.
* Tony Stewart -- Might sneak in.
* Mark Martin -- Can he come to the front from 34th. Yes. With a little pit strategy.
Also watching: Matt Kenseth (Always a threat)... Jamie McMurray (Will make the show just because I didn't pick him)... Dale Jarrett (Might surprise)... Greg Biffle (I think he's due for bad luck)... Carl Edwards (Coming off Atlanta win, but starts 42nd).
