Week 9 -- Talladega
Perhaps it is fitting that the Cup drivers had to qualify for this race on Dale Earnhardt's birthday, as this is a track that E Sr. basically owned during his career and that his son continues to shine on in the modern era. And perhaps too it is fitting that Kevin Harvick won the pole Friday in the car that used to be Big E's ride before... well, you know.
But that's where the parallels end. Earnhardt Jr. qualified a very un-Junior like 36th, along with DEI teammate Michael Waltrip (38th). And adding to the disappointment, Little E qualified LOWER than his half bro, Kerry (31st). But fear not, fans of Driver 8. This is 'Dega, where your hero always rises to the occasion.
GLENN'S TEN:
* Dale Earnhardt Jr. (winner) -- Don't let the disappointing qualifying effort mislead you. DEI puts everything it has into preparing for the restrictor tracks, and Junior has taken worse cars to Victory Lane here. He knows how to draft his way forward, as do his teammates who will work with him on race day. Besides, it's his turn after last year's beer can melee over the yellow-flag loss to Jeff Gordon. Still trying to dig out from his early points deficit and make the top 10, and this is his best shot at doing so.
REST OF THE TOP 10 (in no particular order):
* Jeff Gordon -- Last year's win was a "fluke" -- The Pepsi scheme usually seems to bring bad luck upon the #24. But I can't argue against Hendrick power at the restrictor tracks this year. They're on their game.
* Jimmie Johnson -- If someone's gonna steal a win this year, it might be the Lowe's bunch.
* Greg Biffle -- Biff got a raw deal in the pits last weekend. He and the rest of the Roushketeers will be in the top 10 all day.
* Kurt Busch -- If Earnhardt or Johnson fail to come through, this is my pick. Kurt has proved he has the power to win on the long tracks, but now he just needs to figure out how to get the track position on the final lap. (Hint: It's not chasing Junior or Gordon.)
* Kevin Harvick -- He's on the pole, but can he close the deal? Not quite, but he'll fare better than his teammates. Watch the other three all bite the dust before lap 150.
* Tony Stewart -- My dark horse. Which Tony will show up Sunday? More importantly, will Tony's car show up for a change?
* Mark Martin -- I'm starting to feel bad this is Martin's last season. He's a portrait of poise when it comes to working his way through the pack each week. Look for a top 5.
* Joe Nemechek -- Joe drives well at the big tracks. With Hendrick power under the hood he'll make some noise on Sunday.
* Michael Waltrip -- If Earnhardt Jr. gets to the front it will take a teammate's help. Mikey's the helper, but will he be able to hang on to the top 10 when things shake out?
Also watching: Elliott Sadler (Can he keep off his lid here for a change?)... Ryan Newman (Restrictor tracks have been uncharitable)... Ricky Rudd (Getting better and sat on pole here last year)... Casey Mears (One of the Ganassi guys has to carry the torch. Could it be the #41?)
