Week 12 -- Lowe's
It seems like the gNA$hCAR season has been going on forever and yet we're only a third of the way into it with this race. The drivers will probably be feeling something like that Sunday evening as they take part in the season's longest race, the Coca-Cola 600.
There are many cool elements to the Cup series' traditional Memorial Day weekend event, not the least of which is the transition from day to night about midway through the race. And the "extra" 100 miles really separate the men from the boys, as success is determined less by how fast your car is than by how well it can endure 400 laps of high-RPM driving. For this reason alone I have to give the nod to experienced vets who know how to pace themselves and have a car to get the job done. If last week's All Star Challenge was a good indication, I think you'll see some of the same names up near the front at the end of Sunday night.
GLENN'S TEN:
* Tony Stewart (winner) -- It's time. This is Tony's type of race and his type of track. In past years he has done the "double" by racing the Indy 500 in the morning then flying to Charlotte in time for the Cup race. Too many distractions, and they hurt his finish. Not this year. He's got a fast car and is overdue for a win. The Home Depot orange looks very cool under the lights, and it looks even better in Victory Lane.
REST OF THE TOP 10 (in no particular order):
* Ryan Newman -- On the pole and without a doubt the fastest car on the track, but speed hasn't helped Ryan much here. If he doesn't blow up then he gets wrecked. I don't think he'll get wrecked this year, but I don't see him leading the pack at the checkers either.
* Jimmie Johnson -- Welcome to Johnsonville. Might as well change the name of the track in honor of the guy who very well could steal the show in this one. Needs a good run to re-establish his big points lead.
* Jeff Gordon -- 11th front row start at this track. His car was mostly mediocre in the All Star last weekend, but those notes will prove valuable.
* Kyle Busch -- It's time for Kyle to break through. This kid has a ton of talent and Hendrick power behind him. He won both the truck and Busch races here, so why not go for the triple crown on Sunday?
* Kurt Busch -- You think Kurt's gonna let little bro get all the kudos? Sibling rivalry rules, but Kurt will have to come up from deep in the field to get to the front. He'll have lots of laps to do it.
* Greg Biffle -- The Biff is knocking at the door for the points lead. Roush power will get the job done and get him a solid finish.
* Mark Martin -- Coming off a sweet victory with the All Star million in his pocket. I worry that he may have used up his good luck in that race, but I'll go with experience and quality equipment.
* Bobby Labonte -- He's starting way back in the pack so he'll need to stay out of trouble, but if he can avoid mishaps he should be able to work his way into the show.
* Jamie McMurray -- Remember when Jamie got his first Cup victory in just his second career start? It came right on this track three years ago in October. He's still looking for victory number two. Maybe he'll be nostalgic on Sunday.
Also watching: Brian Vickers (Was fast and lucky in the All Star, but he has yet to impress in a race that means anything)... Matt Kenseth (Starting third(!) and has won here before, but I fear he's got too good a starting spot. The car will crap out before the finish)... Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Slow and steady might not win the race, but if he plays the attrition game right he will be in the top 15)... Mike Bliss (The Zero is my sentimental hero. Would be nice to see him get a good finish after getting aced out of the All Star field by Vickers last weekend)... Michael Waltrip (Mikey has been doing better with Little E's former crew).
