Week 15 -- Michigan
It's Father's Day, and what better way to celebrate than by letting Dad pop a cold one and kick back to enjoy some gNA$hCAR on the tube. Unfortunately that won't be me. I have projects that beckon today, so I will tape this race and do a fast-forward through later. I might linger a bit longer than with other races, however, because Michigan is a blast to watch. The track is wide and fast, and there is usually plenty of action.
GLENN'S TEN:
* Ryan Newman (winner) -- Another race, another pole for the Rocket Man. What else is new? Getting the win to go with the top starting spot, which is what Ryan will do today. We've seen the best and worst from the Alltel Dodge at this track -- fiery engine failures and stirring comeback wins. I think Ryan's got his act together enough this time round that he won't need a miracle comeback. He'll just run away from the competition at the end.
REST OF THE TOP 10 (in no particular order):
* Brian Vickers -- The kid has been proving he's to be taken seriously. OK, I'll take him seriously this week.
* Kyle Busch -- KB and Vickers have the same car development program. Kyle is hammering on the door for a win. Young guns love Michigan.
* Kasey Kahne -- Can Kasey overcome Evernham's engine woes?
* Mark Martin -- With his "Batman Begins" paint scheme he'd like to win one for the race sponsor. He'll fly like a bat toward the front.
* Bobby Labonte -- Bobby's narrow loss to Jimmie Johnson a few weeks ago wasn't a fluke. The crash at Pocono robbed him of a good finish. Labonte's program is on the mend, and this week he'll prove it.
* Jimmie Johnson -- A big day for Hendrick? Why not. He made big gains in the points last week.
* Jeff Gordon -- Should do well here, but will he be griping all day about the car being too tight in traffic? You bet. And he'll still grab a top 10.
* Greg Biffle -- Every driver has a bad day, as Greg did at Pocono. However, most drivers aren't the Biff, who will right the ship this weekend.
* Elliott Sadler -- I wanted to pick Dale Jarrett. I really did. But if i can't bring myself to take him, I'll take his teammate instead.
Also watching: Tony Stewart (had an awesome car in practice and qualifying. But I fear something's gonna ruin his day)... Kurt Busch (should never underestimate the Roush drivers)... Dale Jarrett (multi-Michigan wins, but I just don't feel the love here this week).
And where is... Dale Earnhardt Jr.? 41st(!) This weekend will tell us if the wheels truly have fallen off the wagon.
