Week 22 -- Watkins Glen
I should really like this track. Forget the race, I just hink it's cool I've got a track with my name in it. So what if they spelled it wrong, a Glen's a Glenn in my book. This could only be a good omen, especially considering my rock-bottom performance in last week's predictions.
Watkins Glen is the second of two road courses the Cup drivers visit each season, and one of the big wild cards in the race to the Chase. Qualifying was rained out, so the field was set by owner points. Could be a big day for the likes of Jeff Gordon, who almost always runs well here. But I've got a feeling the day will belong to another hot road racer...
GLENN'S TEN:
* Tony Stewart (winner) -- I'm sure this will jinx it for him, but I've gotta go with the man who has won four of the past six races including the Sonoma road race, and who sits on the pole. Tony has won twice here, why not thrice? Look for smoke to be climbing the fences again Sunday.
REST OF THE TOP 10 (in no particular order):
* Jeff Gordon -- I keep writing off Jeff's season, but a big finish here would keep him within striking distance.
* Ryan Newman -- Ryan got a win in Saturday's Busch race and seems to do well at the road tracks. The seat time Saturday gives him a bit of an advantage.
* Kurt Busch -- Overlooked as a road course racer. A potential dark horse?
* Greg Biffle -- If he can keep the car out of trouble, figure him to be a threat.
* Robby Gordon -- Remember when Robby swept the road courses two years ago? That was before he started driving for himself. Make no mistake, Robby can win here, but that is
if nothing happens to the car. He's gonna have to come from 39th to do it. I am fearful of this pick.
* Boris Said -- Most of the road course ringers failed to make the field because of the rainout, so Boris will have to carry the standard for them. He is quite capable of making the show from 41st on the grid, but he isn't known for being patient and that may be his undoing.
* Ron Fellows -- Here's a ringer with a real shot at a win. He's finished second here before. But driving the Tide Ford will virtually assure him of not performing to his potential.
* Mark Martin -- Crusty veteran might just sneak in.
* Casey Mears -- Had one of his several top 10s here a year ago.
ALSO WATCHING: Rusty Wallace (Could have a good day, could have a crappy day)... Kevin Harvick (Will starting 13th be a bad luck curse?)... Kasey Kahne (Showing maturity)... Brian Vickers (I really wanted to pick him after he dominated the Busch race, but a little voice is telling me it's a bad idea.)
AND WHAT ABOUT... Jimmie Johnson? (Needs to bounce back in a big way after Indy. He isn't all that strong at the road courses, so perhaps a top 15.)
