Week 24 -- Bristol
Saturday night under the lights at Bristol Motor Speedway is always a trip. The fact that there are a mere three races to go before the cutoff for the Chase to the Championship only adds to the drama.
As if we needed more drama than Matt Kenseth sitting on the pole. When was the last time that happened? Oh yeah, just once before in the guy's entire career. A fluke, but one he's no doubt happy about. OK, Matty's had his fun. Time to move over and let the serious contenders by.
GLENN'S TEN:
* Jeff Gordon (winner) -- This track will either cure what ails you or ail what cures you. Jeff's already ailing, sitting 58 points shy of the all-important 10th spot in the standings. He had a very disappointing day at Michigan, which he could ill afford. He
NEEDSa win big time. The fact he almost always runs well here coupled with the fact that he is on the outside pole will go a long way to sending him to victory. The time is now and this is definitely the place, where he's won five times. Make it six.
REST OF THE TOP 10 (in no particular order):
* Rusty Wallace -- Rusty wants to go out with a bang at a track where he's won more times than any other active driver. He'll come close but no cigar.
* Ryan Newman -- Ryan won the Busch race here Friday night -- the third straight Busch race he's entered that he's won. When does it start happening again in the Cup series? Perhaps tonight.
* Kurt Busch -- Mr. Sharpie absolutely looooves this place. He's got the wins to prove it.
* Tony Stewart -- I always like Tony under the lights, and particularly with the hot streak he's been on.
* Kevin Harvick -- How can one guy be so crappy at most tracks he runs on and yet do so well on these short ovals? Wonder who he'll try to punch out at the end of this one?
* Elliott Sadler -- Elliott got his first win at this track in 2001 and has looked good here ever since. His Chase hopes took a severe stumble last weekend. He needs a good run to fend off the likes of Jeff Gordon, and he'll get one.
* Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- Defending winner of this race. Think he can make it two? Naw. But maybe he'll sneak into the show despite starting 41st.
* Greg Biffle -- Got in some practice Friday night, finishing second to Ryan Newman.
* Kyle Busch -- He led the first part of Friday's race before making a pit road error. I have to believe that his big bro's success here will rub off a bit.
ALSO WATCHING: Ricky Rudd (Starts fifth, but what will the car look like when it's over?)... Kasey Kahne (A sleeper pick.)... Jeremy Mayfield (Looks safe for the Chase, but a poor finish here could be disastrous.)... Michael Waltrip (Capable of getting to the front, but needs a fair dose of good luck to keep the car out of trouble.)... Jimmie Johnson (I've lost confidence in his drive to press for a top 10 until after the Chase starts.)
