Week 32 -- Martinsville (Chase Round 6)
The focus on this week’s race at Martinsville will undoubtedly be on the first anniversary of the plane crash that claimed 10 members of Hendrick Motorsports. It was perhaps the greatest tragedy in the gNA$hCAR community since the death of Dale Earnhardt.
But as teams pause to reflect on Sunday, they’d better not miss the drivers in their rearview mirror. Those would be Hendrick teammates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, who although they aren’t starting on the front row will be drivers to watch in the Subway 500.
GLENN’S TEN:
* Jimmie Johnson (winner) -- The emotion tied up in this race is huge, and coupled with last week’s comeback win at Lowe’s, Jimmie is poised to make a championship run. A win here is possible (as he proved a year ago) and necessary if he hopes to keep ahead of some stiff competition. Hendrick drivers have proved they respond well to pressure.
REST OF THE TOP 10 (in no particular order):
* Jeff Gordon -- It’s been an abysmal season, but what better way to get it turned around for next year than a good day at a track where you’ve won five times?
* Tony Stewart -- Never bet against Smoke when he’s on the pole. If he doesn’t get the win, he’ll be a factor in the closing laps.
* Ryan Newman -- Won’t win, but will find a way to hang out in the top 10 all day.
* Rusty Wallace -- Chase motivates, and this is his last short track race ever. Think he’d like to win it?
* Bobby Labonte -- Another driver limping into the off-season, but Martinsville is a place where that could change -- if only for a weekend.
* Kurt Busch -- I hate that I have to keep picking him to make the show.
* Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- The meek may not inherit the earth, but they could rise up to confound the Chasers on Sunday.
* Greg Biffle -- Will have to use some pit strategy and quick stops to work his way to the front because no one’s going to be letting him pass.
* Ricky Rudd -- Rudd’s been showing good stuff lately. If the car holds together, this could be a big day for him.
ALSO WATCHING: Denny Hamlin (Qualified 5th in the FedEx car. This kid’s proving himself for next season, and he loves this track.)... Carl Edwards (Got stopped for speeding on his way to the Busch race Saturday. At least he wasn’t flagged for driving too slow in the fast lane!)... Matt Kenseth (Starts a Kenseth-like 25th. Could sneak his way in.)... Mark Martin (Will starting in a backup car at the rear of the field be a hindrance to Victory Lane? My guess: yes.)
