Pickem: Pepsi 400 at Daytona

Ahh yes, here we are once again. The famed Daytona Speedway. This race does not have the buzz like the Daytona 500 but its still a restrictor plate race track meaning that the big one can happen at any moment. Tony Stewart dominated this race last year and with his recent bad luck I am sure this will be an important race for him heading into the chase. Other drivers that should lead a few laps include Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Elliot Sadler and of course Dale Jr.

My Pick:

He has not won a restrictor plate race in a while, and some are beginning to believe he has lost his domination. So, this week I think...........Dale Jr. will win his second Pepsi 400.

Jeff Gordon, King Of Road Courses!!

Jeff Gordon picked up his ninth road course victory this Sunday, winning at Sonoma. Kurt Busch lead the opening laps until pit stops when a host of drivers lead laps, including Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, and Jimmie Johnson. Gordon's car was strong the entire race, which helped him take the lead late from Terry Labonte who took the lead off gambling with gas mileage. The rest of the top five included Ryan Newman, Terry Labonte, Kurt Busch and Greg Biffle.

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Opinion: Brian Vickers

Last week it was announced that Brian Vickers would leave Hendricks Motorsports to explore other opportunities. Well, it did not take long for Hendricks to find a replacement as within a few days they announced that Casey Mears would drive the #25 next season. So, the question is were will Brian Vickers end up? We know he can win, as he is a former Busch champion, and Vickers is still extremely young with plenty of years to get better. Rumors have him driving for either Red Bull Racing (an up-start Toyota team), Michael Waltrip Racing, or Yates Racing. Which team do you think he would be better suited for??

**UPDATE**

Well those of you who thought Vickers would end up with Red Bull Racing, you were correct. He signed on to drive the #83 Toyota. Also, Bill Elliot may drive the first few races in the other Red Bull car then another driver will step in.

Pickem: Sonoma

This week the series visits the road course of Sonoma, California. Tony Stewart dominated the road course tracks last year, winning both Sonoma and Watkins Glen. Some drivers that are usually always up front at these type of courses include Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin, plus don't be surprised if Robby Gordon runs strong Sunday. Remember Robby swept both road course races a few years ago. Then there are the "Road Course Specialist" that are brought in by some of the big teams to try and pick up a good finish or even steal a win. These include Boris Said, Scott Pruitt and Ron Fellows.

My Pick: Robby Gordon (steals one)

Rain Helps Kahne Win At Michigan

Kasey Kahne picked up his fourth win of 2006 with a little help from mother nature. Kahne came back from early problems that sent his #9 Dodge to the rear of the field after debris on the radiator forced him to come down pit-road during green, but excellent pit strategy and a fast car helped him get back up to the front. On the last pit-stop Kahne beat Carl Edwards out which turned out to be the move of the race as the rain began to fall short after. Other drivers with good runs included Carl Edwards (2), Dale Jr. (3), Greg Biffle (4) and Reed Sorenson (5).

Pickem: Michigan

Greg Biffle won this race last year in dominating fashion. Look for Denny Hamlin to once again be a strong contender considering he will be driving last weeks winning race car. Other drivers that could challenge for the win include Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, and Mark Martin (among others). With only a dozen or so races left until the chase a slip at Michigan could be costly in the points.

Denny Hamlin gets first win at Pocono

Denny Hamlin came back from an early spin to win at Pocono, his first win of his career. Hamlin pasted Biffle with around 50 laps to go and never looked back. Other drivers with good runs included Kurt Busch, Tony Stewart, Brian Vickers and Matt Kenseth.

Opinion: The #88 Car

Ok..so far we know that Dale Jarrett will be leaving Yates Racing after this year to drive for Michael Waltrip and Toyota Racing. So, who will take over driving the #88 Ford for Yates Racing in 2007?? There have been a few names thrown into the rumor mill including Casey Mears, and Brian Vickers. Please let me know which driver you think will take over.

Pickem: Pocono

The teams of the Nextel Cup travel to Pocono Raceway this weekend for the Pocono 500. Last year Roush Racing (Carl Edwards & Kurt Busch) swept both races at this track. This year Jimmie Johnson comes in as they points leader with Matt Kenseth sneaking up.

My Pick:

Kyle Busch

Matt Kenseth Conquers the Monster

Jamie McMurray looked to sneak away with his first win of the season but his teammate Kenseth had other plans in mind. Kenseth went from 4th to 1st in the last 50 laps for his second win of the season. McMurray took second, which is his best run of the season, one that he hopes will turn his season around. Jimmie Johnson struggled the entire race winded down Johnson (& his team) battled back as only they can, finishing 6th. Some other drivers ran well on Sunday including Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Kyle Busch.

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