Pickem: California

There are only two races remaining and the stress of making the chase can sure to be felt by a handful of drivers. Mark Martin, Dale Jr., and Tony Stewart hang on the fringe of disappointment as Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards need a hail-mary to make it in. Matt Kenseth comes in to California red hot, winning the last two races, so putting money on him would not be a bad idea. Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin are two other drivers that could have strong runs. Who do you think will find victory lane this weekend?

My Pick: Kyle Busch

Make It Two In A Row For Kenseth

Jeff Burton dominated the first half of the Sharpie 500, but it was Matt Kenseth who saved his equipment and picked up his second win in a row. For the most part tempers stayed in check but that did not mean that the race lacked action, as a number of drivers had rough nights. Kurt Busch was one of those drivers who ran into trouble, ending his chances of making the chase. Others like Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle and Kasey Kahne remain mathematically alive but they will need tons of help to make it in.

With the win Matt Kenseth locks himself into the race for the chase (Jimmie Johnson locked himself in after two drivers fell out of the race). The rest of the top five included Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Scott Riggs and Jeff Gordon. Only two races remain until the top ten battle it out for the 2006 Cup.

Pickem: Bristol

Well, there are only a few races left until the race for the chase begins, and this week the drivers will have their toughest challenge as they take on the bull ring of Bristol Motor Speedway. THe chances to make the chase only remain for a few drivers. Kasey Kahne needs a good run to get back into the top ten, but Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards need good runs plus really bad luck by either Dale Jr., Denny Hamlin or Jeff Burton. Look for drivers such as Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon to run strong this weekend.

My Pick: Kurt Busch

Kenseth Holds Off Gordon At Michigan

Matt Kenseth had just enough time to take the checkered flag at Michigan as Jeff Gordon was chasing him down in the final laps. The race swapped a few of the same leaders throughout including Carl Edwards, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Edwards brushed the wall late and finished mid-pack, while Dale Jr. fought back from a late pit road mistake to finish 6th. The rest of the top five included Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, and Mark Martin. Only a handfull of races remain before the race for the chase begins as it becomes a three race shootout to make the top ten.

Pickem: Michigan

This week the Nextel Cup Series travels to Michigan Speedway. Jeremy Mayfield won this race last year on fuel mileage (even though I do not think he will be in contention this year). A few other drivers are known for running good at this track, including Kasey Kahne (spring winner), Greg Biffle, Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart. This may the best chance for both Biffle and Kahne to gain some ground on the top ten, while Dale Jr. and Jeff Gordon look to stay solid in an effort to keep their positions.

Plus, the musical chairs of drivers jumping into new rides starts this weekend with both David Gilliland and Elliot Sadler making their first starts with their new teams. Look for more of this to come in the next few weeks.

My Pick: Denny Hamlin

Harvick Holds Off Stewart To Win At The Glen

Kevin Harvick passed Tony Stewart with less than ten laps to go to pick up his first road coarse win. Tony Stewart charged through the field late, passing Harvick with a strong move to the inside. From that point most people figured that Stewart would just drive off from Harvick, but surprisingly Harvick was able to get back around Stewart and hold on for the win.

The rest of the top five included Jamie McMurray, Robby Gordon, and Carl Edwards. On the other side were the drivers who may have seen their chances to make the chase "go off coarse". Greg Biffle, Kurt Bush, and Kasey Kahne had races to forget, and hope that Michigan can change their fortunes around with only a hand full of races remaining.

Pickem: Watkins Glen

This weekend the drivers of the Nextel Cup get to turn left and right as they travel to the road course of Watkins Glen. This is a track that could throw a curve ball into the hopes of some of the drivers trying to make the chase. A few of the drivers barely holding on to the top 10 usually run good at the Glen, including Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon. Both are recent winners. Some others need to have good runs, including Greg Biffle, Dale Earnhardt and Kasey Kahne. Plus, the Nextel regulars have to watch out for those road course ringers.

My Pick: Boris Said

Johnson Kisses the Bricks at Indy

Jimmie Johnson continued his great season by winning the Allstate 400 at Indianapolis Speedway. After taking the checkered flag Johnson became only the second driver to win at both Daytona and the Brickyard in the same season (Dale Jarrett is the other). Other drivers with good finishes included Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, and Mark Martin.

Johnson continues to lead in the points which he was able to extend a little with the win. Dale Earnhardt jumped back into the top ten with his 6th place run, while Kasey Kahne fell to 11th due to a late race wreck.

Pickem: The Brickyard

After an off weekend the Nextel Cup drivers travel to Indianapolis to run the Brickyard 400. This race is grown in popularity in the past few years due to its unique ritual of the winner kissing the bricks after the race. Some drivers who usually run well here include Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Kasey Kahne, and Tony Stewart.

My Pick: Denny Hamlin