The NASCAR edition of our forecasts did not get off to a strong start. The only driver projected to finish in the top 10 who actually finished in the top 10 was Dale Earnhardt Jr. We begin the Sprint Cup season with a record of 1-9. Here's hoping this week's picks are better.
1. Matt Kenseth. Yeah, I heard that he switched crew chiefs. However, remember what we said earlier this week about Kenseth winning three of the last four versions of this week's event? That seems relevant.
2. Kevin Harvick. He's one of several drivers for whom Fontana is the "home track." He also has a pair of top 10 finishes here in the last couple of years.
3. Jimmie Johnson. Another driver from this part of California. He has four wins here. Oh, and did I mention the FOUR STRAIGHT SPRINT CUPS?
4. Jamie McMurray. Think he used up all his good luck at Daytona? Keep in mind that last year's Daytona 500 winner (Kenseth) was also last year's Auto Club 500 winner.
5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Say what you will about his exposure versus his results, but he did find his way to the front of the pack on that second green-white-checkered last week. Could it be the beard?
6. Carl Edwards. Ford drivers (particularly those working for Roush Fenway) have dominated this race in recent years. Edwards won it in 2008.
7. Tony Stewart. In his 17 starts on this track, Stewart has finished 9 times in the top 10.
8. Mark Martin. He clearly has a fast car. In the practice before Friday's qualifying session, Martin had the top speed (182 miles per hour and change).
9. Kyle Busch. He has a Fontana win under his belt, and he is secure enough in himself to launch his own brand of sunglasses. Read into that anything you like.
10. Greg Biffle. Another former winner (2005) and the guy who quietly finished third in last week's race. (Yes, apparently, it's possible to finish third at the Daytona 500 and still be "quiet.")
We'll be back later with more thoughts.
No comments:
Post a Comment