Fearless Predictions - Michigan

While the fathers out there deal with their new ties and after-shave (or more modern gifts), it's time to offer our weekly predictions for the NASCAR drivers who will finish in the top 10 at Michigan International Speedway. Last week, our forecasts went 3-1 for the second straight week, raising our season record to an almost-respectable 16-32. Can we make it three in a row this week?
One from the front: If you want to know about the phrase "three in a row," you might consider asking Kurt Busch about it. After all, he's won the pole for the third straight week, and he has finished in the top 10 in the last three races. Looks like all he had to do was chew out his crew.
One from the back: Most weeks of the NASCAR season, we have at least one driver make a surprising appearance in the back 10 of a starting grid. This week, that "honor" goes to Brad Keselowski, who qualified 41st. This isn't some start-and-park operation. Keselowski won two weeks ago, and he has taken the checkered flag at two Nationwide races on this track.
Two from the middle: Our first pick from the middle starts in 15th place. However, like Busch, this driver has finished in the top 10 in three straight points races. He also sits third in the driver standings. That's right; it's Dale Earnhardt Jr., the driver America seems to love to hate.
Our other pick is Trevor Bayne, who starts 17th and has (hopefully) fully recovered from whatever ailed him earlier in the season. His recent results have not been all that spectacular, but he drives for Glen Wood, who was selected this past week for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Having a Hall of Fame car owner has to count for something, right?
Happy Father's Day. Enjoy the race. We'll be back with the results.

Fearless Predictions - Sonoma

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, NASCAR and otherwise.

In addition to the ties and after-shave and man caves your kids have already given you today, we have an additional gift for you: a set of predictions for which NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers will finish in the top 10 at today's Sprint Cup race at Sonoma. Last week's predictions went 5-5, leaving us with a season record of 66-74.

1. Denny Hamlin. At this point, he could probably show up driving this and finish in the top 10.

2. Kasey Kahne. He's on the pole, he's the defending champ, and he may still be trying to figure out where he'll drive next year.

3. Kevin Harvick. Just in case you forgot something...

4. Jimmie Johnson. He's sharing the front row at a track where drivers like to tell you that track position is important.

5 and 6. Kurt and Kyle Busch. Just so their dad doesn't have to pick a favorite driver on his special day.

7. Tony Stewart. He's a two-time winner here, and he needs to make a move if he wants to be involved in the Chase.

8. Marcos Ambrose. This Road Warrior starts in the top 10 this week.

9. Jeff Gordon. So does this five-time Sonoma winner, who's a popular pick to win this week.

10. Juan Pablo Montoya. Today's medium to long shot is a driver whose only NASCAR victory so far is on this track. The former Indianapolis 500 winner is in danger of becoming an afterthought, and he knows it.

We'll be back with results and polls for next week's race.