With the Chase to the Championship coming ever so close, I figured it was time that I looked at what to expect the next two weeks in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
What you first have when viewing the schedule is completely opposite race tracks. This Sunday the series makes the trip to Atlanta, a high banked and high speed 1.54 mile tri-oval circuit that drivers love to race on.
Then, a mere six days later, the final race before the Chase happens at Richmond. A short, 0.75-mile track that has little banking, but fast action.
For fans, this must be the best of both worlds. One week you\’ve got intense action at high speed followed by beating and banging on a short track. The common ground between the two races, which I find excellent, is that both races will be run under the lights. This will not only make the racing more exciting for the fans at the track, but this will give a boost to the ratings.
It is no secret that fans strongly prefer the night races over the day ones. The biggest evidence of this is the night race at Bristol two weeks ago. It is considered the hardest ticket in NASCAR because of it’s popularity.
The race in Atlanta is being scheduled to run under the lights for the first time in it’s history. In 1998, one year after being changed to it’s current configuration, the race was delayed heavily because of rain in the afternoon. However, the rain let up in the early evening and the lights were turned on to complete the race. That night, Jeff Gordon culminated his record-tying 13 win season by winning the race, one week after winning the championship.
So, what should fans expect when the series makes the trip to Atlanta?
It’s very simple…expect everything. This is a track that has been notorious for close finishes and multiple-grooved racing. Between 2000 and 2005, there have been three photo finishes to finish the race. Of those, two were 0.010-seconds or less, including the emotional win Kevin Harvick got only three weeks after the death of Dale Earnhardt.
My favorites heading into this race are going to be the Busch brothers. Let’s first look at the older brother, Kurt. He won at this track earlier this year as he completely dominated the event. That win really set off the No. 2 Miller Lite team as they have solidly been in the top-12 in points since.
I would not slouch on Kyle though. After having a very successful weekend at Bristol, winning two of the three events he entered, he has momentum swinging in his favor. Kyle won at this track last year, getting Toyota their first win in Sprint Cup at the same time. The track fits him very well in that it’s high speed, and fans know that Kyle has no problem laying on that accelerator.
Without a doubt, do not overlook the Hendrick boys. Every one of their drivers has won at this race track, most recently being Jimmie Johnson last fall. Keep an eye on every car, but I would keep an even closer eye on Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The last couple of weeks he seems to be driving a lot better, and he is getting much more confidence in his crew and crew chief. The last two races, Earnhardt Jr. has finished third and ninth. This is a vast improvement from the first half of the season. This is the time to gain confidence, even if it means building towards next year. Watch for the No. 88 car to make some noise.
Coverage of the Pep Boys Auto 500 will begin at 7 p.m. on ESPN.