Previewing this weekend's road race at Watkins Glen

With just 5 races left til the chase the Sprint Cup series regulars we break down the top 5 drivers in points and their chances for victory this week. We will also touch on a few drivers to watch including the road race “specialists.”

Kyle Bush – Coming off a disappointing finish last week (36th place) the younger Bush will be hungry to show he is still the one to beat in this year's Chase. Kyle has won at a road course in the past (Sonoma) and he will try to prove that win was no fluke and neither is this incredible year. You might think an average of 16th at the Glen would put some doubt in people’s minds, but as we have seen you give Kyle 4 tires and a steering wheel and anything is bound to happen and usually does. Winning – 35%

Dale Earnhardt Jr. – With a 12th place finish last week you know Jr. wants to prove that the early consistency we saw this year is NOT slipping away. He will have to do it at a track where he has never finished better then 3rd at the Glen. With only 50 points separating second place from 5th, Jr. will need a consistent day at the front to hold onto the second place position. Will Junior overcome his road course woos and win his first race at the Glen? My guess is no Winning – 15%

Carl Edwards – Call it a gamble, call it luck, no matter what you call it Carl Edwards is coming. With a huge win in PA last week Carl is looking to extend his winning streak with his first career road course win. With 7 starts on road courses and an average finish of 14th that seems like pretty wishful thinking at this point. Look for Carl to race hard and make a run for the checkered if he’s close, as he proved last week with the help of his team gambles can pay off. Still I think it will be a good day for Carl, just not a great one as I do expect a top 10 finish. Winning - 15%

Jimmie Johnson – Is it just me or is anybody else surprised this guy hasn’t won a road course race yet? Johnson's coming off a strong finish last week looks to continue his run at a 3-peat, but it won’t come easy as JJ has an aerage finish of 14th at the Glen. Winning - 35%

Jeff Burton – He will look to rebound after a middle of the pack (21st) finish last week. One problem he has never one a Sprint Cup series race that involved a right turn. With an average finish of 20th at the Glen in 14 races, maybe the 15th time will be the charm. Look for Burton to bide his time and stay out of trouble and make a late run at the win. Winning - 10%

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Others to watch @ Watkins Glen

Tony Stewart – Nobody turns right better then smoke. He has won 6 times on road courses with 5 of those at the Glen. He will get to the front fast and early; look for Tony to keep the momentum going with a big win this week.

Ron Fellows – Coming off a rain-soaked win in Canada last week Fellows will try to show he doesn’t need wipers or rain tires to win. The only question here will be does he have the equipment to run with the every-week driver.

Boris Said – One thing is for sure the “Said Heads” will be out in force. Boris will not wait long before heading to the front, if the car will let him he will be running towards the front will fast. If nothing else he will make it entertaining.

By Rick Maguire
Pro Racing Fans Staff Writer

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