Here it goes...
Ken:
Well this week we finally get back to NA$CAR’s roots…short track, bang-it-up racing…it makes my juices flow. I have been a big proponent of the “Young Bucks,” especially Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson, for most of the year but this week I jumping their ships and jumping on Matt Kenseth’s voyage to the checkered flag. Look for all the Roush cars to do well.
1. Matt Kenseth has figured the short tracks out this year and already has one win and brings a very healthy 162 point short track race average into Martinsville where he finished 2nd in the Spring. Victory #5 for the #17.
2. Jeff Burton – Another of the Roush cars that is my 2nd choice at taking the checkered flag
3. Bobby Labonte – For a guy that dreaded short tracks several years ago he has adapted. He now stands a respectable 4th in Martinsville driver averages over the past 6 years including a win in the Spring. Last week’s 2nd place will only inspire him on.
4. Dale Jarrett – 1 win, 5 Top 5s, 8 Top 10s and 11 Top 20s in 13 races…his record speaks for itself..
5. Tony Stewart – Personally I don’t look for a win this weekend but I do expect ANOTHER Top 5 Finish. Right now the WC Championship is his to loose. Joe Gibbs Racing has been there, done that…don’t look for any slipups. The biggest danger to Tony from here on out is some idiot like Jimmy Spencer wrecking him.
Possible Top Five breakthroughs – Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace …except for Matt Kenseth, the veterans will shine.
Ken Shafer
SideWays:
Well me and the boys are taking the week off. We’re visiting our folks and catching up on family things so we’ll make this short. I do have a feeling we’ll have plenty to talk about when we get back.
Martinsville is next and we seem to agree this guy hangs around enough to be considered. Although he’s had his ups (no pun intended) and downs we like the guy. Dale Jarrett to win.
Heather:
Wow, what can you say about last week’s race at Charlotte that hasn’t been said? Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, picked Jamie McMurray to win that race. I’m still in shock – but impressed.
Anyway, now we’re back at good ol’ Martinsville. Some drivers love it, some drivers hate it. It’s hard to pick the winner anymore, especially after what happened at Lowe’s Motor Speedway last Sunday!
So, I guess I’ll pick a cagey veteran to win this weekend at Martinsville: Rusty Wallace. He’s had a lot of success there, and is desperate for a win in order to keep that streak alive (and stay in the championship hunt).
Of course, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart usually run well there, too; and I bet both of them will finish in the top 5.
My Martinsville pick: Rusty Wallace.
Don:
As we return to our racing roots we can expect the unexpected. Last week there was not one person alive who would have picked Jamie McMurray to pick up his first CUP win in only his second start. The inside curb at Martinsville plays a major role in how events unfold at this paper clip track. The best driver can not avoid a lapped car bouncing off that curb and into his side. I don't know how any driver can run 500 laps on this track with crossed fingers but one will come out the winner in spite of himself. Bobby Labonte was the surprise winner last year and he ran well at Charlotte. Will he repeat last year's performance? Who knows? With the Toddler on probation we can safely say he won't contend for the win. Tony Stewart used to hate Martinsville and now says he looks forward to returning there. For that reason, here are my picks:
1. Tony Stewart-Leading the points and ready to romp.
2. Robby Gordon-I kid because I care. Flat tracks seem to suit his style.
3. Jeff Gordon-Needs to stay in the Championship hunt.
4. Matt Kenseth-More patience than Kurt Busch.
5. Mikey-He'll be the most surprised and I can't wait for the post race interview.
43. The Toddler-Harvick has brake failure going into turn one
Don
Rob:
Short track racing! Real Racing! No cookie cutter crap like last week.
Well, Actually, last week was a great race. If its the original1.5 D-shaped oval is it considered cookie cutter??
Ok, my picks are as follows:
Lame Duck Rudd to win. I think Ricky will show that he hasnt given up and he races to win no matter what the team situation is.
Tony Stewart a strong 2nd and building the points lead.
Mike Bliss a surprise 3rd in the 40 car. The guy has a great average there and he has never been in good equipment.
Alison:
This week I am going to mount my late season run at Ken.
The way I see it, Tony Stewart should take this hands down.
Look for Bobby Labonte to have another 2nd place run
And of course, Mikey in 3rd.
Bethann:
A Very Bad Computer and One Sledgehammer later...Here I am! After
a few weeks off I finally have a computer that works courtesy of
Gateway and the UPS delivery guy that mom fattened up with her chocolate
chip/peanut butter cookies. First off I would like to congratulate
the #40 Coors Light team and Jamie McMurray for one awesome race
that suprised just about everyone in the NASCAR community. Way to
go!
This week we are at Martinsville. Hmm, who to pick...who to pick!
There are a few drivers I think could possibly take the win at Martinsville.
Those fellas are: Tony Stewart, Rusty Wallace, Rudd, and Jeff Gordon.
But which one of these guys will win. Hard to say. Tony can smell
that championship so he will race hard to extend that points lead,
Rusty is getting hungry for that win that will continue his streak
of 16 consecutive seasons with at least 1 win, Rudd you can never
count out on a short-track, and Gordon...you just never know when
he might sneak up and suprise you.
My gut is telling me to go with Rusty, but I am going to go with
Stewart. There you have it I'm picking Stewart. Don't let me down
Tony! If Rusty doesn't win it...look for him to be in the top 5.
Take care, enjoy the racing, and have a safe weekend everyone.
Lisa:
Wow! What is with everyone's picks last week? I can't believe that
none of us picked Jamie McMurray! It's like playing the old game
show "What's my Line" and stumping the whole panel. WTG Jamie and
the entire Coors team. And I thought I was out in left field picking
Ward Burton.
Just goes to show that anything can happen any week no matter how
smart we think we are. I love racing at Martinsville almost as much
as I hate trying to predict a winner there. I have no clue what
might happen, so there is no reason to pick anyone in particular.
I'm picking Bobby Labonte.
LAST WEEK"S WINNER- The Handyman- Jimmy:(4th Time!!)
Welcome to my home track. I live about 20 miles from the track. I wish it was banked like Bristol, now that wood be different ?
these are my picks.
1-20
2-24
3-17
4-88
5-2
Tony said he likes this track ...maybe, what do you think? good luck from the handyman....
I put the wood in for wood.bro's stuart va...
It isn't too late to get your predictions in. Send an e-mail to "My Prediction" . Put the winning driver prediction in the subject and put your prediction for 2nd place in the body of the e-mail. You may be on our expert panel for the next race.
