The best way to describe Speedweeks so far this year: unpredictable. Every race seems to have had a surprise winner, close-quarters racing and lots of carnage.
There are things though that can be predicted in the race Sunday. The racing will be much better from a “fan” standpoint. The pack racing is a lot more exciting than those “thrilling” two-car tandems that were featured last year. And, there will be a surprise driver at the front of the field near the end.
Could Danica Patrick surprise everyone and win in her first Sprint Cup Series race?
With that being said, is there any way to accurately pick a winner? Not a chance! But, here is one that is as good as it’s going to get.
The winner: Greg Biffle. He has been fast all week long, even during qualifying. He is also starting on the outside of row one. But, the reason he wins is because of his Ford engine. You cannot ignore the fact that Ford has been on the top of the standings all week long no matter what event. This could also be the biggest win of his career. He’s won 16 career Sprint Cup races, so there’s no question this guy can do it.
Dark Horse: Marcos Ambrose. The Aussie has been quietly up near the top of the charts or the races all week long. Again, take a guess what his engine is? Ford of course! The Tasmanian Devil has won a race in his Sprint Cup career, so he has proven he can win. If he can just pick the right line to get in late in the race, you may see this man take the checkered flag.
Close But No Cigar: Tony Stewart. This is clearly the ONLY race left for him to actually win for his career resume. He’s won everything else. Smoke is always up near the front at the end of the race, but something always goes wrong for him. He may pick the wrong line or just get boxed in. It would be a great story if he wins, but I just don’t see it happening. There is a curse against him at the Daytona 500 that can be compared to Tony Kanaan’s curse at the Indy 500.
Enjoy the start of the racing season folks! See you after the race to see how wrong my predictions were.