Countdown To The Chase: Bristol

            Just a few of the 155,000+ fans in attendance cheering on during the race.

Alas, The Chase continues to creep closer and closer, but the Sprint Cup Drivers are focusing on one thing as we speak: Bristol Motor Speedway. 

Bristol is known as the World-Fastest Half-Mile, which is why the track's nickname became "Thunder Valley". Sounds like a name for a place of chaos and destruction doesn't it? Well, you wouldn't be wrong. As a matter of fact, you know what lead to such mayhem? Driver's tempers. 

This track is famous for making drivers tick. Irony is, Thursday's night truck race already displayed this. Around midpoint of this race, the #18 of Kyle Busch was turned into the outside wall by the #24 of Elliot Sadler. Kyle thought the wreck was intentional and waited to return the favor on Elliot. Despite the retaliation, Sadler finished 9th while Kyle finish 30th. Let the pandemonium begin as only one driver will come out on top.

Favorites

Kyle Busch

             Busch celebrating last year's night race by leading 283 of the 500 laps.

I just mentioned him didn't I? What I didn't mention is that he has dominated by winning 4 of the last 5 here. Don't even get me started with his numbers in Nationwide and Truck. "Wild Thing" is going for his third straight night race win and considering his past success here, he has to be the runaway favorite. Only three of his 13 Sprint Cup starts at Bristol result outside of the top 10. Don't expect it to be four. The track is for aggressive drivers and he is a perfect example of one. Now you see why he enjoys this place so much.

Jimmie Johnson

"The Dominator" has greatly improved at "Thunder Valley" to the extent that makes him a favorite in my books. Johnson has led in the his last five Bristol starts with one win and three more top 10's. It's safe to say JJ has figured this track out. Expect Johnson to be a threat to end Kyle Busch's dominance at Bristol. After all, he is the only one to beat Kyle in this Bristol streak of his.

Carl Edwards

Carl had a rough race last week by finishing 36th. He only has one win this season and wouldn't you think at some point, Carl would rack up another. Bristol is a good track for him to attempt win No. 2. He won the night race in 2008 as well as being a runner-up to Kyle in this year's spring race. He is starting on the front row. Look for Carl to contend for the trophy at night's end with Kyle and Jimmie.

Darkhorses

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

            Junior celebrating his lone Bristol win in 2004.

This track has been very good to Junior. He has an average finish of 11.5 in 23 starts. Junior is 10th in points and is looking to get that elusive win to end his long winless streak. This is his best shot to do so in a while. Don't be surprised if Dale Jr. breaks his way to Victory Lane tonight.

Kevin Harvick

As I stated, Bristol is a track for aggressive drivers. "Happy" fits in that category. He has a win here in the spring of 2005. He won the truck race Thursday night too. Perhaps Mr. "Where-Did-He-Come-From" becomes a threat tonight despite him not being happy with the car. If not, maybe he has a run in with Kyle Busch?

Brad Keselowski 

Another aggressive driver who will be the perfect darkhorse for Bristol. Ever since injuring his ankle, everything has gone right for Brad K. He has a win, a 2nd, and a 3rd. Let the momentum continue. I predict Brad K will place between 5th and 10th tonight, but a win isn't far-fetched. 

Risktakers

Denny Hamlin

Despite his bad luck at Bristol, I wouldn't touch him for fantasy based off his last four finishes: 27th, 15th, 36th, and 35th. He seems to be losing confidence, and like I said, he has bad luck at Bristol. I expected last week for him to shake out of his slump but I was wrong. Not taking that chance this week.

The Bristol night race is one of my favorite races to watch throughout the Sprint Cup Season. In fact, both races should be at night. The chaos and destruction is that much greater. 

You're probably wondering who I pick as the winner? Well, None of those drivers I listed aren't who I'm picking to win tonight. Instead, I'm rolling with Jeff Gordon. After all,  he is a five-time winner here, but it's just one man's opinion.

NOTE: I do NOT take credit for any of these photos.