Chase For The Cup #3: Dover

Dover International Speedway, better known as: The MONSTER Mile

After another fuel mileage race, which was also won by Tony Stewart, we head onto Dover for the AAA 400.

Better known as The Monster Mile, this is the 3rd Chase Race on the schedule where drivers rejoice coming here while others just want to survive. For example, Jimmie Johnson, who had an uneventful at New Hampshire last week, is looking to get back on track. I'd say it's a safe bet for him to do so considering he has won the last two Chase races here. While Tony Stewart, who finished 25th here in June, just wants to hold onto his point lead.

So who will be the one to tame the Monster and conquer the concrete?

Favorites

Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie claims his sixth Dover trophy after winning last September's race.

Five-Time has to be the odds on favorite to win this weekend. He has six wins at the track, as well as, the last two Chase races. Interesting fact: Johnson has led 1,273 out of 2,400 laps over the last six Dover races. Incredible much? If Jimmie has an off race here, then you know something isn't quite right in the #48 camp.

Carl Edwards

Outside of being known as Cousin Carl, he has another alter ego in "Concrete Carl." While Jimmie has clearly been the best at Dover, Carl has been impressive as well. He actually has the best overall finish of all the drivers here: 7.6. He just won the Nationwide race earlier. A sweep is very likely.

Darkhorses

Kyle Busch 

Kyle celebrates after winning Dover in May 2010.

He's hit or miss here. After winning his first Cup Dover race in 2008, Kyle proceeded with three straight finishes of 23rd or worse. Then he won in May 2010 and backed it up with a 6th and 4th. I forsee that he'll be in top five this time around, but don't be shocked if he has a disappointing day tomorrow.

Martin Truex Jr.

This is the first time Martin Jr. has made it in my Fantasy discussions. His first and only career Sprint Cup win came here in 2007, leading 216 of 400 laps. His car has looked good all weekend long. He starts up front. Maybe he can be the Chase spoiler, if not anyone else.

Risktakers

Jeff Gordon

Before Jimmie came along, it was Gordon who conquered the concrete and tamed the Monster Mile. But times have changed. In the last five Dover races, Jeff has four finishes outside the top ten with no laps led. Clearly, he is scuffling at this track. After what looked to be encouraging practices over the weekend, he backed it up with a disappointing 34th place qualifying effort. This isn't the track to start deep in the field. Hopefully I'm wrong, but it looks like Gordon might be in for a long day.

Honestly, Dover isn't one of my favorite tracks, so it'll be difficult to stay interested. I foresee another Jimmie and Carl battle like it was early in the season, with Carl winning instead of Jimmie. I know both drivers have went awhile without winning, but I feel it's time for Carl to try to seize control of the concrete dominance Jimmie has had. Either way, I will be appalled if neither Carl or Jimmie takes home the trophy this weekend.

Of course, that's just my opinion.

All race stats are always acquired from http://racing-reference.info/ 

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