Stars run strong at Brickyard
By Cover.com
After a rare week off, the NASCAR Sprint Cup season resumes this week with the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, the circuit's annual trip to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Here are six drivers to watch:
Jimmie Johnson (+500)
The three-time defending series champion has won this race twice in the last three years, using the victory as a springboard to his late-season push for the championship. In those wins, he started fifth and first, so qualifying could be a key. He's currently third in the points and very much in the hunt for a fourth straight title.
Jeff Gordon (+700)
Gordon is the all-time leader with four Brickyard wins but none since 2004. He has won just once this season but has been no lower than second in the standings since the second race of the season and is looking for his fifth career series title.
Mark Martin (+700)
The veteran Martin is getting better with age. His four wins this season, including last week at Chicago, lead all Sprint Cup drivers. However, he also has five finishes of 35th or worse, which has him 11th in the Chase for the Championship. He has never won at the Brickyard.
Tony Stewart (+600)
Stewart is the points leader and won this event in 2005 and 2007. He also has plenty of Brickyard experience from his days as an IRL driver. He climbed to the top of the standings without winning a race but has won twice in the last six races.
Kyle Busch (+800)
Busch used to be hated for his lack of race decorum, but now rivals hate him because he is winning, too. He has three victories this year but none since May 2. In his last nine races, he only has two Top-10 finishes. Busch is looking for his first win at the Brickyard.
Joey Logano (+9000)
Just a teenager, Logano is in his first full season in Sprint Cup. But he already has chalked up a win at New Hampshire last month. This is his first trip to the Brickyard, which can be a bit overwhelming.