Contender Or Pretender: Phoenix
Richard Childress Racing (Contender) – Every RCR driver is strong on short flat tracks and this Saturday night all of them will have a strong chance of winning the race.
Last fall Jeff Burton started at the back of the pack and drove his way to the front. He arguably had the best car (despite Johnson dominating), but since he qualified so poorly the 31 never had favorable track position.
Kevin Harvick has always been at his best on the short flat tracks. In his career he has 2 wins at Phoenix, 1 win at New Hampshire (comparable track), and 1 win at Richmond (comparable track). At Martinsville I warned people that his recent struggles would be a problem, but this week I’m telling you he’s going to rebound in a big way.
Clint Bowyer is cut from the same mold as the other RCR drivers on this style of track. He hasn’t been as successful as his other teammates, but both of his career victories have happened on this style of track.
Denny Hamlin (Pretender) – I have no clue how much of the race he intends to run. I do know whatever this team intends to do it won’t work. NASCAR history is full of examples of drivers who hop out of their cars and it affects their season long goals. Casey Mears will be his fill in driver and in 11 starts he has never finished in the top 10 at Phoenix. His career average finish here is 27.3.
Mark Martin (Contender) – Did you use Mark Martin at Bristol and Martinsville? I hope not. I tried my best to warn people about using him at tracks he doesn’t like. Phoenix is a track he likes. It’s a non-contact track and last year Martin won at both Phoenix and New Hampshire.
Matt Kenseth (Pretender) – Do you remember how bad Kenseth was at Richmond last year in the cut-off race? He was absolutely pathetic. None of the Fords were strong on this style of track last year. I expect him and his teammates to finish in the teens at best.
Martin Treux Jr. (Contender) – Martin Treux Jr. will be a good sleeper pick at Phoenix. In 4 out of the last 5 races at Phoenix he’s finished in the top 8. He’s also been pretty successful at New Hampshire in his career.
