(Photo by John Sommers II/Getty Images)
th the "Guitargate" of Nashville now in the rear-view mirror, the NASCAR Nationwide Series agents head on over to 1.5 mile Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, KY for this Saturday night's Meijer 300 presented by Oreo (ESPN2, 7:30 p.m.).
Last year, Logano drove his No. 20 GameStop Toyota Camry from the pole position, leading for 76 circuits (including the final 53 laps) in a race that was dominated by the Joe Gibbs Racing contingency.
It was a Logano and Kyle Busch show, with Shrub at the point for 85 laps and a shot at the win until crashing in turn two on lap 165, handing the lead to the Connecticut sensation.
Much will be made about the JGR duo once again, with memories of Dover still fresh on their minds as well as the 73,000+ fans who will flock to the nine-year old facility.
Will we see more of the same at Kentucky between Logano and Busch? Based on their equipment and performances in the Nationwide Series, it's a sure-fire thing!
Despite the relatively low turn-out of Insurance Frauds aka the Cup drivers who will be competing this Saturday night, don't expect the Agents to have such an easy assignment on the asphalt arena.
However, if history holds true, we will most likely see another fresh face in Victory Lane.
The trend started when David Gilliland drove to an improbable victory for a low-budget team in 2006, which propelled the Californian to the Cup series later that year.
In 2007, Stephen Leicht urged the No. 90 CitiFinancial Ford Fusion by Yates Racing into the winner's circle.
This year, Logano looks to put that fresh face winning streak to a halt with a win, but he's got a bunch of other drivers that will be right there for the scheduled 200 laps.
Sure-Fire Claims
As previously mentioned, you may want to go with Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, who have been very stout this season with Shrub in the points lead "Sliced Bread" with a win at Nashville this past April.
You may want to keep an eye on Jason Keller, who recently turned 39 and will be making his 470th start, giving the popular driver the dubious title of being the "Iron Man" of the N'widers.
Keller also will be looking to log in his 100,000th mile in his 19-year career in the series, which has seen its fair of low moments but plenty of highs.
Justin Allgaier has all the potential right now to become a true force in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, as he's sat solidly all year long in the top 10 in points. If he stays out of trouble, there's no doubt that the No. 12 Verizon Dodge will be a key player for first place.
Mike Bliss has to be thrilled with his 2009 campaign with his gamble-and-win moment at Lowe's last month. Bliss has to be even more enthusiastic about the tour racing over to Kentucky, finishing eighth last year and ninth in 2007.
As one of the stout regulars of this series, look for the No. 09 Chevrolet to give the JGR tandem some fits for the win.
Last but not least, watch for Erik Darnell, Ricky Steinhouse Jr., and Brad Keselowski to be factors in the 200-lap event.
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