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Which Romeo Will Take Joliet?: Five Drivers To Watch at Chicagoland

Rebecca Spence

Correspondent Written on July 07, 2009

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JOLIET, IL - JULY 14: The start of the NASCAR Winston Cup Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

The intermediate tri-oval track at Joliet, known as Chicagoland, will be invaded by racers, chasers, and floods of fans this weekend.

With the Race to the chase on everyone's lips, and double file restarts taking everyone's hearts; it's time to put Daytona behind us and wonder which racing "Romeo" has what it takes for Joliet.

Before you place your fantasy picks take a look at the best of the best for this weekend's race at Chicagoland Speedway.

Here are my top five, based on statistics.

Tony Stewart

Fresh off his win at Daytona, Tony returns to one of his best tracks.

Statistics will show Stewart has all the advantage this weekend.

With two wins, six top fives, and 395 career laps led, the points leader leads the rankings for Chicagoland.

Kevin Harvick

The smiling boy from Bakersfield is my No. 2, for Chicagoland Speedway.

While RCR has had some bad luck of late, this could be the turn around track for Harvick.

two wins, five top fives, and six top tens; he's lead 282 laps at this track, and had no DNF's.

I know quite a few people who think "Happy" Harvick is a good bet in Joliet.

Matt Kenseth

After the birth of his new baby girl this week, I look for great thing from Matt Kenseth.

No DNFs, second place twice in the last eight races, four top tens, 300 career laps lead, and a worst place finish of 22nd.

His time to shine is here and now, as Katie and new baby Kaylin watch on.

Brian Vickers

Don't think that I've counted out Brian Vickers. Making only his fifth start at Chicagoland, Vickers has the stats to back up a top five pick.

With one top five, two top tens, no DNF's, and a worst place finish of 14th, Vickers may suprise a lot for people this weekend.

Kyle Busch

Strickly from a statistical standpoint, you can't rule out "Rowdy Busch".

While the "Romeo" aspect of my slideshow may not apply, his track skills are undeniable.

In his four starts at Chicagoland he has managed one win, two top fives, no DNFs and has lead 167 laps.

While personal preference say "OH NO", the gambler in me says "Definitely", Keep an eye on Kyle.

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written on July 07, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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