Kobalt Tools 400 2012: Preview, TV Schedule and More

NASCAR continues the trek through the desert with their two top national series, but the big draw is always what the next chapter will bring on the journey to the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

After a Daytona 500 for the history books, we witnessed a somewhat low-key race with the second event at Phoenix International Raceway.

Matt Kenseth took home the Harley J. Earl Trophy at Daytona, while Denny Hamlin made at statement at Phoenix that he is back and ready to rumble with new crew chief Darian Grubb.

Now we go to yet another style track, the intermediate, 1.5-mile banked, multi-groove Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It is a fast track that often forces drivers to rely on the strategy from the pits to garner a victory.

We found out at Phoenix that there could still be a few kinks in the Electronic Fuel Injection program that may come into play.

Tony Stewart's car would not restart after he shut it off to conserve fuel in Phoenix. Fuel management could well be a factor in who wins the race at Las Vegas.

Hard to believe, but it will be a one-year anniversary for Carl Edwards' last trip to Victory Lane, since he hasn't won since the 2011 version of the Kobalt Tools 400.

Odd for a driver who tied the series champion in points last season.

Roush Fenway Racing looks to be favored with their three drivers.

In 65 starts, they have had seven wins, 17 top-five and 34 top-10 finishes. Roush drivers have led 1,200 laps at LVMS. At least one Roush driver has finished among the top 10 in all 14 of the Cup races held at this track.

Joe Gibbs Racing is definitely making some noise with Darian Grubb getting his driver, Denny Hamlin, in Victory Lane last week. Hamlin has restored his confidence and Grubb is a big reason why.

Joey Logano is another JGR driver who is looking more stout with his No. 20 Home Depot Toyota and new crew chief Jason Ratcliff. Logano has top-10 finishes in the first two races this year.

Kyle Busch is always a threat with his M&M's Toyota. He moved up eight slots in the points with his sixth-place finish at Phoenix. The driver of the JGR No. 18 is currently ninth in the points standings.

Hendrick Motorsports is on the brink of their 200th win and all four drivers want to be the one to capture it for the boss.

Oddly, only one HMS driver is in the top 10 of the standings and it is Dale Earnhardt Jr. who is fifth in the points.

Jimmie Johnson is on his mission to regain points and he is a strong horse to place your bets on as winner of the Kobalt Tools 400.

Michael Waltrip Racing made changes over the season and look for the three teams to be contenders. Ageless Mark Martin finished in the top 10 at Phoenix and sits seventh in points.

MWR driver Martin Truex Jr. led 29 laps at the second race and sits sixth in the standings.

Clint Bowyer struggled with blown tires at Phoenix, but look for him to contend with crew chief Brian Pattie.

Here is the information you need for qualifying and the Kobalt Tools 400:

Where: Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nev.

When:  Qualifying is Friday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. ET on SPEED

             Race is Sunday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m. ET on Fox

It's Vegas, baby!  Enjoy the race.