One and Done: Pep Boys Auto 500

For the first time in its history, a NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be held under the lights, as teams prepare to run the Pep Boys Auto 500 on Sunday night. The second to last race before the Chase for the Sprint Cup, this race will be one of the most crucial races of the year for those looking to cement Chase berths or sneak their way in.

Atlanta was reconfigured in the mid 90s into its current state, a 1.5-mile tri-oval nearly identical to track owner Speedway Motorsports’ other tracks in Charlotte and Texas. As such, logic suggests that the best drivers to take to the track this weekend will likely be some of the same guys who do well on those other tracks.

If you choose to believe that theory, then Kurt Busch, Jeff Gordon, and David Reutimann will be solid this weekend, seeing as they’ve won the first three races of the year on this sort of track.

In reality, however, the top drivers might be a little more interesting. Keep in mind that the drivers who are just barely out of the Chase right now are going to be running all or nothing these next two weeks – meaning that their risks could lead to your reward in fantasy racing.

With that in mind, these five drivers look to have strong runs this weekend at Atlanta:

Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Junior isn’t a Chase factor anymore; that was settled a long time ago. But this team will certainly be looking to learn some things for next season, and to build on recent momentum from strong runs at Michigan and Bristol. Of all active drivers, Junior has the third best average finish at Atlanta, an 11.6. Consider him an obvious surprise choice.

Clint Bowyer: He’s never finished better than 6^th at Atlanta. Sure, but he’s finished 6^th four times. He’s only failed to complete five laps in seven Atlanta starts, and four of those missed laps occurred in 2006, his rookie season. RCR has been struggling of late, but with most of the best personnel headed over to that team in order to help it cement a Chase berth, we could see more out of Bowyer this weekend.

Carl Edwards: Hard to believe that Cousin Carl hasn’t won a Sprint Cup race all year. Not hard to believe that his 10.7 average finish is second best of all active drivers here (his worst finish, barring miscue on the track, is a 7^th). Not hard to believe that this weekend presents a prime opportunity to snap his 24-race losing streak.

Kurt Busch: For the longest time, the elder Busch brother couldn’t figure this track out. From 2003 to 2005 his average finish was a paltry 28.3. In the past six Atlanta races, however, he hasn’t finished worse than 14^th. In the past three Atlanta races, nobody has scored more points.

Jimmie Johnson: All hail the cookie-cutter king! In the past four Atlanta races, nobody has scored more points than Johnson. Same with the past five. And six. And seven… I could go on. I don’t think I need to say any more.

To play the One and Done fantasy racing game, head to OnPitRow.com. Sign up before the Loudon race in two weeks to have the best chance at winning prizes during our Chase for the Sprint Cup game!