Dustin Off the Next Race: Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway

Left...left...left, RIGHT, left.

A phrase usually reserved for the military is the theme of racing this weekend for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. It's not just turning left for these drivers this time. Instead it will be left, right, up, and down at the Infineon Raceway.

Known to have a few drivers that normally are at the back of the pack suddenly run out front, it will be interesting to see who is the top dog on the road course.

As always, a few ringers will be making an appearance and could steal the show away from the lead drivers. Anything can happen when NASCAR makes a trip to wine country.

So, allow me to brush off my shoulders, imagine I'm tasting some of that great wine, and dust off my picks for Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350.

FAVORITES

Jeff Gordon

This man is by far the king of the road. Since 1997, he has been the most dominant driver when it comes to the road courses. Combined at both Infineon and Watkins Glen, Gordon has nine wins, 16 top-fives and 21 top-10s.

At Infineon Raceway alone, he won five of those races. His most recent was in 2006, the last time the old-style car ran at this track. But, two years before, he swept not only the race, but the whole weekend. He led every practice, won the pole, led the most laps, and won the race.

That is domination.

If Gordon is to get back to victory lane, this is the perfect track to do it. The No. 24 will be out front early and often once the green flag waves.

Tony Stewart

Not to be outdone, "Smoke" is definitely one to keep an eye on at these type of races. Having that open-wheel background certainly helps.

He finished runner-up last year after Kasey Kahne made a great pass late in the race. But, his statistics here are not too shabby. Two wins, four top-fives and seven top-10s are definitely good reasons to place a bet on the No. 14.

With how this season has been, it has not been stellar, but it's been good. Stewart can get to victory lane, and seems to be turning his luck around.

Sunday could be the break his Office Depot/Old Spice team needs.

Juan Pablo Montoya

Montoya has only raced at this facility in a stock car for three years. But, his finishes make him a legitimate contender. He won in 2007, and finished sixth in 2008 and 2009. That averages out to a fourth-place finish at this track.

Considering he's been here before in an Indy Car and has raced at the Formula 1 level, he will be a definite driver to contend with.

The last few years Montoya's been able to really show he can handle the oval tracks. But, when it comes to turning both left and right, Montoya is certainly right at home.

SLEEPERS

Robby Gordon

Why on earth would I put a former winner in the sleeper category?

Quite simply because when it comes to NASCAR, this Gordon's success has been mainly on the road courses. Sure, he has a win at New Hampshire, but his only other wins came in 2003, when he swept the road courses.

For a guy that has raced Indy Car and competes in Rally Car and baja racing, this is his type of racing. If Robby is going to win another race, it must occur on a road course. Simple as that.

Kyle Busch

Here is a guy who I believe is very underrated as a road course driver. Think about it, Busch is a man who loves to be up on the wheel, and jamming through the gears.

It's a perfect combination.

Busch won here in 2008, his first win on a road course. He then went on to sweep the road course season, as he won at Watkins Glen.

Do not count out the No. 18. This could be one to watch, especially late in the going.

The twists and turns at this track will certainly throw a few wrinkles in the Sprint Cup standings. So, strap in and enjoy what the Infineon Raceway has to offer.

Coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET with "Countdown to Green" and the green flag will fly shortly after 3 p.m. The broadcast will be on TNT.