Writers Pool Picks: Iowa Corn Indy 250

Iowa may be one of the smaller tracks on the schedule, but the races are always full of intensity and drama. Sunday's Iowa Corn Indy 250 should be no different.

I am filling in for Ryan this week if you haven't already noticed. I don't think this will be done at the same level, but I will try my best.

Although the weather forecast is calling for scattered thunderstorms, twenty-five drivers will look to take the green flag at Iowa, in hopes of grabbing one of the final oval races on the schedule.

While Will Power was able to grab yet another pole on Saturday, his Penske teammates weren't far behind of course. Scott Dixon will start on the outside of Power, while his Target-Ganassi teammate Dario Franchitti will be starting fifth. Helio starts fourth and Briscoe eighth, but there were some surprises that were able to make a statement. Marco Andretti will be starting in third, while Alex Tagliani will be starting the race in sixth.

On the other end, Tony Kanaan will be pulling off in 15th position, while Graham Rahal will be two spots back in 17th. Hideki Mutoh qualified in the 24th position, to the surprise of many.

Here are this weekend's picks/predictions for Iowa:

Ryan Worden:

1) Marco Andretti
Sure, I’ve probably been drinking, and I certainly will regret this later, but I just really want to see someone break up the Big Two on the Ovals. Marco loves to run the high side, which could help him a ton on Sunday. He has been quick for a while, and needs to show some high end results.

2) Scott Dixon
Dixie will always be one of my favorites after mostly hating him his first few years. He could use some good news, and with the cars as close as they are right now, the favor goes to those willing to risk it (unless they kiss some wall).

3) Ryan Briscoe
Briscky took it for his nana last week, who passed right after the race. He will have similar focus this week, but not quite the speed or energy after a tough week of traveling back to Aussieland and back.

Dark Horse: Graham Rahal: Rahal is driving the Dads Root Beer/ Hot Wheels car this weekend for Mike Conway, and his 3rd team this year will be the trick. Look for Rahal to push his car to the front, because his ride for the rest of the year is not solid yet. If he has a fine result here, then he will be in good shape to be the permanent Conway replacement.

First to Crash: Going back to my old standard of Sato… mostly because he seems to love to mess up carbon fiber. KV has been struggling to keep their cars in one piece, and Paul Tracy is slightly worried he will not have a car for the future since these guys have been tearing up the equipment so much. Sato has the best cash backing, so he will be the most likely to push to the front… big time crash coming, which may take out several (and maybe even several KV cars).

Christopher Leone:

1) Dario Franchitti

2) Tony Kanaan

3) Marco Andretti

Dark Horse - Hideki Mutoh

First to Crash - Takuma Sato

Chad Smith:

1) Helio Castroneves

Briscoe may have won the last race, and Power may have won yet another pole, but Helio misses the limelight, and he will do what he has to in order to get back in it; finish strong.

2) Scott Dixon

Dixon has been relatively quiet recently, but still as consistent as ever. He will have another strong run, and a great day in the points.

3) Alex Tagliani

Alex could easily be my dark horse, but I think he has shown that he can run up front at different tracks, and the talent is there. Picking him ahead of another Penske/Ganassi driver was a big move for me this week, and I hope it doesn't backfire.

Dark Horse - Dan Wheldon

Wheldon may not be a true 'dark horse' but for whatever reason, I am putting him in here as he will be starting in tenth position on Sunday. I don't know if anyone really expects him to be at the front, but he always seems to find a way to get there.

First to Crash - Milka Duno

This is quickly becoming a joke...give it up Milka.

The control this week will be Frank Greene, an old friend I caught up with at this year's Indy 500.

1) Dario Franchitti

2) Marco Andretti

3) Ryan Briscoe

Dark Horse - Danica Patrick

First to Crash - E.J. Viso

Good luck everyone, should be a great race if Mother Nature will allow it!