Top Five Drivers Contending for the Carfax 400 at Michigan

This weekend’s race at Michigan is likely to separate the men from the boys, and hopefully provide more clarity as to which drivers will be making The Chase this year.

Taking a look at the driver averages over the last five years, I have found the five drivers with a real shot to win this weekend. Some of the drivers on this list might surprise you, better yet, some of the drivers not making this list may shock you even more.

Some of the guys not making the list would include Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kasey Kahne, current points leader Kevin Harvick, and the four-time defending points champion Jimmie Johnson.

I have reasons for these guys, don’t worry. With Dale and Kasey it may be more about the seasons they are having. While they may be good at this track (Dale 2^nd best average finish among active drivers and KK with four top-fives) it doesn’t necessarily coincide with their performances this year.

As for Harvick and Jimmie, KH hasn’t finished in the top five one single time here the last nine races. Jimmie hasn’t won here in the last nine races, and his average finish is about 14^th position over that span.

These guys could end up having great days, no doubt. I just see these five drivers with a better chance at tasting victory this Sunday.

Carl Edwards

Carl has the best average finishing position here among all active drivers over the past nine races. He did finish 12thhere earlier this season, but before that, he had only finished worse than seventh place one time in eight races. That is impressive. He won here in '07 and '08 and last year finished fourth place both times. This could be another breakout performance that Ford desperately needs. Carl is on a roll as well, with great finishes in the last few races.

Tony Stewart

While Tony hasn’t won here in the last nine events, he has managed to get six top-ten finishes in those nine races. Tony has begun making his push as The Chase draws nearer. He knows he will need to get some wins before the standings are reset if he wants to have a realistic shot at the first title with his team. Tony finished in fifth place here earlier this season.

Denny Hamlin

Jeff Gordon

Gordon has a lot of second place finishes at Michigan; something he has seen a lot of at other tracks this season. In the earlier race this season at Michigan, Jeff finished in fourth. In both of the events here last year, he finished second. Without a single win in forever, Jeff will be near the bottom of the standings when things are shuffled in a few weeks. He knows he will need to get one or two before The Chase starts if he wants to have a legitimate shot at the championship. I believe this could finally be the day Jeff and his crew and his fans have all been waiting for. Jeff Gordon is my pick for this weekend’s Carfax 400 at Michigan.

Greg Biffle

The Biff has finished very well here in three of the last four events. Earlier this season he grabbed a top-ten finish, while ’08 and ’09 brought top-five finishes for the team. Greg has really been flexing his muscle the past few weeks, at Indianapolis and Pocono especially. With a visit to Michigan, look for this Ford to really be on the prowl from the time the cars hit the pavement, until the checkered flag waves. His best finish over the last nine races here is a fourth place finish, but he does have a shot at victory here this Sunday.

The Carfax 400 at Michigan International Speedway will be televised on ESPN at 1:00pm ET on Sunday, August 15^th.