I started this thread early just to get my picks in. I'm am off camping again this week-end, abandoning the wife and baby at home for a drunken Classic Weekend at Oswego Speedway in NY. Me and Oswego go way back. As a kid I remeber watching the Bodine's (Geoff & Brett) and Ken Schaeder there. This year, we will stop Friday night for some dirt track racin' at Ransomville, then on to Oswego for the Supermodified / ISMA shows. If you have never seen Supermodified's, you should. They are the fastest thing on a short track, running no gears, on straight methanol. The high compression 850HP engines don't even have starters and have to be push started, which is actually a pain in the ***. Anyways, that means I will actually miss this weekends Sprint Cup race. I always do miss the Labour Day one, unless its raining, in which case I find a bar to watch it in.

It's make or break time for Kyle Busch and Kasey Kahne. Its not enough for Kyle Busch to do good now. Someone has to screw up and I think Kasey Kahne is the weak link for securing a spot in the top 12 (to make the Chase). This is the track in which Kyle could lose it - I think he'll do just fine a Richmond next week. But he hasn't proven lucky on these fast "cookie cutter" tracks like Atlanta. The ball is really in his court. He seemed to be a cool head 2 weeks ago in Bristol, but that was when things were rolling his way. One guy who's solid ---> Mark Martin. Save engine failure, he'll do great. He is on, he's on on this tracks and lets not forget he's never missed the Chase when he's run a full season. This isn't going to be the Chase that got away. I don't even think this Championship will elude him. Those guys got their sh*t together. And speaking of who has they're sh*t together - I think Dale Jr. is going to win this one! This is an awesome track for him (his average finish is 11.6 - his best track) and the team and the cars are really coming along with McGrew. For the hell of it, I'll adding Vicker's to my picks. He's proven fast on fast tracks and he can also keep Kyle Busch out of the Chase

Picks:
1. Dale Jr
2. Mark Martin
3. Brian Vickers

I think I've picked those 3 before. Anyways, I'm feeling confident for Jr this weekend!

First accident:
David Stremme

Side note: Both David Stremme and Paul Menard celebrate there 100th Spring Cup starts this weekend, making them the 2 luckiest drivers on earth. In nearly 100 starts, Menard has a meek 2 top 10 finishes, including 1 top 5 finish. David Stremme has 3 top 10's, but have never cracked the top 5. Maybe these guys don't quite deserve to be homeless - maybe - but they should at least be unemployed. All indications are that Keselowski has put Stremme in "the line" next year.

 

supermods = <3 the best racing EVER. those things are just sickkkkk. have FUN!!!!!!! i'm jealous!!

might as well put up my picks for hot-lanta too....

1. tony stewart (come on you think i'm gonna stray??)
2. kasey kahne (i feel it...he's gonna have a good race!!)
3. jimmie johnson

i'm interested to see how kyle busch does... you're right it's go time for him, and he has to make a decision whether to be whiny and complain about the cars and the competition, or be a freakin man and suck it up, get up on the wheel and drive the damn race car the way we all know he can... it feels to me he's always finding things wrong with something, and has a negative attitude lately... if he can change that around i think his racing will get better!!

about stremme and menard - paul is only in that car cuz his daddy owns the sponsor. stremme.....i still haven't figured that one out. sort of surprised to see keselowski go to penske, but i hope he does well.

i'm excited to see atlanta under the lights on a sunday night, that will be fun!!

 

 

Lights, cameras ... action!`Let's Race MCF..Post your Top 3 for the Race & who will cause the first caution ?

Atlanta Motor Speedway is embracing the return of Labor Day racing to the Southeast, and the track hopes its new date -- and racing under the lights -- will help it stand out. David Caraviello delves into the tasks at hand for Ed Clark as race day approaches.

Menzer: Atlanta benefits from close Chase battle | Atlanta: Track | Tickets
Hampton, Ga.
Mostly Cloudy 66°
Forecast




Preview Show:
Nighttime at AMS

Fein and Bell on the tight Chase race, and cooler temps in Hotlanta.
Race to the Chase


Sponsorship trumps championship resume

David Caraviello says fans' sentiment toward a driver doesn't pay bills.
Labonte out, Darnell in


G'day for Ambrose
in Power Rankings

Marcos Ambrose is on the move, and the top 10 shuffles the deck.
Ambrose hops curb



Kyle's Corner:
'09 Pigskin Preview

Ever been so geared up for football that you forgot where you live?
Downforce low down




True Character:
Robby on racing

Driver reveals favorite Jim Beam car, talks about off-road program.
Career highights


Mentor helped make decision a little easier

Brad Keselowski again sought Dale Jr.'s advice on career track.
Keselowski to Penske



Writer's Block:
Wreckin' is racin'

Joe Menzer thinks Cash for Clunkers was a bad idea for race teams.
Who is Joe Menzer?


Community blogger:
No guarantees

'Drive for five' has been hampered by the 10-race playoff system.
Cruise narrates bio pic

 

Were you looking for London Supermodifieds 'Space? I thought it was funny to see Mark, who we camp with in Oswego. He's also a customer of mine (he's a mechanic in his day job). Delaware Speedway is my local track, but Mark only gets to race there once per year. Oswego is the place to be for these guys.

Where you going to make a pick for cause of the first caution JamieLynn? Where's your picks 'Space?

 

 

 

Looks like Space is kind of hedging his bets there. Make enough picks and you're bound to get some of the top finishers.

1. Tony Stewart
2. Kyle Busch
3. Jimmie Johnson

First Caution: Reed Sorenson

 

 

From NASCAR.com

Career builder?

Did Brad Keselowski make the right decision to sign with Penske Racing for 2010? That's the lead topic in this week's Track Smack, in which our writers also wade off into "rain or reign" in Montreal, the inaugural Labor Day weekend night race at AMS.

Earnhardt's advice helped Keselowski join Penske | Atlanta: Track | Tickets
Hampton, Ga.
Cloudy 64°
Forecast



Labonte tabbed to drive No. 71 at AMS

The 2000 Cup champion has agreed to drive for TRG this weekend.
Money trumps title



Fantasy Report:
AMS picks to click

Mike Bell breaks down which drivers to roll with Sunday night at Atlanta.
Fantasy Preview


Three contenders hope to clinch berth

Denny Hamlin among trio at Atlanta who can secure spot in Chase.
Inside the Chase



Beyond Pit Road:
Riding with 'Rabbit'

No. 18 hauler driver gives an exclusive ride into Bristol speedway.
Educational PSA



Cup Numbers:
Carl's on the cusp

Carl Edwards is eyeing one of the nine spots remaining in the Chase.
Edwards breaks foot


Nationwide Numbers:
Eighth is just enough

Go all in if Jeff Burton qualifies eighth at AMS; he's a sure bet to win.
Shop: Burton gear


Truck Numbers:
Short-track hero

Iowa Speedway may be latest track to play into Ron Hornaday's hands.
Return of black No. 3


True cause for belated celebration

Pearson waited-out finish the last time AMS hosted Cup race in September.
Career highlights