I picked up a little ground on DJ last week as I fired my last 48 bullet at him. Now I believe there are more than a few of us who are out of starts for the hottest driver on the circuit, so we will need to find a different combination to gain ground.
In the first group here in Atlanta, it is really going to be hard to pick a driver that does not have a chance to finish well out of this group. The Gibbs, Hendrick, and Roush teams all have remarkable records at this track. The RCR cars usually finish in the top 10. So that is 10 out of your 12 cars in this group that have a more than reasonable shot to finish near the front. My best advice for you guys from here on out is to look to the future to help you in the present. You may have a couple drivers like the 07 and 29 who may not contend for the win, but they will get you a quality top 10 finish here and you could plug in someone else later. Its all about the matchups now. I have those two guys penciled in right now, with the 18 being another possibility. Now I just have to look ahead, and see which matchups work out the best.
In the second group, I am looking for the 88 and the 6 to make some noise. I like the 42 and the 43. And for my dark horse in this group, how about the 41.
In the last group, if Logano makes the race, I really think he can get a good finish. The Gibbs cars have always done a good job here, and if he is the next in line of successful drivers for that team, I can see no better place for him to make a big splash. The 83 should run well. I like the 44 in this spot. Allmendinger will run well. I like the 66, and possibly the 15 and 77.
Have a good weekend everyone and I will see you at the track.
Elliott
Posted In: Elliott Sadler's Expert Analysis