2006 Allstate 400 At The Brickyard

The 2006 Allstate 400 at The Brickyard is one of NASCAR's premier events. The mystique of Indianapolis Motor Speedway's storied past, the huge crowds and the huge purse combine to make this a key event on the schedule.

Speedway ticket office 317-492-6700 or 800-822-INDY

Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 2.5 mile rectangle is one of the most famous race courses in the world. Unfortunately it wasn't built for stock cars as it has only 9 degrees of banking in the four distinct corners and very long straightaways. This makes passing very difficult and track position is everything. As a result, this fast, flat track isn't a great place for stock car racing.

160 Laps = 400 Miles

Only six races remain until the top ten drivers are locked in to The Chase.

Last week Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart moved into the top ten as Greg Biffle and Dale Earnhardt Jr. posted bad finishes.

The current top ten in points are:

1. Jimmie Johnson -0
2. Matt Kenseth -97
3. Jeff Burton -318
4. Kyle Busch -357
5. Kevin Harvick -376
6. Mark Martin -382
7. Kasey Kahne -424
8. Denny Hamlin -425
9. Jeff Gordon -427
10. Tony Stewart -462

The pressure is on as The Race To The Chase has only six races left.

NASCAR's perpetual most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. finds himself in eleventh place in the standings. Earnhardt was third in points just three races ago. Junior finished dead last (43rd) in the last two races and now finds himself outside of The Chase.

Can Junior get his season back on track and make the 2006 Chase? This week is critical for his chances. He needs to have a good race this weekend.

TV: NBC Sunday, August 6th, 2:00PM Eastern.

Radio: MRN and XM Satellite

Actual Race: 2:40PM Eastern

$9,236,620

2005 saw Tony Stewart score a dream win. Tony Stewart grew up in Indiana and dreamed of racing, and winning, there someday. In 2005 Tony finally found his way to Victory Lane at The Brickyard.

Point leader Jimmie Johnson failed qualifying inspection and was forced to start in the back. Jimmie was battling his way through the field but he crashed twice at The Brickyard in 2005. The second incident was a hard hit that sent him to the hospital for evaluation.

The Brickyard is often decided on track position. This makes pit strategy and teamwork critical in scoring a win in Indianapolis.

Last year Tony Stewart had a fast car and made all the right calls. I think he would have to be considered the favorite to repeat that win again in 2006. I'll go with Tony.

For my backup I have to go back to the Hendrick Motorsports camp. Jeff Gordon has won four times in Indianapolis and finds himself needing a good run this weekend to better solidify his spot in The Chase. He has been hot and cold in 2006 but The Brickyard is exactly the type of race that he excels in. Jeff Gordon makes a great backup pick this week.