2008 Sylvania 300 Preview:
NASCAR's playoffs begin this Sunday in New Hampshire with the 2008 Sylvania 300. Which of the twelve Chasers will make the biggest statement to kick off their Championship chase?
Tickets:
Buy online from TicketsNow (direct link)
The Track:
Race Distance:
The Big Picture:
The top twelve are now:
- Kyle Busch
- Carl Edwards -30
- Jimmie Johnson -40
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. -70
- Clint Bowyer -70
- Denny Hamlin -70
- Jeff Burton -70
- Tony Stewart -80
- Greg Biffle -80
- Jeff Gordon -80
- Kevin Harvick -80
- Matt Kenseth -80
Storylines:
In 2007 Jimmie Johnson came into the Chase as the defending series Champion and having won the two previous races back-to-back. This season Johnson finds himself in a very similar position.
Is this Johnson's Championship to lose even though he isn't leading?
Media Coverage:
Radio: MRN and SIRIUS Satellite
Actual Race: 2:10PM Eastern
Recent Events:
2007 Winner: Clint Bowyer
2007 Polesitter: Clint Bowyer
Last Year:
Clint Bowyer fixed that problem one year ago. Bowyer dominated the 2007 Sylvania 300. He lead 222 of the 300 laps and rolled home for the easy win.
Predictions:
Last year Clint Bowyer claimed his first win of the year in this first race of the Chase. I think Kevin Harvick will duplicate that feat this weekend in New Hampshire.
For my backup pick this week I am going with a "safety pick." Jimmie Johnson swept both events here in 2003 and comes off back-to-back wins in California and Richmond.
The two-time defending series Champion is on a roll and will quickly make up the 40 points that he currently trails Kyle Busch in the standings. You can't go wrong with Johnson this week at NHMS.
