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 On Saturday night, Lowes Motor Speedway will host one of the most anticipated races of the NASCAR season: the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. The race will feature drivers who have won a race in either the 2007 or 2008 season, or are past champions of the event of of the series within the last ten years. For many drivers, however, the All-Star race is going to be the least of their concerns. 29 drivers will attempt to race their way in to the All-Star race by finishing first or second in the NASCAR Sprint Showdown, immediately before the All-Star race. There are many talented drivers in the lineup for the Sprint showdown. The only question is which one is going to survive to make it into the All-Star race field?
Kasey Kahne had one of the strongest starts to the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. As of late, he has been backsliding in his finishes, but there is no better way for him to get some momentum than by racing his way into the All-Star race. Kahne is, arguably, the most talented driver in the Showdown field, and will likely be at the front when the checkers wave on Saturday night at both races. Travis Kvapil is one of the most underrated drivers in the Sprint Cup garage (second only to Clint Bowyer). In the last few weeks, Kvapil has had strong performances in his unsponsored Ford for Yates Racing, finishing in the top 20 in the last six races, including two top-tens. Kvapil may not be driving for a championship, but he sure is driving for a sponsor, and can seal the deal with a strong performance on Saturday night.
At the beginning of the season, no one expected David Ragan to be one of the most consistent drivers in the Sprint Cup series. So far, Ragan has had three top-ten finishes, including two top-fives. After a disappointing 2007, Ragan is looking to grow in the Sprint Cup series, and can do so by securing his first victory in NASCAR's top level (granted that it will not be a points paying race).
When Brian Vickers left Hendrick Motorsports in 2007, he was hoping to have much more success with Team Red Bull. Despite having an average finish of 19.7, Vickers has the potential to do more in the second half of the season. Like with Kvapil, Don't be surprised if you see the #83 Toyota Red Bull in first or second place at Saturday night's Sprint Showdown.
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