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Drivers to Watch in the 3M Performance 400

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3M Performance 400With only four races left until the Chase, the NASCAR Sprint Cup season visits Michigan International Speedway this weekend for the 3M Performance 400. Things are heating up in the battle for the twelve Chase position and those drivers on the bubble are looking for strong runs to solidify their place in NASCAR's post season. As always, Roush Fenway Racing will be a force to be reckoned with, capturing six victories in the last thirteen races.  There will be many keys to capturing a victory at the track. Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the race in Michigan earlier this year with fuel mileage (and a little luck). A great fuel strategy may be the key to winning the race. With pit strategy, there is also track position, which is vital at this track. One mistake made and a driver will be struggling for the rest of the night. As such, here are some drivers to watch Sunday.
  • Jimmie Johnson has recovered from a slow start to the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. Johnson will be looking to add a third victory this season, along with ten bonus points in the Chase, when he hits the track on Sunday. Johnson has done well at similar tracks, like Auto Club Speedway of Southern California, and even has a victory in Michigan in 2004. The only thing that can keep Johnson back from a top five finish is being caught up in someone else's wreck. Look for Johnson up front all race long.

  • Carl Edwards has been one of the hottest drivers so far in the 2008 season. He currently sits second in the points standings, with four wins this season. Michigan is the place where he can easily add his fifth win of the year. Going into the race, he has the best average finish among all drivers, with an average finish of 7.2. Like Johnson, Edwards has had success at the 1.5 mile and two mile "cookie cutter" tracks, capturing wins in California and Texas. He can add another trophy to his case on Sunday.

  • Matt Kenseth has always had a strong performance at Michigan International Speedway. With a 9.3 average finish, it is no wonder that many drivers fear Kenseth's ability at the track, which is traditionally dominated by Roush Fenway Racing teams. Kenseth with not only be racing for a victory on Sunday, but he is looking to secure his place in the Chase, holding only a 22 point lead over Clint Bowyer going in on Sunday. Look for Kenseth to have a solid run as he looks to lock himself into the NASCAR post season.

  • Since having one of the strongest starts in his career, Dale Earnhardt Jr's performance and leveled off as the season continued. Michigan can be the place where he looks to change that. Earnhardt Jr. captured his first victory in over two years at the track in June, and will be looking to sweep the races this season. The only thing that may hurt him is the thing that helped him win earlier this year: pit strategy. Coming under a lot of flack because of poor calls recently, Tony Eury Jr. will have make sure his driver has a solid car and a solid pit strategy.
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