This weekend Nascar returns to Atlanta Motor Speedway for it’s first spring race there in years. After last weekends events much has changed, first and foremost the fact that both of the Busch brothers are most likely out for the season.

Kyle Busch suffered a compound fracture in lower right leg and his left foot. Due to the severity of his injuries, he is most likely out for the season. Kurt Busch was suspended indefinitely for assaulting his ex-girlfriend in his motor home. He has appealed this suspension twice, and both times it has been upheld. With these unexpected events happening, both of their teams had to find replacement drivers for the absent drivers. Kyle was replaced by Matt Crafton this past Sunday, and it was just announced that driver David Ragan would fill in for several of the next races. Regan Smith filled in for Kurt Sunday, and he is scheduled to continue for at least this weekend.

Also big news for this weekend is the fact that for the first time in years Atlanta will be hosting their races during the day instead of at night. This has not happened since the race was rain delayed to a Tuesday in 2011. Since all races have been held at night for several years, it is impossible to predict who will be best this weekend. However, one can guess.

One driver who pops into mind is Carl Edwards, who has won here multiple times and finished 5th last year. However, he is with a brand new team, and that may affect his performance. But Joe Gibbs Racing has always been pretty good at 1.5 mile tracks, and that bodes well for Edwards, who also enjoys 1.5 mile tracks.

Last year had a pleasantly surprising finish for a certain driver. Danica Patrick surprised herself by finishing a personal best 6th last year at Atlanta. None were more shocked than her by that finish. Her finishes at 1.5 mile tracks improved last year and her teammates, Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart, also showed strength on these tracks. That may be a good sign for the already strong Stewart-Hass Racing.

Last year’s winner was Kasey Kahne, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports. Hendrick has won several of the past few races at Atlanta, and run well in the races that they haven’t won. Jeff Gordon has won several times at Atlanta, and he hasn’t slowed over the past few years. Not to mention Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. who have shown great strength on 1.5 mile tracks.

All this said, who is most likely to win this race? All stats point toward two drivers, who have been the most dominate over the past year. Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick. Both have outstanding stats at this track and others like it. However, as is always the case in racing, there are now guaranties.