It feels so good to be back. After an off week. Nothing is worse than an off week. For me any way. The off-season is just plain torture. But there is no better way to come back from an off week than with a throw-back race. For the first time in over ten years, the Southern 500 will be held on its historic date, Labor Day weekend.

In honor of this very special occasion, over thirty drivers are running throw-back paint schemes, most of which look awesome! Almost every major driver has announced a special scheme. And some off the analysts will be old-timers, brought back for this special race. And the track is bringing back some old school concessions. Like fried green tomatoes. Anyone know what that is?

But back to business. Who looks good? Well interesting fact, since 2006, no driver has won more than one race. That means we are most likely in for a new winner. Who are the top candidates among them. Well let’s see.

Right now, there are five drivers in the Chase on points. Jeff Gordon, Paul Menard, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman, and Jamie McMurray. Only one of them, Jeff, has won recently (2007). Thus, trends would say that one of those four is a good pick to win. There are, however, several drivers outside the Chase with potential.

Two that really stand out are Kyle Larson and Austin Dillon. Larson is just really good, and Darlington is his kind of track, run the high groove. And he has several “Darlington Stripes” to prove it. Then there’s Dillon. Ever since his horrendous wreck at Daytona, Austin has been on a hot streak, running near the front and earning top-tens. Both these drivers are hungry for their first win, and both need a win to earn a Chase spot.

Darlington is unpredictable. Easily stated. Legendary drivers like Jeff Gordon and Richard Petty have won here countless times, while champions like Tony Stewart have never managed to see victory lane here. Truth is, we could get our first repeat winner since 06, or the streak of new winners could continue. Hard to tell.

If I had to pick a couple of drivers who look good who have won here, I would say Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth. Harvick won here last year, and Kenseth won here in 2013. Both have been lightning fast in recent races. And don’t forget Kyle Busch, he has won here before, and he’s on a hot streak.

One last driver I should mention is Greg Biffle. Biffle has won at Darlington twice. In 2005 and 2006. Yes, he was the last repeat winner, and he won both of his in a row. He to is on the outside off the Chase looking in. A win would turn his miserable season around.

Now, who do I think is the best pick? I would say Austin Dillon. HIs recent speed has been pretty good. If I where to pick a driver who is looking to repeat, I would say either Harvick, or Kyle Busch. After all anything can happen at “The Lady In Black”.