Loudon. To some, it is the “Magic Mile”. For others, it brings back sad memories of the day in 2000 when Adam Petty lost his life in a tragic wreck. For Jeff Burton, it was heaven. Just ask his four wins. That’s a record.  This is Jeff Gordon’s final chance to tie that record, since he has three wins. And now, it is the second race of the 2015 Chase.

Loudon always has a new team that dominates. Every year it’s someone new. However, there are two teams who are often seen near the front. Joe Gibbs Racing is the first. Three of its drivers have won here. Kyle Busch won here earlier this year, and he would love nothing more than to sweep the season. Or could Carl Edwards make it so that all four Gibbs Racing drivers have won Loudon?

Well, they will have to deal with Kevin Harvick and Tony Stewart. Harvick is trying to make up lost ground after last weekend, and a win solves all his problems. And earlier this year he was Kyle’s best competition. However, don’t forget Tony Stewart. “Smoke” has won here three times, one of those coming recently. And since he is not in the Chase, what’s he got to lose?

While Busch, Harvick, Gordon, and Stewart are stand-out names at Loudon, there are 13 other Chase drivers who are looking for a win too. And several of the have won here before.

Ryan Newman is not to be overlooked. When one thinks of Ryan Newman winning, Loudon is the place you think of. He has won multiple races here, including his first. He hasn’t won in two years, so that is even more motivation. And he’s in the no. 31 car. Jeff Burton’s former ride. That’s ironic.

Jamie McMurray should also be noticed. While his stats at Loudon are rather unimpressive, how he has run here recently is rather impressive. In 2013 he was spun out, and he rebounded to finish 7th. Not bad. And this is McMurray’s first Chase appearance, and he’d love to put on a show.

Now, with those facts stated, who will be the winner on Sunday? Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick are the best picks, as far as recent running goes. However, should strategy come into play, Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman are also in play. Stewart has absolutely noting to lose, as he’s not in the Chase. And Newman is coming off of a great finish in Chicagoland. That has to have his team motivated. So should it come down to a fuel gamble, or a call to stay out on old tires, Stewart and Newman have a shot at victory. After all, neither has won since 2013. That’s motivation. The only real way to know who will win, is to go racing. So tighten your seatbelt and put on your helmets. Let’s go racing, Loudon style!