Thunder Valley

When someone tries to name the most exciting track in Nascar, it’s hard to do. Some say Talladega, because of the wild wrecks and finishes. Others say Martinsville, because of the aggressive racing. Yet others say Daytona, mainly because it has a little of everything. But there is one track that almost every fan would think of.

It goes by many names. Thunder Valley. The Last Colosseum. The World’s Fastest Half-Mile. But it’s real name is Bristol Motor Speedway. Just over half a mile in length, and banked at 28 degrees, this place is fast, tight, and a lot of fun to watch.

When it comes to favorites at Bristol, there is one team that is without a doubt the favorite. Joe Gibbs Racing drivers have all won here, and most of them several times. Kyle Busch is the outright favorite, with 5 wins here, and several more in the Xfinity and Truck Series. Teammate Matt Kenseth has won here four times, including last year’s Spring race here. Carl Edwards is almost as good as Kenseth, with 3 wins here, including the 2014 Spring race. Denny Hamlin is the weakest link of the group, and he has a win! All four are good candidates to win, and they would all love to win in Thunder Valley.

Don’t count out the Hendrick drivers. Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have all won here once, and each would love another win. Rookie Chase Elliot has raced here several times in the Xfinity Series, and he has run well. One of these four could easily be this weekend’s winner.

Never count out Stewart-Hass Racing. Kurt Busch has won here five times, and were it not for a late race crash last Spring, that total might have been 6. Kevin Harvick is usually the team’s best driver, but Bristol is not his best track. He has one win, but it came over a decade ago. Still, he is a decent candidate. Danica Patrick is the surprise for Stewart-Hass at Bristol. She has run well here almost every race, and last year she finished in the top-ten.

This the one track which Roush-Fenway Racing should not be over looked. The team has multiple wins here. And Ricky Stenhouse Jr. runs excellent here. He has been near the front in several races here as of late, and with the new found speed his team has had, a victory seems possible.

So now for the very important question: who looks good this weekend? I’m going to say Joe Gibbs Racing. All the drivers are strong, and I think they will all take turns up front. But if I had to pick one of them, Kyle Busch is my man. He is on a hot-streak, and Bristol is his best track, so look for Rowdy to make it three Cup wins in a row.

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