Finally! The off week is over. Even with the Olympics as a constant distraction, off weeks are agony for me. Other than my discovery of the Harry Potter series and constant Olympic events, I’ve been miserable. Ok, not miserable. The book series is actually really good, and the Olympics have been thrilling. But for a racer, no racing is hard. And what better way to kick off nonstop action till season’s end than at ‘Thunder Valley!’

Bristol is one of Nascar’s finest tracks, and it’s been home to some great races. Earlier this year Carl Edwards won here in dominating fashion, his fourth Bristol victory. While Edwards looks to make a season sweep, he will have competition. Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch has 5 five victories here, and had a good car here earlier this year, before a wreck took him out of contention. Also, Matt Kenseth is looking for his fifth victory at this track, and his third win of the year. Denny Hamlin is looking for his second Bristol win, and his second win in a row. All told, JGR has 14 wins between four drivers, and a lot of speed.

Also to be watched, Stewart-Hass Racing. Kurt Busch has five victories here, and he has been outstandingly consistent this year. However, none of those victories have come in the past ten years. Kevin Harvick has a win and several good finishes here, but also some rather foul finishes as well. Danica Patrick, still in search of her first career victory, has been treated nicely by this track, and is more than capable of a solid run this weekend. But none of this trio are doing better than their boss: Tony Stewart. Stewart has just one finish outside the top-11 since early June, and he is looking to get his second Bristol win in his final start at the world’s fastest half-mile. While they don’t have as many wins here as JGR, SHR has been very consistent as of late.

One cannot go to Bristol without thinking of team Penske. Both Joey Logano and Brad Keslowski each have two victories here, and each has at least one in the night race. Logano is the defending race winner, but he has been inconsistent this year. A victory is possible from this duo, but they need to stay out of trouble for any shot at winning.

Hendrick Motorsports is also a team to watch. All it’s drivers but rookie Chase Elliot have won here, and Elliot finished 4th in his first Cup start here earlier this year. Jeff Gordon continues to substitute for the incapacitated Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Gordon has five victories here. Jimmie Johnson has a win at Bristol, but he has been performing-  Let’s not mince words- terribly all Summer. I don’t see that suddenly changing. Kasey Kahne is in the same boat as Jimmie, but he has no wins this year and is currently out of the Chase. Things aren’t looking good for the no. 5 team. Overall, Hendrick has a shot at a win this weekend, but they aren’t by any means favorites.

Ever heard of driving angry? Of course you have. Dumb question, I know. Well Kyle Larson will be doing just that. Larson was running fourth last weekend when AJ Allemndinger spun him off the final corner, leaving him in 28th. Larson several valuable points toward the playoffs, and is now a mere 8 points ahead of Trevor Bayne, the first person out of the Chase. Larson needs a victory to solidify his Chase spot, and he needs it now. He could get it at Bristol, but he’s had a rough history here.

One other team to mention is Roush-Fenway Racing. They’ve finally broken out of their slump, and are posting good finishes. Both Trevor Bayne and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. are within striking distance of a Chase berth on points, and Bristol has been kind to these two young guns lately. Both have a fighting chance at the Chase, so watch out for the 6 and 17.

Now down to the obvious question, who looks good this weekend? Well, you can’t go wrong with Kyle Busch right now. Busch is good here. But keep and eye on Tony Stewart. He’s on a hot streak, and he’s pretty good at Bristol. These two are good so watch them.