Three… Two… One… Draw! Round 4 of the 2017 season is on, and we are dueling in the desert. Friends, neighbors, and various others… Welcome… to Phoenix International Raceway.

The second stop on the west coast swing and host to the second to last race of the year, Phoenix is a mile long track with a dogleg for a backstretch and a tight front stretch. With the beautiful desert surrounding it and the Sun practically shimmering on the black asphalt, this place has been one of Nascar’s most exciting track over the past couple years, and has had more than a few close finishes, including a photo finish between Kevin Harvick and Carl Edwards last Spring. Expectations should be high for this weekend.

When one thinks of Phoenix, you almost always think of the man sometimes called the ‘Cactus King.’ Kevin Harvick. He and his blazing fast no. 4 Ford team have never failed to win the Spring race here while partnered together, and they have a couple Fall races to go with it. No driver has been as good at Phoenix as Harvick, and it’s doubtful anyone ever will. The Cactus King is coming to town.

Don’t discount Harvick’s Stewart-Hass Racing teammates though. Kurt Busch has won here before, and has shown speed at this track in the past few years. Danica Patrick has been decent here in the past, and had a few impressive runs as well. Clint Bowyer has been a bit rocky in his first couple starts with SHR, but he is getting better. Keep an eye in this squad.

SHR’s Ford partners at Penske Racing aren’t to be overlooked either. Brad Keslowski and Joey Logano only have one Phoenix win between them, but both have been very consistent here. Also, watch their Wood Brothers Racing associate Ryan Blaney. Blaney has been on fire to start the season, and his first victory seems to be oh-so close. Phoenix, a track where he was stellar last season, could be that first win.

Speaking of first wins, no one wants one more than Chase Elliot. Easily one of the (if not the) best drivers this year, Elliot has been nothing less than amazing. He has practically radiated speed and skill the past couple weeks, and I can’t believe he hasn’t won yet. While his teammates Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Kasey Kahne fade behind him, Elliot is becoming the new face of Hendrick Motorsports. Win no. 1 is on the way.

What about win no. 2? That’s what Kyle Larson is thinking right now. Coming off back to back 2nd lace finishes and a near miss at Daytona, Larson is desperate for that second career win. And he could very well  get it at Phoenix a track where he has been solid in recent years. And his teammate Jamie McMurray is also beginning to show that hunger. McMurray finally seems to have a car capable of winning, and he’s been driving like every lap is the last one. Chip Ganassi Racing is on the fast track to victory lane. It’s just a matter of when.

Much to the surprise of most, Joe Gibbs Racing hasn’t been very fast ou of the gate. Daytona was a disaster, Atlanta a mess, and Las Vegas ended with Kyle Busch trying to sock Joey Logano. While that last part earn several points in my book, I don’t really think it is the most impressive start to a season. Phoenix has been a good track for all four of the JGR drivers, but they need to get their act together.

On the other hand, JGR affiliate team Furniture Row Racing has been doing well. Martin Truex Jr. Just got win no. 1 on the season in Vegas, and new teammate Eric Jones has been quietly consistent. Both are off to a good start, but Phoenix will be interesting to watch if you’re a Truex fan. He has less than stellar results here in the past, while Eric Jones loves the place. May be an off week for the 78, while the 77 takes point.

As for the rest of the field, there are a couple who stand out. Trevor Bayne has been very consistent in the past few races, while Austin Dillon and Ryan Newman look like they’re on a roller coaster ride. None of this group is outstanding at Phoenix, so you may want to take them of your fantasy list for the week.

Now for the most important part of this: who looks like a winner? Well, it’s hard not to say Harvick. His stats here in the past are astounding. However, momentum is a factor that must be considered. And when I look at Chase Elliot and Kyle Larson, I see not only the future of Nascar, but two young guns who have pushed one another on the track to the limit. Both wan to win, and one of them will this weekend. The young gunslingers are coming to the desert boys!