Well, it’s been a while since I’ve written a preview. And as a side note, I’m multitasking, so if you occasionally read something about a boy named Sylvester, that’s just a little piece from a book I’m writing. Writing is something I really enjoy, but the more I do it, the more I learn you can’t force it. At least, you can’t force great writing. The best stories, articles, or blog posts are written when the author really truly cares about what he’s writing. Anyone can review a game they watch, but only a select few can use their heart and soul to shape that review into a masterpiece. I’m no expert author yet, but I want to be. The more I do it, the better I feel I get.

So, you read the title, and obviously I intend to preview the race at Watkins Glen. The I LOVE NY 355 at the Glen. Well, that’s a mouthful. I may be wrong, but it seems Watkins Glen has increasingly bad names. The Helluva Good Sour Cream Dips at the Glen, won by AJ Allmendinger, is a 3 year old example. The Cheese-It 355 at the Glen. Also dumb. Need I go on?

Anyway, the road course up in New York has become a very exciting race in recent years, with surprise winners and epic duels being waged for the wins. The variety of leaders is also a constantly shifting variety, so that also affects the consistency of predictions. And to make things even more difficult, being good at the other road course, Sonoma, by no means guarantees success at the Glen.

Thankfully,  there is a certain group of racers who almost always find their way to the front at the Glen. Kyle Busch and AJ Allmendinger are the prominent drivers. Both have enjoyed success here.

Allmendinger scored his lone career win at this track in 204, and has been a threat each year since.

Busch has two wins, one coming in 2008, the other in 2013. He also has many near misses. One of those was in 2012, when Brad Keslowski tagged him while racing for the lead. In 2011 he was battling for the lead, but a last lap caution came out after Marcos Ambrose passed him for the lead.

Speaking of Brad Keslowski, he is another Watkins Glen favorite. Brad has yet to ever win a road course, but finished second in this race 4 times, three in a row from 2011-13, and last year.

The man wo beat Brad was Denny Hamlin, who has recently showcased some pretty serious road course prowess. He only has one win, but hey, it was last year. He’s been running well lately, so don’t count out Hamlin. However, he may not even be at the race, since he’s about to be a father for the second time. Regan Smith is on standby if Hamlin has to make for North Carolina.

Also on the watch list is Busch and Hamlin’s teammate: Daniel Suarez. Suarez has proven a quick study in the Cup Series, and is seeking a playoff spot by virtue of a win. He finished fourth in the Xfinity race here last year, and his team is one which has enjoyed recent road course speed, albeit with Carl Edwards.

One team as a whole which I would keep an eye on is Stewart-Hass Racing. Kevin Harvick has two road course wins, one here in 2006, and one at Sonoma earlier this year. Sounds promising. Clint Bowyer is on a hot streak, and is a proven road racer. His desire to win and secure a playoff spot as well is very apparent, so look out for the 14. His team won at Sonoma last Summer. Kurt Busch is no slouch at road courses, so watch him as well. But one dark horse to keep an eye on is Danica Patrick. Coming off four straight top-15s, and many impressive runs, Patrick has begun to establish herself as a top-15 driver week in and week out. Watkins Glen is one of the few tracks where top-15 can become a win with a little luck. Danica ran very well at Sonoma earlier this year, so keep an eye on the 10 car this weekend.

Now, an attentive fan may have noticed something interesting. None of the strong drivers I have mentioned Chevrolet, with the exception of the rarely mention AJ Allmendinger. Well, for one reason or another, Chevy has lost it’s road course flare. My best guess is that’s because it lost its two best road racers when Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon retired.

Jamie McMurray and Kyle Larson both are decent road racers, but neither is exceptional. Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne have just wo road course wins between them, and neither came at the Glen. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is… well, there’s no sugar coating this, a disaster at road courses. Chase Elliot is a gradually improving road racer, but far from a perennial contender. And none of the four Richard Childress drivers have any flare for these tracks.

The truth is, Chevy just doesn’t have it at the road courses. Ford and Toyota however, continue to duel one another.

That being said, you may begin to realize the dilemma I’m in attempting to predict the outcome of one of these races. However, for once i have a pretty clear idea of who I’m picking. Clint Bowyer. Bowyer has shown a pure grit and determination I can’t help but admire. Now, grit and determination is one thing, but speed is another. Luckily for Clint, he has both. If ever he needed both it is now, and I can’t help but believe that Bowyer is on his way to victory lane this weekend. My money is on the 14 car this weekend. And as always, let’s go racing!