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Talladega predictions

It could be Junior ... or maybe Stewart ... or maybe JJ

Posted: Friday April 28, 2006 1:21PM; Updated: Friday April 28, 2006 7:03PM
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LARS
ANDERSON		 TOM
BOWLES		 LEWIS
FRANCK		 TIM
TUTTLE		 MARK
ZESKE
The winner of the 2006 Aaron's 499 will be ...
D. Earnhardt Jr.
 D. Earnhardt Jr.
 Jimmie Johnson
 Tony Stewart
 Tony Stewart
Why?
Though DEI is no longer the dominant team on restrictor-plate tracks, Talladega remains Junior's best venue, with five wins in 12 starts. He's better than anyone at riding the draft, and he'll figure a way to be in the lead pack as the laps wind down. With the car painted in vintage Dale Earnhardt Sr. black in honor of his father's induction into the Hall of Fame, who is going to bet against Junior? Seriously, the memories induced by that car on the track alone are enough to bring him to Victory Lane. He won the Daytona 500 without Chad Knaus. Imagine what he'll do with his crew chief present in the pit box. With the Big One imminent, it's difficult to be confident in anyone, but Stewart's chances look good. All he needs is the right drafting partner. Stewart has been second in five of 14 starts at Talladega. T-Stew has never won at Talladega, but he led 67 laps in 2005 while finishing second in both Alabama races. Stewart also owns the longest streak of top 10 finishes at the track, with three.
Keep an eye on ...
Jeff Gordon
The 24 car has won the last two spring races at Talladega, and remember: He clearly had the fastest car in the field at Daytona, the other restrictor-plate track on the circuit, before he and Tony Stewart made contact early on in the 500. 		Ryan Newman
He put together a solid top-five run at Daytona, leading 23 laps and finishing third. With his Chase hopes hanging by a thread, Newman needs that type of run -- maybe more -- to turn himself in the right direction.		 Tony Stewart
He has been in the hunt at virtually every race this year. For the most part, his driving this season has been clever.		 Matt Kenseth
He has quietly put together one of those stealth-like seasons, and he ran 11th and third at Talledega last year. There's no reason to think he won't run at the front this time.		 DEI drivers
The organization is enjoying the big Dale Earnhardt celebration this week; don't be surprised if the partying continues into Victory Lane. Dale Jr.'s five wins at Talladega are the most among active drivers. Martin Truex Jr. made 833 passes in last fall's race at the track, leading the field.
Don't expect much from ...
Matt Kenseth
Kenseth just doesn't like Talladega, pure and simple. His average starting position is 26.9, his lowest among all Cup tracks he's raced at, and his average finish at 'Dega is a pedestrian 19.0. He's already looking forward to next week at Richmond. 		Kirk Shelmerdine
After taking a few months off to attract possible sponsors, everyone's favorite Daytona underdog is back for his second Cup race of the season. However, after so much time away, Shelmerdine's going to struggle to even qualify for the Big Show. 		Kasey Kahne
Although the Evernham team has figured out how to get the Charger to Victory Lane, Kahne hasn't had much luck here. 		Kyle Busch
Experience is at a premium at Talladega, and as talented as Busch is, he doesn't have much time in restrictor-plate races. All the rookies belong in this category. 		Kyle Petty
He's made 48 career starts at the superspeedway -- and has yet to take the checkered flag. In case that's not enough, Petty will be driving a Dodge, which hasn't won at the track since 1976.
Mythical SI.com Cup
TOTAL POINTS: 771
Last week: 60 (Kyle Busch)		 TOTAL POINTS: 904
Last week: 138 (Jeff Burton)		 TOTAL POINTS: 1,149
Last week: 128 (Greg Biffle)		 TOTAL POINTS: 1,118
Last week: 128 (Greg Biffle)		 TOTAL POINTS: 1,140
Last week: 134 (Jeff Gordon)
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