October

WALTRIP "One thing I like about the two-car draft here, it did break up those big packs you always saw. Teammates are working together more than ever at Talladega."

10.13 CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

2011 RECAP Jimmie Johnson's Chase hopes were dashed by a late-race crash, but steady MATT KENSETH climbed up in the standings from fifth to third with a win.

TRACK FACT Charlotte was the first track to sell its naming rights—to Lowe's before the 1999 season. The $35 million contract expired in 2009 and wasn't renewed.

EYE ON 2012 Kenseth excels at adapting to the changing track conditions here, which is how he was able to lead at the beginning, middle and end of last year's event.

WALTRIP "It's tricky because the grip level changes from day to night. Teams that anticipate how the track's going to drive when the sun goes down seem to do the best."

10.21 KANSAS SPEEDWAY

2011 RECAP The fourth Chase race last year, Kansas actually put JIMMIE JOHNSON in the title hunt, as he climbed to third in the standings with a victory.