Race: Quicken Loans 400 Picks
Date: Sunday June 15, 2014
Track: Michigan International Speedway
Time: 1 pm ET
TV: TNT
by Virginia Vroom, NASCAR Handicapper, Predictem.com
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Keselowski essentially threw away a win to Jr. this weekend at Pocono. Jr. nation was ecstatic after he managed to take the lead and win away with only 5 laps to go. That was one of the more exciting Pocono finishes in my opinion. But, then again, any finish is exciting if an Earnhardt ends up in victory lane. This weekend, Keselowski will have a chance at redemption as we head to Michigan.
Michigan is a track where Keselowksi typically runs strong. It’s a place that he likes and has certainly figured out how to drive. This track is a 2-mile oval. It has 18 degree banking in the turns and 12 degrees on the front straight. The back straight is 5 degrees. The frontstretch comes in with 3600 feet, while the backstretch is 2242 feet. This track is a fast track where track position is key. Getting in and off pit road without a hitch is a necessity, and staying with the front pack is really the only option.
This is a race where Jr. actually does very well. He won here back in 2012. Greg Biffle, Brad Keselowski, and Joey Logano are all also worth mentioning. Joey Logano has the most recent win at this track, and with his record so far this year, look for him to be a top contender. Greg Biffle thrives here, but he’s had a rough year so far. I would still probably put him on my team for this weekend just because of his strength on this track, though. Denny Hamlin is also one to watch and will more than likely be strong. Finally, watch Kevin Harvick. He’s had some serious speed over this year and has a win here as well. Here’s the breakdown of your potential winners this weekend:
My Pick to Win: Brad Keselowski
Middle of the Road Pick: Greg Biffle
Dark Horse Prediction: Kyle Larson
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You’ve go to hand it to Kyle Larson. He finished Pocono in 5th place. He’s been getting better and better week after week, and I really think that he’s going to give us something to watch for the rest of the season. As I stated before, Biffle has a good record at Michigan, and this is going to be a place for him to shine and make up some ground after a somewhat rough season thus far.
Here are your current top 16 after last week’s race:
1. Jeff Gordon
2. Matt Kenseth
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr.
4. Jimmie Johnson
5. Brad Keselowski
6. Kyle Busch
7. Carl Edwards
8. Denny Hamlin
9. Joey Logano
10. Kyle Larson
11. Ryan Newman
12. Kevin Harvick
13. Brian Vickers
14. Greg Biffle
15. Austin Dillon
16. Clint Bowyer
Jeff Gordon got back to the top of the leader board after a hard fought 8th place finish at Pocono. Matt Kenseth struggled with a 25th place finish, bumping him from the top spot. Brad Keselowksi bounced up 3 positions to a top 5 in the points. I think that this weekend will push him even further. Look for Michigan to help out a few drivers looking for a win and also those just looking for the consistency. Stay tuned for a great weekend of racing at Michigan International Speedway.