by John Wiedemann
6/26/2008 The flat one mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway is the site for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 NASCAR Sprint Cup race this weekend. Ten races are left to the start of the Chase for the Championship, which starts when the series returns to this track in September. Many teams have traveled to the Milwaukee Mile to test in the last few weeks as getting through the corners and brake useage are the keys to victory lane.
The RacingNation.com Power Rankings tells you who we think will be burning up the track. Feel free to let us know your thoughts, send us an email.
RacingNation.com Power Rankings Kyle Busch After the road course win of last week, Kyle has shown that he can win anywhere. This just looks like his year. Jeff Burton I know I usually have him at the bottom of the list, but that is because he is top tening his way to the Chase. This week is different and you could see Burton in victory lane with his fifth win at the New Hampshire track. Denny Hamlin Hes a flat track guy and this track is flat. A win or even a top five would be a welcome shot in the arm for Hamlin and his team. Carl Edwards While it was a different series, Edwards run from the back of the field to take the win at Milwaukee in the Nationwide race may bode well for this week. Greg Biffle Biffle is getting the contact signed with Roush Fenway Racing and what a better way to celebrate than to kick it off with a win. Matt Kenseth Kenseth is really on fire, even a top ten at a road course race. Hes currently in the Chase 12 and looking to climb higher. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dont forget that Junior has won here in the past. A second oval win in a row may be in the offing this week. Tony Stewart Stewart is still looking for that first 2008 win and has four top three finishes in the last six races at NH. But, is his head somewhere else as he solidifies his future beyond racing for Gibbs. Jeff Gordon Lets not forget about the other Hendrick drivers. Gordon is also looking for the first trip to victory lane of the season. He seems to be on cruise control but could kick it into gear at any point. Jimmie Johnson Same idea for Johnson. Maybe just clicking off those top 10 finishes on the way to the chase is the plan for this team. Clint Bowyer He grabbed his first Cup win here, why not a second. If he is not in position to win, look for a solid top ten finish by the 07 car. He also had a shot at winning the Nationwide race at Milwaukee until being booted out of the way by Edwards. Will payback be in the plans at NH? Kasey Kahne Back on ovals, Kasey can rebound from the horrible finish on the road course. David Ragan Still on the edge of making the Chase, Ragan needs a good week to stay in contention. Others to watch: David Gilliland With a second place run at Sonoma, momentum may be on his side. Casey Mears Officially a lame duck, how will he respond? Kevin Harvick The train is off the tracks, but NH may allow him to turn his season around.