Sprint Cup Preview: The Brickyard

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend, which most drivers call the second most important and respected race during the NASCAR tour. Now, there are only seven races remaining until NASCAR begins their Chase to the Sprint Cup. Also, this begins the ESPN/ABC NASCAR Sprint Cup coverage, as they will cover the remainder of the season. They will certainly have a bundle of story lines to cover, especially after the Nationwide race at Gateway last weekend. Here are some of the drivers and story lines to watch unfold:

*Will Jeff Gordon make it 5 wins at the famed track in Indiana? He is at number 48 now, meaning it has been 48 races since his last Cup series victory. If a win happens for the 24 team, it will be very emotional for these two reasons alone. Also, good news for Gordon fans, Hendrick Motorsports has been experimenting with new chassis technology, which has produced positive feedback from the team members. He will be one to watch.

*Will team 48 make it a three-peat? He has won three of the last four races at Indy, and if he wins this weekend, it will be 3 in a row. They say that this race shows signs of who will be a championship contender, so it will be fun to watch how he performs after a few rough weeks.

*How about the 5 and 88? Mark Martin and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have been very close to making the Chase, with Earnhardt actually in the Chase for one week before falling out. It has been expected that both teams will run the newer, "better" chassis that their teammates have run at Chicagoland. With all four cars on the same page now, it will be interesting to compare them.

*Will Joe Gibbs Racing Rebound? They are now in the types of tracks where JGR(mostly Denny) have excelled. Team 20 still has a legitimate shot at the Chase, but he needs to get top 5s from here on out. Never count out Kyle Busch, or even Joey Logano, because when they run strong, they are a team to beat.

*Will Montoya get that victory he almost had last year? After a speeding penalty in last year's Brickyard, Juan Pablo Montoya lost his shot at winning. This year, he will think twice about pit road speed, and may get Chip Gannassi his "triple crown" at the Daytona 500, Indy 500, and the Brickyard. Don't count out Jamie McMurray either, after all, he is the Daytona 500 winner.

*Will Brad Keselwoski and Carl Edwards settle their feud? Well, they way I see it, they will have to. They are on probation, which for fans that don't know what that means, it's "I'm watching you!" Don't expect them to give each other room on track however, but don't expect them to flat out wreck each other either.

* Will a Ford win finally? They are at a track that involves a lot of speed, and according to the Ford drivers, they have been struggling in that category. A lot of the Ford drivers have been struggling to even stay in the Chase, so they don't have a choice; they have to get top 10s and top 5s if not wins.

*Will Tony Stewart finally get his season win? His hometown is in Indiana, which increases his desire. He has won there twice before, and with a somewhat comfortable point gap on 13th, he can take more chances if he needs to. Car 14 might be number 1 this weekend.

*Finally, will Danica- wait?! Danica's not in this race? What will everyone talk about then!!!

Predictions:
Winner- Denny Hamlin. I know he has been struggling, but he is at a track where he can really shine. I know it is wrong to compare it to Pocono, but I am anyway. With the long straightaways, and tight turns, it ranges right in Denny's comfort level.

Chase Shuffling? Yes, Biffle goes out this week I think. Ford has just not been strong, and honestly, I just do not have faith in them this weekend. Really the only Ford that I think can win is Kasey Kahne's number 9. I think Carl Edwards will struggle too, but he is in far enough where he will not fall out yet. Who goes in? I think Dale Earnhardt Jr. After all he is the closest, but Mark Martin isn't very far behind.

There is no question that the pressure is on. Not only is it one of the biggest races this weekend for the Sprint Cup Series, but it is also the sign of the closing point of the regular season. The Chase is rapidly approaching, the cutoff is closing, and it will be an exciting one to watch.