Preview of the 2012 Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway

2012 Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway Preview:

The 2012 Chase for the Cup enters the home stretch this weekend in Kansas. Five races are complete and five races remain as we are getting revved up for the 2012 Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.

This week will tell the tale for sure as to whether or not this is a three-driver battle for the Chase or if any of the next five or six drivers have a chance of spoiling the private party at the top of the standings.

Tickets:

Speedway ticket office 913-328-RACE

The Track:

Kansas Speedway is a 1.5 mile with 15 degrees of banking in the corners. Only around since 2001 Kansas Speedway is just beginning to distinguish itself having hosted good races in 2006 and 2007. Now that it hosts one of the final ten critical Chase for the Sprint Cup races true NASCAR history will be coming soon.

Race Distance:

267 laps = 400 miles

The Big Picture:

Point leader Brad Keselowski finished eleventh last week in Charlotte and maintains the Chase lead although Jimmie Johnson chopped the lead in half. Johnson is now seven points behind with five races to go.

At this point I am ready to call it for those drivers that are fifty or more points behind. Eighth place Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon are both fifty points back and that is just too much to overcome in the five remaining races.

I'm being generous here. It is much more likely that this is a three-horse race over the last five races for the Championship but this week will tell the tale for sure.

The 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Standings:

Storylines:

This week's race in Kansas will be the final gasp for some hopeful Chase drivers. Drivers in positions four through eight are still clinging to some hope that their Championship drive isn't over. Time is running out quickly though. While not mathematically eliminated it is extremely unlikely that anyone more than 30 points out of the lead after this weekend still has a chance to win.

Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin will be trying to continue their hot streaks and keep the rest of the Chasers at bay. Recent history favors them as the top three drivers in the points have won the last three NASCAR Sprint Cup races in Kansas.

Media Coverage:

TV: ESPN Sunday, October 21st, 1:00PM Eastern.

Radio: MRN and SIRIUS Satellite

Actual Race: 2:00PM Eastern

Recent Events:

2011 Winner: Jimmie Johnson

2011 Polesitter: Greg Biffle

Last Year:

The 2011 Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway was an entirely forgettable Chase race for most drivers, teams and fans. Jimmie Johnson had the field covered and was able to hold off Kasey Kahne's fresher tires at the end to claim the win and move up in the Chase standings. This race was never really in doubt.

Predictions:

Jimmie Johnson was the car to beat in 2006 until he fell victim to fuel mileage and he was forced to take the cautious route and pit. Johnson again had the fastest car in 2007 but lost out to a fuel mileage gamble. In 2008 Johnson won the race from the pole. In 2009 Johnson lead nearly 1/5 of the race before settling for a top ten after a late-race two tire call. In 2012 Johnson again ran strong and finished second. Finally, last year, Jimmie Johnson dominated the race and returned to Victory Lane once again.

In the thick of the Chase battle with a car that is proven to be fast in Kansas there is little doubt that Jimmie Johnson will be a factor this weekend.

Greg Biffle finished fifth when the Sprint Cup stars ran here earlier this season. He also sat on the pole for this race last year and won this race the year before. Biffle is another driver with a proven track record in Kansas and I think he makes a great backup pick this weekend.

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