Chicagoland Chase package
Three-wide: What to look for in Sunday's Geico 400
1. A statement. Who can lay down the gauntlet with a strong performance at the first of five intermediate speedways in the Chase? Jimmie Johnson can throw a scare into the pretenders to his throne just by doing what he usually does at the Joliet-based track—finish in the top five. Kyle Busch needs a solid run to confirm his status as a significant player in the Chase. Since beating Johnson in a two-lap shootout at Chicago in 2008, Busch has finished 33rd and 17th and the 1.5-mile track.
2. A surprise. At least one driver who has been discounted in the title picture will come to the fore, whether it's Denny Hamlin, who has two top 10s in his last two starts at Chicagoland, or perhaps Ryan Newman, whose mixed results in nine starts at the track include a win and five top 10s.
3. A steep hill for the Roush cars. In 10 Sprint Cup races at Chicagoland Speedway, a Ford has never been to victory lane. Carl Edwards, however, finished second in last year's non-Chase race there, the event that signaled the start of Roush Fenway Racing's turnaround. Matt Kenseth has two runner-up finishes in 10 starts, so there's still hope the for the two Chase drivers in the Ford camp.
Track analysis
Abrupt transitions are the hallmark of Chicagoland Speedway, whether it's getting onto the 5 degree-banked backstretch from 18 degree-banked Turn 2 or the tight entry to pit road off Turn 4. Chicagoland is unique among intermediate speedways in that it features a curved backstretch; the sweeping nature of the track allows drivers to carry serious speed through the corners. A combination of handling and horsepower is essential.
By Reid Spencer
Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service
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