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Category Archives: Underdogs

Pick for the Win – Talladega

October 31, 2010   Daniel VIning   Comments

Can anyone really, truly pick a winner for a restrictor plate race?  I don’t think so.  The current rules package creates such a level playing field that the driver starting last has the same chance to win has the driver starting from the pole.

Joe Nemecheck

Then there is the inevitable ”Big One”.  Normally, I try to base my pick on statistics and driver characteristics.  I look at that weekend’s practice sessions, and draw my picks based on what my gut feeling tells me.  This week, however, I think I am going to just roll the dice and see what comes up.  I am picking the Underdogs.  That’s right, the drivers that are outside the top 35 in owner’s points.  I would really love to see Joe Nemecheck or Michael McDowell steal one from the top of the heap.  I’m not crazy either.  It happened just a few ‘Dega races ago when Brad Keselowski beat Carl Edwards.  Qualifying showed that many of theses “Go or Go Homers” have the speed.  Now the only question is whether or not they can survive 500 miles and stay in contention.

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Quick Picks: Circuit G [Video]

August 29, 2010   Daniel VIning   Comments

Can Jaques Win at Circuit G?

Montreal has been on the Nationwide Series schedule since 2007, and thus far, every race has been very entertaining and worth watching.  From Robby Gordon’s black flag in ’07, racing in the rain, and the Marcos Ambrose saga, to the sentiment of Jacques Villeneuve trying to win at the course named after his father and Robby Gordon dodging groundhogs during qualifying.

Each race weekend at Circuit G has proven to be it’s own great story.  This week looks to go right in line with years past.  Once again, road course aces have dominated the practice and qualifying sessions.  Perinial favorite Marcos Ambrose starts from the pole, and Montreal favorite Jacques Villeneuve starts second.  Max Papis, Ron Fellows, and Boris Said all start near the front, and all have a strong chance to pick up the Nascar victory.

Rain doesn’t look to factor in, but there will be plenty of storms throughout the event.  Robby Gordon, during his qualifying lap, had a breaking issue and lost some of the vital ducting that keeps the ever important breaks cool.  The loss means that Gordon will have to make unapproved changes to his Toyota and start from the rear of the field.  Oh, how fun it will be to watch him charge through the field.  Michael McDowell was very fast in qualifying, but will also start from the rear due to an engine change.

Drama and hard racing will be spread from front to rear in this race.  Who will win?  My best predicition is Marcos Ambrose.  After three near wins, I think it is finally his year to grab the checkered.  Close on his tail will be a field of 42 other drivers, with around 10 of those being strong threats.

Coming from the rear, I think Robby Gordon is a good Underdog Pick for this week.  He has his work cut out for him to come from the back, but if there is anyone in the race capable, it’s Gordon.  A come from behind win would make for a great episode of Speedfactory TV, don’t you think?

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Pick for the Win: Bristol Night Race

August 21, 2010   Daniel VIning   Comments

Ok, this week’s pick for the win could also be the underdog to watch has the opportunity presented to this driver may be impossible to capitalize on, but in my opinion, is totally possible.

Simply put, I have enjoyed watching The Kyle Busch Show so far this weekend as he, Kyle “Rowdy” Busch has dominated the Bristol weekend thus far.  He won the Truck Series race after winning the pole and then, due to unapproved changes, had to start from the back.  He won from last place at Bristol! Come on man!

On Friday night, Busch worked his way to the front of the Nationwide Series race.  In a battle for the lead with Nationwide points leader Brad Keselowski, Busch got would get bumped by Keselowski and then return the favor by dumping Special K a lap later.  Busch would cruz to a record setting 10th victory for the season.  Afterwards, Rowdy saluted the crowd by making exagerated crying signs and then throwing up his hands.

Tonight, Kyle Busch will start mid pack, but I am sure that he will find his way to the front.  He has the opportunity to set yet another record tonight, by becoming the first driver to win in the Truck Series, Nationwide Series, and Cup Series at the same track in the same weekend.

Underdog to Watch: David Gilliland.  He was fast durning practice and strong in qualifying.  This could be a banner night for him and his Front Row Motorsports team.

Don’t forget to come back to The Speedzine tomorrow for Jimmy Joe’s NASCAR Update, post race review.  Enjoy the (Kyle Busch) show!

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Pick for the Win: Michigan; Race Preview [Video]

August 15, 2010   Daniel VIning   Comments
Greg Biffle

Greg Biffle

Jack is back, and the Biff is riding high after a win at Pocono in July and running up front at the Glen.  In Michigan, Greg Biffle has his current momentum on his side, as well as a strong car in practice and qualifying.  One more point in Biffle’s favor, Michigan is a track where Roush-Fenway Racing has dominated over the years.

My TheSpeedzine.com Pick for the Win at Michigan is Greg Biffle.  Greg, you said the win in Pocono was for Jack, so let’s use this one to thank his doctors.
Keeping it in the Ford family this weekend, my Underdog to Watch for Michigan is Paul Menard.  After announcing that he and his Menard’s sponsorship will head over to Richard Childress Racing next year, Menard amped up his game in the Nationwide Series race on Saturday, running in the top five all day finishing in 5th.  He is building momentum for next season, and today’s Cup race could be huge for the Wisconsin native and current Ford driver.
3 Wide: Michigan Preview. Watch more top selected videos about: Cars, Cup
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Pick for the Win: The Glen

August 08, 2010   Daniel VIning   Comments

Ambrose has a strong chance to grab his first Cup Series win today at The Glen

I think you’d have to be crazy to not go with what is virtually a sure thing.  Right now, that comes in the form of the “Thunder from Down Under” Marcos Ambrose.  Ambrose is the man right now at Watkins Glen.  He has three wins; back-to-back-to-back over the past three seasons in the Nationwide Series, including yesterday’s Zippo 200.  He was dominate at Sonoma in June, and would have been the car to beat had he not stalled out of turn 1 during a caution flag period.  Trying to save fuel by shutting off his car and coasting, Ambrose was unable to re-fire and had to stop, loosing the lead to eventual winner Jimmie Johnson.

My Pick of the Week for the Win is 47 – Marcos Ambrose.  He starts 11th.

My Underdog to Watch is 36 – Ron Fellows. A road course ace that as also had success and wins at The Glen in the Nationwide Series, Fellows drives this week for the underfunding, unsponsored 36 machine for Tommy Baldwin Racing.  I hope to see Ron run the entire race and impress the haters that think that team doesn’t have the resources needed to have a great day.

Follow @TheSpeedzine on Twitter during the race for up to the minute updates of the status of today’s picks.

UPDATE: 42 – Juan Montoya took the win today at The Glen.  TheSpeedzine.com Pick for the Win, 47 – Marcos Ambrose finishes 3rd after running strong battling Montoya all day.

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