Drivers to watch, drivers with questions to answer in HighPoint.com 400 at Pocono Raceway
Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway is going to be a ton of fun. The Tricky Triangle returns to test these drivers. There were some weather issues on Friday, but that just gave us a great ARCA, Truck, and Xfinity tripleheader. There are a number of drivers to watch for.
The playoffs are looming and that changes things up this weekend. After this there are just five more races left to get points or a win and make your way into the playoffs. A lot of folks will have their favorite driver missing out when it comes time.
So, we head into Pocono Raceway with a few drivers on a hot streak. Some drivers need to shake off the rust and get serious about this playoff push. There are fewer and fewer opportunities, which team will take advantage of this weekend and make a big impact?
Drivers to watch at Pocono Raceway
Martin Truex Jr.
There aren’t any drivers that are on a hotter streak than MTJ. He won at Dover, Sonoma, and New Hampshire and he dominated all three. When he comes off fast, he’s hard to hold off. So, keep an eye on practice and qualifying to see if Truex is the real deal this weekend. He might be putting together another win soon on his way to a regular season championship.
Denny Hamlin
While he isn’t on a hot streak exactly, Hamlin hasn’t been terrible as of late. With six wins at this track and his DQ after winning last season, expect Hamlin to put it all on the line to finally get that seventh win and pass Jeff Gordon for the most Pocono Raceway wins in Cup history.
Kyle Busch
Rowdy! Here is a driver that was building up a lot of momentum and then it all went away at New Hampshire. Wrecking in practice, qualifying, and the race itself – trifecta. MTJ, Hamlin, and Busch are all listed at 11-2 odds heading into practice and qualifying. Busch was also DQ’d last season in this race after a P2 finish at Pocono Raceway.
Drivers with questions to answer
Chase Elliott
Another week, another Chase Elliott mention on this list. The Hendrick Motorsports driver is pulling double duty in the Xfinity Series and Cup Series this weekend. He needs to win at this point to make the playoffs as the 60-point deficit may be too much to make up. Gotta see him at least contend in the top-5 this week.
Bubba Wallace
A driver on the playoff bubble, Wallace needs a strong performance at Pocono Raceway to push his points lead further than just a couple of points. 15th in the standings this week, but not much wiggle room for mistakes. Can Bubba clutch the playoff race, starting with Pocono Raceway?
Kevin Harvick
The veteran driver on his way out of the Cup Series. Harvick has no risk of losing his playoff spot as he is the best driver without a win on the season. However, it would be nothing short of special to watch him take another checkered flag before he closes the door on his career.