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The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series moves to the fast Atlanta Motor Speedway for the 25th race of the 2009 season, the Pep Boys Auto 500. We took a look at past performances and season trends and spoke to NASCAR contacts to give our best estimate how the field should finish on Sunday.
When
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009
7:46 p.m. ET
Weather
Partly cloudy with a high around 84; wind out of the East at 5 mph. Chance of precipitation 20 percent.
The Track
Atlanta Motor Speedway is a very wide 1.5-mile oval. It has 24 degree banking on the corners. Due to the fast surface and steep banking it is known as the fastest track on the NASCAR circuit.
Key to Race: Ready for a back flip?
Roush-Fenway car fabricators are rumored to be installing a springboard into the driver-side door of Carl Edward's car this weekend. In 10 career starts at the track, he has three wins and three impressive back flips. Jimmie Johnson and the Busch Brothers also have had recent success at the track, but we predict Edward's trademark back flip will be dusted off for the first time in 2009.
Qualifying Procedures
Forty-six cars will attempt to qualify for 43 spots. Starting positions 1-43 will be determined by qualifying on Sept. 5 at 4:40 p.m. ET. Cars that are in the top 35 in owner's points are guaranteed a spot in the race.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Top 5
No. 99 Carl Edwards: In 10 career starts at Atlanta, Edwards has finished in the top seven an impressive eight times. He won the fall 2008 race at the track and is our favorite to win on Sunday.
No. 18 Kyle Busch: Busch won in Atlanta last March. He needs a very solid finish to improve his chances to make the playoffs, so he is going to drive even more hungry than usual on Sunday.
No. 48 Jimmie Johnson: Johnson has visited Victory Lane in two of the past five Atlanta races. We think there is a great chance he could take the checkers again this weekend.
No. 2 Kurt Busch: Busch dominated this year's March race in Atlanta. He is a great choice again this weekend.
No. 24 Jeff Gordon: Gordon has four career wins in the ATL and has finished in the top 10 in 17 of the last 21 races at the track. He will be strong once again this weekend.
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No. 17 Matt Kenseth: Kenseth has been great at Atlanta during his career. In 19 races he has 11 top-10 finishes. The No. 17 will be very good on Sunday.
No. 14 Tony Stewart: Stewart won the Oct. 2006 race at Atlanta and has 13 top-10 finishes in 21 starts at the track. He should be in the top 10 once again.
No. 88 Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Junior has 10 top-10 finishes in the last 16 races at Atlanta. The pressure continues to mount on him to prove he is a quality driver and not just a famous name. Atlanta is a good track for him to hush the critics at least a little.
No. 33 Clint Bowyer: Bowyer finished sixth in four of the past five races at Atlanta. The way he is driving lately he should have the No. 33 inside the top 10 once again.
No. 5 Mark Martin: Martin has run over 13,000 laps at Atlanta Motor Speedway in his career. The veteran will put all the experience to good use on Saturday.
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