NASCAR
Kobalt Tools 500 Preview from Phoenix
The race track has not been repaved since 1993 and nearly 20 years of unbearable heat has taken its toll, so it was time for a fresh coat of asphalt. While they were at it, they decided to make a few changes.
Progressive banking has been used with a lot of success on several other tracks, including the 1.5-mile Homestead-Miami and Las Vegas Motor speedways, so those at PIR implemented that plan on their 1-mile oval — sort of. They took about 1 degree of banking out of the bottom groove in hope of pushing the drivers farther up the track into a second lane, but the maximum banking of 11 degrees still makes this one of the flattest tracks on the circuit. With the fresh asphalt and the grip it gives, drivers probably will be able to stick in the bottom lane until the pavement begins to weather; however, excitement is on the horizon.
In a recent open test, most drivers interviewed by the media believe that the Kobalt Tools 500k will be a one-groove affair; passing is going to be difficult at best. That puts the onus on the pit crew to get their driver out quickly as track position is going to be a critical component of success. So who are SportsRantz picks for the race?
Favorites
So, yes you guessed it! Carl “Back Flippin'” Edwards is our other favorite for this weekend’s race at Phoenix. Carl is looking to capitalize in the biggest way possible with him winning this race and Smoke having bad luck and finish near the back. Edwards won this race last year as part of a sweep of the top 10 at Phoenix in 2010. But that is a lot to wish for and Edwards better not be relying on just luck.
Dark Horses
Ah, yes at this point in the Chase would we have ever thought that “Long Shot” Harvick would be just that..the long shot for the Championship. Harvick has stumbled a lot recently with getting wrapped up in someone else’s wreck and had a horrible day in Texas. Harvick has the fight within himself and we have seen this team rise again and again. He may be the long shot but do not count this team out just yet.
The Underdogs
The points’ lead is liable to be just as tight or tighter when the series rolls out of Arizona, but there might be a new leader. We are all excited and pulls our belts down tight! Get ready to start those engines!