Green - White - Checkers

Stop #13: The Monster Mile

By Ryan Frisco

There are many tracks on the NASCAR circuit.  Some are things of legend, others are your run of the mill ordinary track.  Some are new and some are old.  Some, like Darlington two weeks ago, have nicknames that kind of send a chill down your spine.  That was the Lady in Black (queue goosebumps).  This week, the drivers head to Dover, which is nicknamed the Monster Mile...and no, we're not talking friendly monster, like in Monsters, Inc.

Photo Cred www.flickr.com

Dover is known as the track too tough to tame.  It's one whole mile of holding on for dear life as you careen through the corners at 165 mph next to a wall with no give.  There's not a lot of room on the track like at Las Vegas or Fontana.  If you crash here, you're walking away with a migraine, no matter what part of the track it is.  The Monster's out to get you this Sunday.

So, what's in store for this Sunday?

As far as cautions go, I'm betting on over 10.  This week marks the first race of the summer months.  What does that mean for drivers?  That means they only have 12 weeks left to solidify their spot in the Chase...that means they better get goin!  If they've been playing it safe so far, and that game ain't workin yet, they better start taking some chances.  If the guy in front of you is giving you a hard time to pass him, just bump him out of the way to pick up that extra point.  If your car isn't giving you enough horsepower, run it just a little harder until it blows up.  The first 12 races were the warmup. The next 12 are the Sprint to the playoffs.  It's time to make your move!

Things are just about to get exciting in NASCAR.  Who's got the edge this week?

There are three drivers who have literally owned Dover over the recent past.  1. Jimmie Johnson 2. Kyle Busch and 3. Martin Truex, Jr.  All three of these guys should be in the hunt at some point in the race.

Photo Cred www.aarons.com

My Pick:  I'm reaching deep into the bag this week, and 10 years into the past for my pick at the victor. Mark Martin!  Yes, the same Mark Martin  who hasn't raced full time since the Nextell Cup.  Yes, the same Mark Martin who's like 55 years old.  Yes, the same Mark Martin who does the dorkiest Aaron's commercials with Michael Waltrip.  This old dawg still has a few tricks up his sleeve, and he might just play one of his final cards left this weekend.  Here's to the oldies but goodies!

Ryan Frisco is a co-founder of Sports Eye View as well as the Head NASCAR Analyst.  He can be reached at ryanafrisco@gmail.com