Qualifying is over. The Bud Shootout is in the books. And the Duels have been run, solidfying the field for the 52nd running of the Great American Race. So as the immortal Joe Kane said in the movie “The Program”, “Let’s put the women and children to bed and go lookin’ for dinner.”
A-List
1. Kurt Busch (9 starts remaining)
Since the Sprint Cup Series went to the COT, Kurt Busch has scored more points than any other driver in restrictor plate races. So it should be no surprise that the Penske cars (Ku. Busch, Keselowski, Hornish Jr.) all looked great in the second Duel, with Kurt leading the way.
Busch started third and led the most laps, en route to a fourth place finish. The Blue Deuce spent most of the race running in the top 5, but Busch showed just how strong his car was by busting his was back into contention after getting shuffled back late in the race. Last week I outlined the reasons why I like Busch to win this year’s Daytona 500, and his performance in the Duel proved that he’s a contender.
2. Tony Stewart (9)
When it comes to plate racing, Smoke is the best. Stewart hung around the back for the first half of the race before working his way to the front for a second place finish. Tony won the 4th of July race at Daytona last season, but is still seeking his elusive first win in the 500. Whether it’s fatty foods or racing, what Stewart wants, Stewart gets.