Sylvania soothsayers
You can already tune in to TNT, and the opening laps of today's Sylvania 300 are just a half hour away, so while the drivers are being introduced we'll take the opportunity to make a few predictions. Here's how the Monitor staff sees the afternoon unfolding:
DONOVAN BURBA
No. 29 Chevrolet, Kevin Harvick -- He's been fastest at NHIS all weekend, and he's got a winner's mentality. He might not make a lot of friends as he gets the No. 29 car to the front, but you never go home alone if you go home with the checkered flag.
RAY DUCKLER
No. 29 Chevrolet, Kevin Harvick -- Kevin Harvick has been so utterly dominant recently that I see him taking the Sylvania 300 and springboarding his way to the Cup championship. He's simply too good right now. DAVE D'ONOFRIO
No. 48 Chevrolet, Jimmie Johnson -- It's irrational to pick against Harvick with the roll he's on, and he'd probably be my choice had my two colleagues not also chosen him, but in the interest of diversity I'll take JJ. He's won here twice before, is starting close enough to the front to bea factor, and he's essentially been preparing for this race ever since the Series left here in July. Hendrick cars know how to win here, and today they'll make it a company sweep for the season.
GAVIN FARETRA
No. 5 Chevrolet, Kyle Busch -- Repeat, baby. Stay tuned for in-race updates ... if the power outage at the track somehow comes to an end.
