The Fords were strong at Charlotte, claiming three of the top five finishing positions with Matt Kenseth leading the way. Kenseth was out front for 46 laps en route to his third NASCAR Sprint Cup win of the season putting him in contention for a second title.

Driver of Week: Matt Kenseth – Puts himself into title contention with his third victory of the season.

Stat of the Week: 63.9 % - Percentage of Laps spent in the top 15 in the last 13 races at Talladega by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Last Week’s Prediction Results: Matt Kenseth – WINNER – leads 46 laps and wins his third race of the season.

This Week’s Prediction for Talladega: Kurt Busch – Average finish of 14.4 the last 13 races at Talladega.
Power Rankings
(Rankings will be based off of who is running the best, with an emphasis on the last several races but having respect for the duration of the 36 race schedule. Last Week’s Rankings can be found in parenthesis.)
1. (3) Carl Edwards – Not a single driver has outscored Edwards the last five races and he leads the standings by five.
2. (1) Brad Keselowski – See Charlotte has an aberration over the last 10 weeks.
3. (7) Matt Kenseth – Only seven points back and picks up his third win of the season.
4. (5) Kyle Busch – Quietly sitting 18 points back in the standings in fourth place.
5. (4) Kevin Harvick – Is third in points scored the last five races with 186 scored.
6. (2) Jimmie Johnson – A win at Kansas changed everyone’s tune about his chances of winning the title but now has fell to 35 points behind Edwards.
7. (8) Tony Stewart – Will need to get back to winning if he wants a chance at the title.
8.   (6) Jeff Gordon – 66 points back with five to go, needs to gain 14 points a race to win the title.
9.   (9) Kurt Busch – Still has a chance at the title but will need to have another strong restrictor plate       showing.
10. (10) Ryan Newman – In the last five races has been outscored by 17 other drivers.
11. (NR) Kasey Kahne – Fourth in total points scored the last four weeks.
12. (11) Dale Earnhardt Jr. – Drops to 60 back and needs a win at Talladega to change momentum.

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