For the final time this year NASCAR heads to Michigan International Speedway. Nestled in the Irish Hills of Brooklyn, Michigan, MIS sits in the back yard of automotive giants Ford, Chrysler, General Motors and Jack Roush. That’s right, Jack Roush. Although his name isn’t on the deed, Roush statistically owns MIS.

Carl Edwards will be the Roush driver to watch this weekend. Edwards has the best driver rating at Michigan posting a win in 2007, and a sweep of the August weekend in 2008. Edwards made is first Sprint Cup start at Michigan five years ago this weekend.

Chase positions of course are still up for grabs. Look for very little movement among the top seven in points. Tony Stewart is looking for two victories this weekend at Michigan; a trip to traditional victory lane and clinching a berth in the Sprint Cup chase. A solid finish this weekend assures Stewart will become the first driver/owner to make the chase.

It is possible for several other drivers to clinch a berth in the chase also. According to NASCAR scoring, any driver who is 586 points ahead of 13th position is guaranteed a spot in the chase. Hendrick Motorsports drivers took a beating at Watkins Glen. After sitting on the pole, Jimmie Johnson was the only HMS driver to finish inside the top 20. Johnson runs well at MIS but has been haunted by bad luck demons. A win or top five finishes will secure his spot in the chase. Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were both involved in crashes at the Glen. Earnhardt Jr. avoided another DNF by returning to the race multiple laps down.

Gordon says he is ready for Michigan even though his back is stiff from the violent crash with Sam Hornish Jr at Watkins Glen earlier this week. Gordon and Earnhardt Jr. will have new cars for Michigan. Given the problems Earnhardt Jr. has had the past few weeks; a blown engine and brake failure, it would be prudent for him to demand a CARFAX report before climbing aboard his new car.

Mark Martin, the other HMS driver, dropped one position in the standings after a 23rd place finish at Watkins Glen. Martin’s performance at MIS is either hit or miss. In his past eight starts Martin finished in the top five or outside the top 25. He did take home the checkers in June after starting 32nd.

Time is running out on Kyle Busch who still on the outside looking in. Busch needs some luck and at least 58 points to move out of 13th position in the points. Busch has nine starts at Michigan, finishing in the top 10 only three times. An average finish of 16.9 is fueled by an unlucky 13th finish three times in the past five starts. MIS is going the extra mile in these tough economic times. Grandstand ticket prices are $40, and some food prices have been cut as much as 25%. Blues Guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd will head line a pre race concert Saturday night.

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