What To Watch For: Emory Health Care 500 In Atlanta

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is coming off of it’s last bye week of the year. In the off week however the NASCAR Nationwide Series kept us on the edge of our seats with a thrilling photo finish at Montreal. However this week is a totally different beast as NASCAR rolls into one of the fastest tracks on the circuit Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Emory Health Care 500.

Here are five things to keep an eye on this weekend.

NSCS: Harvick Captures Chase Spot with Win at Michigan

Continuing the Richard Childress Racing domination of the weekend, Kevin Harvick won the late-race battle with Denny Hamlin and took his No. 29 Shell/Pennzoil machine to Victory Lane, becoming the only driver to earn a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup at the CARFAX 400 at Michigan International Speedway Sunday.

NSCS: Busch and Hamlin Swap Rides During Second NSCS Practice

During the second Cup practice, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch shared seats of their No. 11 and No. 18 Toyotas to see what they could learn from each other. Earlier in the day, Busch said that he only has one or two good cars in his fleet, with the same being said for Hamlin and teammate Joey Logano.

Was this the reason for the “swap?”

NSCS: Biffle Survives Rain And Red Flags For First Win Of 2010

Sunday at Pocono it appeared to be another race for Jeff Gordon to lose, but the only question was: How would he lose it?

For Gordon a rain shower late in the event brought out the yellow flag, and the entire field pitted. Gordon went with four tires, while Greg Biffle among others opted for two. As a result Biffle would restart second, while Gordon would be mired deep in the pack.

NSCS: What To Watch For At Pocono

This week the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads back to Pocono Raceway for the second time this season. Even if the track isn’t known for overly exciting racing recently, there are more than enough storylines to keep you intrigued this weekend.

NSCS: Why I’m Fine With ‘Secret’ Fines

We live in a world where everyone has a thirst for the truth, and a passion to be in the know.

That being said; obviously the proverbial droppings hit the fan this week when it was revealed by Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press, that two ‘star drivers’ have been fined this year for derogatory comments towards the sport.

Hammer Down: Episode 9 – Schedule Changes, Fines, And Ambrose

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Episode 9 of our “Hammer Down” podcast is now available. This week RubbingsRacing.com senior writer Toby Christie is joined by Buddy Christie. The two go “Hammer Down” on five of the hottest topics in NASCAR over the past week.

NSCS: Who Is The Championship Favorite After Indianapolis?

Golden horseshoe or not Jimmie Johnson has officially been dethroned as the favorite to win the championship in 2010.

On Sunday in the Brickyard 400 Johnson started from the outside pole position, and led a lap early in the event. However things nose-dived from there for the 48 team.

NSCS: Friday Notes and Quotes from the Brickyard

Denny Hamlin:

Very important to qualify well at this racetrack. Felt if we could come here and beat these guys it would be a big morale boost for us and a big shot in the gut to them . Drivers don’t give each other positions like they used to. Everyone battling now to keep good track position, that’s why you see more wrecks now.

Over the Wall: Episode 49 – Sam Bass and Mike Lepp Stop By

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Episode 49 of this weeks show has the only licensed NASCAR artist, Sam Bass on to talk shop as well as Mike Lepp, Athletic Director for the No. 11 FedEx Toyota team to talk about their success this year. Subscribe to the show so you don’t miss anything.