Beat The Experts: 5-Hour Energy 301 At New Hampshire
By Cole Mentzel
New Hampshire is called “The Magic Mile” for a reason: crazy things can happen during one mile in Loudon. The Sprint Cup Series is visiting New Hampshire for its first of two stops this season. The next race there will have more weight because it will be a Chase race but this weekend will provide just as much drama since some drivers will be looking to get their first win of the season and earn a spot in the Chase.
See who the staff at Beyond The Flag picked to win this weekend:
Mike Hutton – Ryan Newman– He is a flat-track master and a previous winner at Loudon. Richard Childress Racing has been average lately and he’s overdue for a win since his last came back in 2013.
John Harlow – Kevin Harvick – Harvick runs well at Phoenix and Stewart-Haas Racing usually runs great on flat-tracks. My sleeper pick is Tony Stewart.
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Claire Steen – Kyle Busch – He’s obviously back with a vengeance and I think a track like New Hampshire is one of those where we will really see the JGR setups shine. Logically, I have to go with Gibbs setup and the passion Kyle has shown since his return. My heart says Tony Stewart could have a chance to bring in the win here this weekend like he did back in 2011 because July is over halfway done and that is generally when his season gets hot.
Brian Thornsburg – Kyle Larson – This young driver is so close to breaking through for his first win and New Hampshire might just be the place to do it. He has an average finish of 2.5 at the track and hasn’t finished outside of the top ten in both of his races there. He’s also led 14 laps at the track and could end up winning on fuel strategy if the race comes down to that.
Cole Mentzel – Joey Logano – Logano has two wins at Loudon, including one in the Chase last season. Logano’s last win was the Daytona 500 and one win doesn’t describe how his season has gone. He is still considered one of the brightest young stars in NASCAR and he should have a good opportunity to get to Victory Lane this weekend.
Underdog of the Weekend – Jeff Gordon – He shouldn’t really be considered an underdog at a track that he’s won at three times but without a win this season, he isn’t considered a favorite. Gordon has a good enough point advantage to make the Chase but a win could do wonders for his season. New Hampshire provides a perfect chance for him to break through.
Short track racing is always exciting and we’ve seen many thrilling finishes in Loudon throughout the years. Flat-tracks, such as New Hampshire, create a different atmosphere and force the drivers to use a different driving style since there isn’t as much of a bank. The temperature is set to be in the 90’s on Sunday so the track is going to be nice and hot for some good racing. Don’t miss one of the more exciting races of the year!