NASCAR: Five Drivers Most Likely To Win At Kansas

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Sep 9, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) during practice for the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

The Favorite: Jimmie Johnson

Stats at Kansas:

Wins: 3
Top-5’s: 8
Top-10’s: 16
Laps Led: 601
Average Finish: 9.2

Entering the weekend, Jimmie Johnson will have the more wins, top-5’s and top-10’s than any other active driver and he’ll be second to Matt Kenseth in laps led at the track.

His first two wins there came in 2008 and 2011 as he led over 120 laps in both races. Then his third victory came in last season’s spring race as he took advantage of a late restart. Johnson’s average finish of 9.2 is better than all active drivers except for Chase Elliott, but the young rookie has only raced at the track one time in his Cup Series career.

After three great races to open the Chase, Johnson finally avoided trouble on pit road and grabbed his first win since Fontana, which led him to his first trip past the Round of 12 under the current Chase format.

That provides a huge boost not only for him and the No. 48 team but also for Hendrick Motorsports, as the team suffered through a brutal summer. With Johnson not having to worry about that elimination race at Talladega, he can race with comfort and be aggressive.

Look for him to take command again this weekend. Jimmie Johnson is your favorite heading into Kansas.

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