NASCAR: Five drivers most likely to win at Bristol
By Asher Fair
Matt Kenseth, Joe Gibbs Racing, No. 20 Toyota
Matt Kenseth is a four-time winner at Bristol, and he boasts the 6th best track finishing average among active drivers in 35 career races following his 4th place effort in the season’s first race at the track.
Despite sitting in 9th place in the championship standings, Kenseth currently occupies the final spot in the playoff picture and sits 31 points above the cut line. Why? Because he has not won a race yet this season; in fact, his last victory came over a year ago at New Hampshire, so he will be looking for his first victory in 2017 to secure his spot in the playoffs.
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Before a late tire issue ruined his chances at a potential victory at Michigan and sent him all the way back to 24th place, Kenseth had been one of the hottest drivers in the sport. He had finished four straight races in the top 9, including a season-high 2nd place effort at Watkins Glen.
After what happened at Michigan, he will be looking for a bounce back race to maintain his spot in the playoffs. There is no better track for him to bounce back at than Bristol, a track he has won four times at before. That bounce back may just be a victory for the 45-year-old veteran to ensure he doesn’t miss the playoffs for just the second time in their existence.