While it’s impossible to predict who may show up with the car to beat at Texas, there are a number of reasons to watch some of the biggest names in the garage this weekend. Consider the statistics, and you can get an idea who may be involved in late-race battles this weekend.
Kevin Harvick, No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet
Points leader and defending Sprint Cup Champion Kevin Harvick can never be counted out. While Harvick as scored only four career top-5 finishes in Texas, he went to victory lane earlier this season during the Kobalt 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Vegas track features 18 to 20 degree banking in the turns, while Texas boasts 24-degree banking. The two tracks have more similarities than they have differences, though, so this could bolster his chances on Saturday night. Harvick has already scored two wins this season, and has led 670 laps — more than twice that of any other driver. He’s also finished on the lead lap every race.
Jimmie Johnson, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Another driver who deserves another look for this weekend is Jimmie Johnson. Johnson currently sits at tenth in the points, but there are only six races in the books for the 2015 season. Not only did Johnson score the Texas win last fall, he went to victory lane earlier this year at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Texas boasts the same type of 1.5-mile track with high banking as AMS. Another intermediate speedway with 24 degree banking? Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, where Johnson has scored an astounding 11 wins. Johnson, with 71 career wins, could theoretically pass Dale Earnhardt’s 76 career wins this year. They are 7th and 8th in the all-time standings.
Joey Logano, No. 22 Penske Racing Ford
The 2014 Duck Commander 500 was won by Joey Logano, who started the race in 10th place. While he’s not known specifically for his prowess on 1.5-mile ovals, he’s scored four top-5s in only 13 races at Texas. So far this season, he’s finished all six races in the top 10, including a win in the Daytona 500. He has an average finish of 5.5, and he’s also led 305 laps this year, second only to Harvick. Logano is currently second in the points.
Other Possibilities
Other drivers who could go to victory lane this weekend include Matt Kenseth, who has the highest average finish at Texas of any active driver at 8.92. He’s taken the checkered twice in Fort Worth, and three times at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Kenseth has had three finishes in the top 10 this season, and is currently 11th in the points. Carl Edwards, who has three wins in 20 starts at the track, could be another contender. He’s also got three wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He’s currently 17th in the points with an average finish of 20th place, so a win could bolster the team back into contention.
The Sprint Cup drivers will duke it out in the Duck Commander 500 on Saturday, April 11. Race coverage will begin at 7 p.m. live from Fort Worth, TX.