Talladega Nights (Ok, so not really)

NASCAR is in Alabama this week, the home of Talladega Superspeedway and this week's race, the Aaron's 499. Talladega is an interesting track, speeds are fast and mistakes lead to wrecks seen no where else. So who is a likely choice to win this weekend? Well, lets see...

Tony Stewart, No. 20 Home Depot Toyota (Joe Gibbs Racing)

Last Week: 14th place finish in the Subway Fresh Fit 500

Career at Talladega: 12.6 Avg. Finish, 8 top 5's, 11 top 10's

Why he could win: Stewart has six straight second place finishes at Talladega. The phrase "Always a brides maid and never a bride" certainly fits the bill. I'd say he has the best chance to win out of anyone on the circuit.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., No. 88 Amp Energy/National Guard Chevrolet (Hendrick Motorsports)

Last Week: 7th place finish in the Subway Fresh Fit 500

Career at Talladega: 14.3 Avg. Finish, 5 wins, 7 top 5's, 9 top 10's

Why he could win: Earnhardt Jr. is the modern day king of restrictor plate racing. 5 wins at Talladega is just scratching the surface. Could he finally end this winless drought?

Kyle Busch, No. 18 M&M's Toyota (Joe Gibbs Racing)

Last Week: 10th place finish in the Subway Fresh Fit 500

Career at Talladega: 31.7 Avg. Finish, 0 top 5's, 0 top 10's

Why he could win: I'm basing this pick totally on his performance at Daytona in February. If he is able to reproduce that run then I would hate to be in one of those other 42 cars on the track.

This week's underdog is a former winner at the track in the not to distant past:

Brian Vickers, No. 83 Red Bull Toyota (Red Bull Racing)

Last Week: 25th place finish in the Subway Fresh Fit 500

Career at Talladega: 21.3 Avg. Finish, 1 win, 2 top 5's, 3 top 10's

Why he could win: Everyone remembers Brian Vickers' lone win, he took out his own teammate at the time along with Dale Jr. to win here two years ago in the fall. But the fact is he got himself in that position by driving a smart race, so don't be surprised to see him running close to the front by races end.