Darlington, The Lady in Black

NASCAR teams are going back to their roots this weekend when they visit Darlington Speedway, affectionatly known as "The Lady in Black." Darlington is known for leaving black stripes on the sides of cars whose drivers get too arrogant. She also likes to eat up tires like no other track on the circuit (though NASCAR is hoping a new racing surface will hinder that just a bit).

So who are the odds on favorites to win this weekend's Dodge Challenger 500? Let's find out!

Jeff Gordon, No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet (Hendrick Motorsports)

Last Week: 9th place finish in the Crown Royal presents the Dan Lowry 400

Career at Darlington: 11.8 Avg. Finish, 7 wins, 15 top 5's, 18 top 10's

Why he could win: No one bets against Jeff Gordon at Darlington Speedway, not nobody, not no how. Gordon is the modern day king at Darlington, a winner four consecutive Southern 500's from 1995 to 1999. And oh yeah, he's the defending winner of this event. If your betting in Las Vegas, Jeff Gordon is a good choice.

Jeff Burton, No. 31 AT&T Wireless Cherolet (Richard Childress Racing)

Last Week: 11th place finish in the Crown Royal presents the Dan Lowry 400

Career at Darlington: 11.5 Avg. Finish, 2 wins, 8 top 5's, 14 top 10's

Why he could win: Besides Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton has been pretty darn good at Darlington as well. Remember when Gordon won the Winston Million? Who did he fight to win the Southern 500 that year? Jeff Burton. Don't bet against Jeff Burton, he might just surprise you.

Mark Martin, No. 8 U.S. Army Chevrolet (Dale Earnhardt, Inc.)

Last Week: 3rd place finish in the Crown Royal presents the Dan Lowry 400

Career at Darlington: 12.2 Avg. Finish, 1 win, 16 top 5's, 25 top 10's

Why he could win: Martin has been knocking on the door a lot lately. He probably should have won at Phoenix and had a car to win at Richmond but the cards didn't fall in the right places. At a track like Darlington experience matters, and if anyone's got the experience to win at Darlington, Mark Martin is the man to do it.

This week's underdog is the man that had the best seat in the house for the closest finish in NASCAR history, which just happaned to take place at Darlington...

Dave Blaney, No. 22 Caterpillar Toyota (Bill Davis Racing)

Last Week: 18th place finish in the Crown Royal presents the Dan Lowry 400

Career at Darlington: 24.3 Avg. Finish, 1 top 5, 1 top 10

Why he could win: Blaney's best career finish came here in 2003 when he watched Kurt Busch and Ricky Craven battle in the closest finish in NASCAR history. I don't suspect he will be able to repeat that great run this weekend (qualifying will just be a victory for this team) but I wouldn't be shocked if he finishes in the top 10.