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Will Michigan Be Jarrett's Undoing?

What:Michigan 500(Race 24 of 34)
Where:Michigan Speedway
When:Sunday, August 22

(Don't want to read my insightful and witty comments? Click here to go straight to making your picks.)

The end of the season isn't so far off, and drivers will be thinking in terms of points when they hit the track at Michigan. Jarrett is 300 points ahead of Martin, and the only way he'll be caught is if he gets a whole bunch of DNFs. He did great at the first Michigan race, and his team is really on a role.

Everyone else knows that they've reached the point where they've got to drive to win every week, or else they can forget it. As good as Jarrett's been, Mark Martin has been quite a hero, driving with all sorts of injuries. He's starting to heal up, and like last year, he's the man with the best shot at catching the leader. Texas Thunder Bobby Labonte is also right there, especially now that those stupid road races are done with. Speaking of road races, the man who's won the last five road races in a row, Jeff Gordon, probably won't give in to Jarrett without a fight. Jeff Burton's had his engine problems lately, but when he's on, he's on.

Any of those four drivers could take the cup if Jarrett falls apart. They'll all be gunning for the win, and they'll be gunning for Jarrett. Michigan is a great place to do it. Drivers consider it an easy track, with a setup similar to the Charlotte track. Gordon loves Michigan as much as he does Charlotte, so expect him to be all over that checkered flag. Bobby's won here, too, and like I said, Burton's hard to stop when he's dialed in.

Farther back in the points you've got Tony Stewart, who everyone thinks will win a race this year. Now that he's got some Winston experience, his chances for a win are getting better and better. Don't be surprised if it's two Indiana boys in the one and two positions.

Way, way back in the points you have Ricky Rudd. If he's going to win his one race, he'd better do it soon, because things are going to be too hot for him in September. Is this his week?

So get to picking, and don't forget to check the current points standings so you know who you can pick for your surprise.

Instructions

First of all, choose your name from the pull-down list. Then pick the names of the drivers that you think will finish in the top five. After that, you get to make your surprise pick, where you'll name a guy who isn't high in the points, but you think has a shot to get into this week's top five. It doesn't have to be one of the names you've already put in your top five. Now that the season is in full swing, let's use the current Winston Cup Points standings. Click here to check out the nicely done standings page at nascar.com. Remember, your surprise pick can't be any of the names listed in the TOP TEN of the points standings.

And hey, don't forget to pick a DNF. That's the guy you think will get a big fat Did Not Finish.

Click on the upside-down triangle at the right margin of each blank to see a list of drivers, then select a name. No typing necessary. Don't forget to tell me your name!

What's your name?

Name of First Place Driver:

Name of Second Place Driver:

Name of Third Place Driver:

Name of Fourth Place Driver:

Name of Fifth Place Driver:

Name of your surprise pick:

Choose your "DNF of the Week"

Controversial Topic of the Week

Pro football is finally gearing up. Who do you think will win the Super Bowl? What team do you think will be surprisingly good? Who will disappoint (and you can't say Atlanta -- everyone knows they're going to be terrible)? Will Cleveland be any good?