Power 10 For Martinsville, Mar. 30, 2008

After a week off, the drivers hit the track again. This week, they are on the smallest, slowest track on the circuit, Martinsville. Very few cars will leave this weekend without some sort of damage to their car and yellow will be the color of the day. Still, there are some drivers you can count on to have a good afternoon. That is, of course, assuming that they are able to stay out of the way of the drivers determined to end their day early.

So, here is this week’s Power 10:

1. Jimmie Johnson - Jimmie seems to find a way to victory lane here. He is just the kind of driver that can avoid mishaps and make all the right adjustments throughout the day to be there at the end. This year should be no different, despite the troubles of Hendrick so far.

2. Kevin Harvick - Kevin is the kind of driver that does not mind using his bumper to move someone out of the way. That can work for him at a track like Martinsville. He’s hungry for a win, after Jeff Burton won last time out, so he’ll be a little more willing to use the bumper if he can’t find any other way around someone.

3. Jeff Gordon - Jeff is another driver who knows how to get to the end up front. I put him between Johnson and Harvick in his tactics. He can be patient, making adjustments, but is not afraid to use the bumper if need be. The only person he might not use the bumper on would be friend and teammate, Johnson. Maybe.

4. Kyle Busch - Kyle, like Harvick, is not afraid to use the bumper. He should have another good run and may only need a little incentive to use that bumper. Impatience could win out with him here.

5. Tony Stewart - How much longer can he be out done by new teammate Kyle? Tony will want a win and is another driver who will use the bumper if he feels he has no other choice to pass a “less worthy” car. Of course, to Tony, all other drivers are unworthy.

6. Kurt Busch - This is the week of bumper users and Kurt should not be left out. Kurt has used his share of bumpers and may be in position to do so again this week.

7. Carl Edwards - Carl is having such a good season, he should run up front this week as well. I’m not sure he can pull off the win, but with so many bumper drivers ahead of him, he could slip into victory lane as the cars slide every which way in front of him.

8. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - Junior is so hungry, he could end up using his bumper, if need be, this week. He is in equipment capable of winning and is having his best season in a few years. Don’t count him out.

9. Greg Biffle - Greg has good equipment, the confidence of his owner and a bumper. The stars could align for him this weekend, too.

10. Jeff Burton - Fresh off his win at Bristol, Jeff is another patient driver who could be around at the end to pick up a very good finish. Look for him to have a very clean car, but some choice words for those on the track around him.

Cinch up those belts and let’s go racing. JR