While races at Daytona always live up to their reputation of excitement and thrill, their post race statistics tend to leave the impression that the races are actually quite boring.

Obviously, it wasn’t boring for Tony Stewart, however, who dominated the race leading 151 of the 160 laps while taking the checkered flag. Not so obvious, however, was the excitement in watching Dale Earnhardt Jr. come up all the way from 39 to third, just two spots behind Stewart. He started his charge early on in the race, moving up almost 20 spots in as many laps. After falling back a bit, Earnhardt Jr. charged toward the front again, giving many of his fans, who have stuck by him through a difficult season, quite a rush. While he doesn’t get a win in the record book his performance was exactly what he needed to get him back in shape. Everyone knew that his problems began with the trading of pit crews, and some found it a bit ironic that his former crew chief, Tony Eury Jr., was standing at his side as the race started.

Unfortunately for Mark Martin, who has yet to win at Daytona, he became an innocent bystander in a major accident that virtually ended his chances at winning his first ever Daytona race.

While in previous years, Rusty Wallace would never have been satisfied with finishing fourth place (essentially a loss), the Rusty Wallace of today seemed happy with his placement, making it ever more apparent that he’s lost the competitive edge.

The real story, however, remains Tony Stewart who won his second victory in as many weeks. He also finished second in Michigan just three weeks ago. In all three of these races, Stewart’s car was considered THE car to beat, which is no small feat since the three races were held at very different tracks (a super speedway, a tri-oval and a road course). In fact, it is a feat definitely worthy of applause.

Someone has to do something about the ridiculous names assigned these races. Why do the race sponsors think that someone is going to run off and buy USG sheetrock immediately after seeing the race just because that’s the race’s name?

More to the point about the race, it can either be a bettor’s paradise or disaster. NASCAR has come again to Chicago where there is a new track ready for the races. The new track can present a bit of a problem because there have been only four races here and NASCAR lines are often dependant on previous experience at a specific track. Since the sample size is most limited, you should look to Michigan, which has the most comparable track.

In Chicagoland, Kevin Harvick and Stewart have dominated over the last four years, with Harvick winning in 2001 and 2002 and Stewart winning last year. Between the two of them, they have led over two-thirds of the laps. Since both have seen some success in Michigan, these two are the two to watch here.

Not to be forgotten are points leader Jimmie Johnson and teammate Jeff Gordon. Both of who should also receive your attention this week. While Johnson has yet to win here, he has finished in the Top 5 in all three of his appearances. Jeff Gordon also has three Top 5's in his four starts. Both have good records in Michigan and both need a win this week. Gordon needs the win to get back on track, and Johnson needs one to remain in the points lead.

The best advice for this week is to pick this week’s top contender. Many drivers are complaining that there is only one line to drive in because the track is new. This also makes passing difficult, which means no flier this week. Your best bet is to stick with those who win.

The Winner’s Circle

Tony Stewart (7/1)t: Aside from his arrogance, there really isn’t anything bad you can say about Tony Stewart. He is the pick for the third time in a row and the favorite for the championship.

Jeff Gordon (8/1): Gordon is another winner. He’s as good as any top driver and consistently good on this type of track. He’ll be looking for a turnaround this weekend -- so don’t be surprised to see it happen.

Jimmie Johnson (6/1):  Last week Johnson got his lead back but he has his work cut out for him if he wants to keep it. He has not yet come in first place but he does have the best average finish here – third. He’s also in a bit of a checkered flag drought. If he drives like he’s capable of driving he’ll win. If he drives like has been driving, he won't win.

Greg Biffle (6/1): Biffle has seen some success in Michigan but has struggled here. Since this is his coming out year, he will be looking for a win here to continue his successful streak.

Kevin Harvick (15/1): Harvick has had his ups and downs this year but his overall performance at Chicagoland has been excellent. Not only did he get two consecutive wins in 2001 and 2002, he did it with flash leading 113 laps here in the inaugural race (2001).

Dale Jarrett (25/1): Jarrett has stepped up his game in the last few weeks and has had success here, which included a third last year. He’ll probably finish well, and may just be worth your bet at 25/1.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (35/1: Don’t be misled by Earnhardt’s race and finish last week. He’s a different driver at super speedways. He’ll probably slip back some this week but will still perform better than he has been recently.

Michael Waltrip (35/1): While performing well, Waltrip is doing so with Junior’s old crew. Junior will be complaining about that, which likely will affect Waltrip’s performance.

Rusty Wallace (40/1): It’s already been said a couple of times, but let’s say it again just to be clear, “Wallace has lost his competitive edge”. Unlike the Rusty Wallace of the past, Wallace today is content to come in with the Top 5s but you won’t see him any higher than that.

Elliot Sadler (15/1):. Sandler has only one Top 5 but is currently in fourth place in the points standings. A consistent driver, but not yet a winner, Sandler is the trickiest driver this year.

Jamie McMurray (30/1): McMurray gets on this list not because of his driving but because of his team situation. McMurray announced that he would be moving into Mark Martin's Roush car next year and leaving Chip Ganassi Racing. This will probably negatively affect his team chemistry.

Kasey Kahne (10/1): While he had some successes this year in his limited appearances at Michigan, Kahne has generally been struggling too much of late. Better steer clear of Kahne for now.