We head to the mountains this week as forty NASCAR drivers compete at the Tricky Triangle. Given its name because of its triangular shape, Pocono Raceway is a unique track.

In 1990, the race track was revised. The three turns that make up Pocono were inspired by three different race tracks. Turn One is modeled after Trenton Speedway, Turn Two is inspired by Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Turn Three is a replica of The Milwaukee Mile.

With speeds hitting close to 200 mph on the two long straightaways Pocono holds, who will be able to control their car all the way to Victory Lane? Let’s find out.

Denny Hamlin

This 12 year veteran has had a lot of success at the Tricky Triangle. He brought the brooms out in 2006 by winning both Pocono races, and has four total at the two and half mile track. Hamlin has been very consistent in his last four races here with one top 5 and three top 10s. Before it’s all said and done Sunday afternoon, Hamlin will make sure his presence is felt amongst the leaders.

Dale Earnhardt Jr

Just like Hamlin did in 2006, Dale Jr swept Pocono just two years ago. Junebug has been in a slump the past month and a half, but if there is a track to propel him this year, it’s Pocono. In his last five races here, Earnhardt Jr has four top 5s and an average finish of fourth. He typically has success on the two and a half mile tracks so be prepared to see the 88 Chevrolet jockeying for position in the lead group Sunday.

Kyle Larson

Many would think I’d have Lasron as my wildcard pick, but this three year veteran has shown he has what it takes to compete with the best. A win by Larson should not come by surprise if he takes the checkered flag this weekend. Kyle has raced at Pocono Speedway four times in his career, and he hasn’t finished worse than 12th. As a matter of fact, his average finish at the Tricky Triangle is ninth. He is waiting to breakthrough and capture his first win of his career, and Pocono looks to be a great chance for the young Phenom.

Greg Biffle

Some may be scratching their heads after seeing the name, but don’t be fooled. Greg Biffle has struggled the past three years, I’ll give you that, but Pocono has been the lone track he’s had success. Two top 5 finishes in his last three races here and a win in 2010, will give this team hope for a solid finish Sunday Afternoon.

Jimmie Johnson

29-31 May, 2015, Dover, Delaware USA
Jimmie Johnson
©2015, Matthew T. Thacker
NKP

It’s been eight races since the number 48 Chevrolet has visited victory lane. Johnson is itching to get more “W’s” in the win column so he can enter the Chase with a little cushion over the fifteen other drivers. There are many tracks that Johnson dominates, and Pocono is near the top of the list. In his 28 starts there, “Six Time” has eleven Top 5s, nineteen Top 10s, and three wins. This track treats Johnson well but he won’t be returning the favor as he does burnouts all over it Sunday afternoon after he takes home the checkered flag.

DraftKings Lineup

Jimmie Johnson ($10,100)

Denny Hamlin ($9,200)

Brad Keselowski ($9,100)

Tony Stewart ($7,500)

Ryan Newman ($7,100)

Greg Biffle ($7,000)

Total: ($50,000)