NASCAR Sprint Cup in Atlanta: Tony Stewart and 10 Top Contenders to Win

Tony Stewart is still in the Chase, but those on the outside looking in are licking their chops and ready to pounce on the two-time former champ. 

A win at Atlanta for him could be a huge boost to his confidence and a chance to guarantee a spot in the chase.  Of course, he does not have to win, but this would mark a big exclamation point on his chase into the Chase.

I think what Martin Truex Jr. is saying to Kevin Harvick is, "Wow, that was an ugly race for you last week at Bristol.  Stick with the Camping World Truck Series." 

Of course, Harvick could respond that his 22nd place was way better than Martin Truex Jr.'s first race and crash at Bristol Motor Speedway earlier this year. 

Harvick can also take solace in the fact that he is "Mr. where did he come from?"  Truex Jr. has no nickname.  Harvick has two — the other being "happy." 

Although Harvick has been in a slump as of late, Happy's fourth win of the season has him hoping to flash a wide grin at Atlanta.  Coincidentally, Truex Jr. was the 11th and odd man out for this list.

This is simply a gut feeling, not so much for A.J. Allmendinger himself, but for another first time Sprint Cup winner gutting out a fuel mileage win or avoiding a big crash. 

I feel he is the best of the rest when it comes to career winless Sprint Cup drivers. However, 'Dinger's last race at Atlanta saw him start in 25th and wind up sixth.  Could bells be ringing in Atlanta this weekend?

This picture encapsulates Tony Stewart's confidence right now: down.  He is a tough competitor and definitely lives by the philosophy of "if you ain't first, you're last." 

However, after a completely brutal showing at the bullring in Thunder Valley last week, it seems that even a top 10 might lift his sagging chin just a bit.  Tony will battle.

Carl Edwards and Atlanta Motor Speedway have a love/hate relationship. 

Here are the stats:  seven career starts, one win, two seconds, one third, then 37th, 39th, and 42nd.  He is on the lower half of this list only because of his recent inconsistency.

He may not have a driver's license right now, but it seems when Kyle Busch is on point and has a team and car to match, he can be unstoppable. 

Sometimes it seems that he could win by driving a washing machine connected to Goodyear tires and filled with Sunoco racing fuel. 

At this point in the season, it would be difficult for anyone who follows NASCAR, even casually, to dismiss another Kyle Busch trip down victory lane in Atlanta.

The Blue Deuce is no stranger to grabbing the checkered (or American) flag this year. 

I wonder if team owner Roger Penkse has mulled over breaking Brad Keselowski's other ankle to see if that will find him even more speed?  He is as hot as any driver has been this season. 

Jimmie Johnson expresses an almost doubtful hope in this picture.  That may be a ruse. 

He has been a silent destroyer this year, making people think he cannot gain a sixth straight Sprint Cup title.  However, he just crept into a tie for the Chase points lead. 

What else does Five Time have up his sleeve in the final two races of the season at Atlanta and Richmond?

Retirement may have been on Jeff Gordon's mind at the beginning of the season. 

If that is the case, he could certainly apply to the United States Post Office for a second career because he has been hauling the mail rather consistently this season. 

He looks fast and the man to beat more often than not, at least for part of many races during the 2011 campaign. 

His Drive to End Hunger Chevrolet may indeed help food shortages in impoverished nations.  It may also end the hunger for a fifth championship.

Clint Bowyer's stats are not strong at Atlanta Motor Speedway.  His season has been suspect, at best. 

However, Bowyer is racing for more than his first victory this season.  In the throes of contract negotiation, a win in Atlanta could seal a lucrative contract for next year. 

Whether for Richard Childress Racing or another team, eyes are on Bowyer, and he has the ability and motivating factor to deliver while at the crossroads of his career. 

Aside from that, he is in 13th place in the Chase.  A win on Saturday could spell the end for Denny Hamlin's season.

Kurt Busch is not a stranger to winning (3 times) at Atlanta Motor Speedway. 

The recent success of his Penske Dodge teammate Brad Keselowski will help him gain the edge he has been missing in the last couple weeks. 

A win here would also likely move him up a couple of places into the middle of the pack going into Richmond and, ultimately, his second Sprint Cup championship.