Last week, it was Kansas, an area that was made famous thanks to Dorothy and all her friends in the Land of Oz.  But, this weekend's race almost makes fans think of the famous line from that epic film.

"There's no place like home.  There's no place like home.  There's no place like home."

NASCAR heads to home base for many of the teams on the circuit, and the home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.  It is the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where over 90 percent of the teams on the track have their shops based.

It's a track in May saw fuel mileage either doom a driver or make one's night.

There's a strong chance that it could come down to that again Saturday night, but the major difference is that 100 less miles means less time to strategize and get to the front.  Cooler temperatures will make for faster speeds, and more horsepower.

The midway point in the Chase has made many drivers wish things went different, but others are close in the hunt.

The same can be said in the Fan Vs. Fan Pool, as less than one race separates the writer in first and the writer in last.  One race can make or break a title hunt, and with each race needing a different driver picked, each race becomes increasingly difficult.

But, that is what makes it fun for all the writers.  Here's a look at their choices for the Bank of America 500:

 

Misan Ayuka:  Kyle Busch

Just feel a win coming from this team and driver.

 

James Broomhead:  Kasey Kahne

Time to roll the dice again and take a pick off the well beaten path of chase contenders. I’ll admit there’s something that makes me uneasy about picking Kahne, a ‘lame duck’ driver already with his 2012 plans confirmed and closing out a season for team that is destined not to survive the Winter in the same form.

Still you can’t argue with the man’s showing in some recent races, nor his history on the intermediate tracks.

 

Kelly Crandall:  Matt Kenseth

No reason given.

 

Billy Fellin:  Kasey Kahne

This is my swing for the fences pick. Why you may ask....well, I say why not!  I'm going with the driver of the No. 4 car this week in Kasey Kahne. He's been the highest finishing non-Chase driver the past two weeks, including runner up at Kansas.

If he had had a few more laps, he could have caught Johnson. He's a three-time winner at Charlotte.

 

Michael Hirshbein:  Kurt Busch

No reason given.

 

Christopher Leone:  Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Junior almost won the 600 earlier this year, so I'm gonna take the plunge and go with the 88.

 

Kara Martin:  Kyle Busch

No reason given, other than she wasn't sure if she picked him yet.  Well Kara, here's your answer.

 

Ryan O'Hara:  Brad Keselowski

This is definitely a hard choice considering the fact that a lot of these races come down to fuel mileage and there is one driver in particular who seems to always get it down and that's Brad.

 

Dustin Parks:  Kasey Kahne

My mind is saying, "Go with the logical pick, the 48."  The statistics I read say, "This is easy, you have to pick 'Five-Time' at Charlotte."  Even one of my good friends was telling me that I have to choose last week's winner, Jimmie Johnson.

So, after taking all that in I decided to pick...against the 48.  Why, because it's a gimme-pick.  I'm going with a gamble.  This was the only race, outside of Talladega mind you, where I considered a pick outside the Chase.  I was even looking at Jamie McMurray to win here, and I'm sure he'll run well.

But, with Kahne moving to Hendrick next year, and this being one of his best tracks, I can see Team Red Bull getting their second team win, which could possibly be their last.

 

Sal Sigala Jr:  Brad Keselowski

Bad Brad is on a mission to prove he is a legitimate championship contender, and he should be taken serious. Looking at all the chase drivers, he has more to gain then what he has to lose which makes him a dangerous threat.

A top-five finish or better would be a good confidence booster, and also help to build the momentum the team needs to finish the rest of the season strong.

 

Rob Tiongson:  Kyle Busch

This is his make or break weekend right here. We've not seen much from the 18 team yet in the Chase - but we'll see something HUGE from Busch and his crew on Saturday night with a convincing win which will break the eight different winners streak on 1.5-mile tracks.

 

Standings following Kansas:

Christopher Leone (2172) Kurt Busch finished 13th (4)

Sal Sigala Jr. (2166) Carl Edwards finished fifth (5)

Ryan O'Hara (2165) Kurt Busch finished 13th (2)

Billy Fellin (2159) Brad Keselowski finished third (3)

Rob Tiongson (2159) Brad Keselowsi finished third (3)

Michael Hirshbein (2159) Carl Edwards finished fifth (6)

Dustin Parks (2155) Brad Keselowski finished third (1)

Misan Ayuka (2150) Kurt Busch finished 13th (4)

James Broomhead (2144) Carl Edwards finished fifth (2)

Kara Martin (2132) Tony Stewart finished 15th (1)

Kelly Crandall (2130) Carl Edwards finished fifth (3)

 

Final Thoughts:  This race marks a midway point in a Chase that has seen a new points system bring the battle closer than it has ever been in NASCAR for one championship.  At the end of 500 miles, it will mean five races are complete in the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup.

The title contenders could come to the forefront, or a few more could be added.  The home base for NASCAR is ready to play it's part in deciding a champion.

The green flag waves on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET.

 

Summary of Picks:

Kyle Busch-3

Kasey Kahne-3

Brad Keselowski-2

Kurt Busch-1

Dale Earnhardt Jr-1

Matt Kenseth-1