The first race of the Chase provided drama and anxious moments as the laps were winding down.  The race to save fuel became just as intense as the points battle.

Every lap was a question of whether there were just enough gallons to make it to the finish, but with the battle for the lead happening seemingly every lap, saving fuel was hard.  Many contenders ran dry, costing them a strong finish and a good points race.  A couple drivers made it to the end, and it payed many dividends.

Now it's onto the second race in the Chase, which since it's inception has usually been the first race in the championship battle.

The "Magic Mile" at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway is on the docket, a track that the first time NASCAR was here saw one team dominate the weekend.  Could that happen again?

It's difficult to say that could happen as there are so many teams that are capable of winning.  Unfortunately for the writers, they can't pick one entire team to win, just a driver.

A new week means new picks.  Here's who our writers chose for Sunday's Sylvania 300:

 

Misan Ayuka:  Ryan Newman

Looks like I am using the SHR drivers to start this chase off.  It worked for me at Chicagoland as Tony Stewart got career win number 40 and first of 2011.

Ryan Newman won at Loudon earlier this season (I picked him to win btw) and Newman has been really consistent since then.  There is no reason to believe the Rocketman won't be able to sweep the races at Loudon.

SHR has got it going good right now that is what will help Newman win.

 

James Broomhead:  Denny Hamlin

Brad’s fifth from Chicagoland was a pretty nice start to The Chase for me, but not all the drivers were so lucky. The fuel mileage gamble put some drivers out of the top ten, but Denny’s day had gone south for the winter long before anyone even fired up the strategy calculators.

If Hamlin wants to play any meaningful part in the 2011 title race he needs to bounce back quickly, and a trip to New Hampshire could be just the opportunity he needs.

 

Kelly Crandall:  Kurt Busch

No reason given.

 

Billy Fellin:  Tony Stewart

I'll take the hot hand coming out of Chicagoland. Obviously, he won in Chi-town and had a second place finish at New Hampshire in July. He's won twice at NH in the past.

 

Michael Hirshbein:  Clint Bowyer

No reason given.

 

Christopher Leone:  Tony Stewart

Going with Smoke now that he finally has a win under his belt.

 

Kara Martin:  Denny Hamlin

No reason given.

 

Ryan O'Hara:  Jeff Gordon

Using Orange Chicken at Loudon. He should recover well considering how well he did earlier in the year here.

 

Dustin Parks:  Tony Stewart

Normally I'd want to go with someone outside the hot shoe, but I can't help thinking about this race last year.  Stewart was the car to beat, I mean THE car.  Unfortunately, with the white flag in the air, the fuel cell went dry and it was Clint Bowyer taking the victory (although it was costly soon after).

New Hampshire owes Smoke a victory.  He's won here before and is coming off his first win of the season.  At the same time, in July he finished second to teammate Ryan Newman, after both drivers started 1-2.  It's time that he was the one finishing in front.

 

Sal Sigala Jr:  Tony Stewart

No reason given.

 

Rob Tiongson:  Tony Stewart

This guy is on a roll and he just might pick up another win in as many weeks. The Smoke Express is back!

 

Standings following Chicagoland:

Michael Hirshbein (2062) Tony Stewart WON (6)

Misan Ayuka (2056) Tony Stewart WON (4)

Christopher Leone (2049) Brad Keselowski finished fifth (3)

Ryan O'Hara (2047) Carl Edwards finished fourth (2)

James Broomhead (2046) Brad Keselowski finished fifth (2)

Kara Martin (2044) Carl Edwards finished fourth (1)

Sal Sigala Jr. (2036) Matt Kenseth finished 21st (4)

Kelly Crandall (2029) Jeff Gordon finished 24th (3)

Billy Fellin (2026) Jeff Gordon finished 24th (2)

Rob Tiongson (2026) Jeff Gordon finished 24th (2)

Dustin Parks (2024) Matt Kenseth finished 21st (0)

 

Final Thoughts:  This track the last two years has provided some of the most exciting winners in the Chase.  In 2009, Mark Martin got his fifth win on a magical season that saw him return to full-time competition.  Last year, Stewart had the win only to run out of fuel coming to the white flag, handing the win to Tony Stewart.

Could the same thing happen again, or will a surprise winner end up in victory lane?

Tune in to ESPN beginning at 1 p.m. to find out.  The green flag goes in the air an hour later.

 

Summary of Picks:

Tony Stewart-5

Denny Hamlin-2

Clint Bowyer-1

Kurt Busch-1

Jeff Gordon-1

Ryan Newman-1