| When it comes to winning at a typical NASCAR | | | | plate racing with little experience makes even the |
| racetrack, conventional wisdom says get out | | | | smallest mistake. Unlike the NFL where smart |
| front and try to stay there till the end. This | | | | drafting choices in the beginning can determine |
| weekend at Talladega's Aarons 499 you can | | | | whether you make it to the Super Bowl, just the |
| throw that thinking out the window. | | | | opposite is true at Talladega. |
| Jeff Gordon proved this theory to perfection last | | | | Smart drafting choices late in the race will |
| year when he hung around the back of the pack | | | | determine whether you visit Victory Lane or head |
| all day saving his car and staying out of trouble. | | | | to the garage dejected. Hendrick Motorsports |
| With about 30 laps remaining he hooked up with | | | | drivers Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be |
| teammate Jimmie Johnson and drafted all the | | | | the two heavy favorites this weekend. Between |
| way to the front of the pack to lead one lap, the | | | | them they have 11 wins (Gordon 6 and Jr. 5) |
| final one for the win. | | | | ranking first and second among active drivers. |
| Patience, Patience, Patience and smart drafting | | | | Only Dale Earnhardt Sr. has more wins here with |
| choices are what it's all about this weekend. | | | | 10. Add in the fact that Chevrolet has won 16 of |
| Choosing a wrong drafting partner or getting out | | | | the last 17 races at Talladega and you will see |
| of line will send you back like a brick. Getting | | | | why many are saying that this could be the week |
| caught up in heavy traffic at 200 mph can bring | | | | that Dale Jr. finally breaks the long winless streak. |
| your day to a quick end if someone in restrictor | | | | He just hopes Jeff Gordon is listening. |