Nationwide race in Charlotte Motor Speeday, May 2012
Photo – Getty Images
Pride is on the line this weekend as the Nationwide Series’ best look to conquer the best of the southeast, the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Everyone wants to win on their home turf and this weekend, all 40 drivers will be looking to take advantage of the home-court advantage and take the victory in the History 300. The Nationwide regulars will be looking to defend their series and not let the Cup drivers take yet another victory this season. It will be a fight to the finish for sure and the drivers will be battling for bragging-rights throughout the afternoon.
The History 300 is on Saturday, May 25, 2013 and the green-flag will wave at 2:57 PM EST. 300 miles will be composed of 200 grueling laps where every position will matter. The weather forecast for Saturday afternoon looks great with sunny conditions, a high of 76 F, and a 0% chance of rain. Catch the race on ABC or listen via radio on PRN.
Last time the Nationwide Series cars were running at Charlotte on Memorial Day Weekend, Brad Keselowski held off a late-race charge by Denny Hamlin for the victory. Keselowski has always been strong at Charlotte and that win solidified that statement. Cup regulars took the top four spots in last year’s race, but with the new talent that has entered the series this year, it will be tough to accomplish the same feat.
Kyle Busch continued his torrid start in the Nationwide Series at Darlington two weeks ago when he won his fifth race of the season. He is back for more this weekend and he’ll look for another victory in his chase of the owner’s championship. Michael Annett will be back behind the wheel this weekend after he had to sit out with a fractured sternum after a Daytona crash. Annett was a likely championship contender this season, but after missing about three months, his shot at the title has faded away. He’ll still be going after wins though since he desperately wants to reach victory lane.
Regan Smith continues to sit atop the standings after another solid performance at Darlington with a decent-sized points cushion over second place Sam Hornish Jr. When the summer months hit, it’s time to get going for teams who have struggled early in the season. Drivers who desperately need to get going this weekend at Charlotte include Trevor Bayne, Nelson Piquet Jr., and Travis Pastrana. If they can’t put something together soon, they may see their championship hopes float away.
Lots of drivers have a lot on the line this weekend and can’t afford a poor finish. Charlotte is a track where anything could happen if you put yourself in the right position. Making a late race strategy call, putting a driver up front could pay-off by the time the checkered flag falls. It will be a game of strategy, track-position, and luck on Saturday, with the driver who can handle all of those elements the best ending up in victory lane.
Next Race– 5-Hour Energy 200 at the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware
