Dover is one of the most challenging turns the Chase takes. A concrete monster separates the contenders from the championship. To be crowned king at season’s end, drivers need to face the fight Dover offers. Each corner will test their focus, drive, and strength. Whichever competitor can pass those tests will move one step closer to claiming the Sprint Cup.
The AAA 400 will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2013 and the green flag will fly at 2:15 PM ET. The drivers need to survive a grueling 400 laps and 400 miles on the high-banked beast which will undoubtedly test their prowess. Rain has threatened the first two Chase events, but Dover’s weather shows no sign of rain with partly cloudy skies and a high temperature of 73 F. View the race on ESPN or listen to it on MRN.
Last year’s Dover race proved to be one crucial to the championship outcome. Brad Keselowski took home the victory last fall, en route to his first Sprint Cup Series championship. Although it wasn’t a complete dominance by the blue deuce. Non-Chaser Kyle Busch had an exceptional run going until a pit stop within the final ten laps took the victory away from him. That was one of many races in 2012 which put Busch in position to win, only to have an unlucky circumstance prevent him from taking home the victory. His story is very different a year where a win would mean a whole lot more.
As the Chase closes in on its halfway point, a band of drivers have broken away and separated themselves in the hunt. If the driver’s name isn’t Matt Kenseth, Kyle Busch, or Jimmie Johnson, they have some work to do going forward. Those three have shown their championship desire in the opening races and going to Dover will only add to their efforts. Each excels at the Monster Mile and more success is likely knocking on the window.
A furious ‘Miles the Monster’ awaits Sunday to make his mark on the 2013 Chase for the Sprint Cup. The ability for this track to eat up cars makes it one unpredictable event. No driver is safe and the added pressure could lead to unwanted mistakes. One bad run can turn Chase contenders into pretenders. The Chasers want to avoid mistakes at all cost, but whatever Dover has in-store will likely shake up the playoff picture once again.
Next Race: Hollywood Casino 400 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas
