Five drivers to watch

By BRANT JAMES
Published May 1, 2005

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Dale Earnhardt Jr.

CAR: No. 8 Chevrolet.

STARTING POSITION: 36th.

BEST FINISH: First (fall 2004, spring 2003, spring and fall 2002, fall 2001). NOTES: Second or better past seven times here. Finished second starting 38th in fall 2003, so qualifying spot no concern once he starts drafting. It's restrictor plate racing. He'll be a factor at the track where he is loved more than anywhere else.

Jimmie Johnson

CAR: No. 48 Chevrolet

STARTING POSITION: Sixth.

BEST FINISH: Fourth (spring 2004).

NOTES: Hendrick Motorsports restrictor-plate program, which has at least caught Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s, gives him good equipment, and he's learning to harness it. Had top fives in three of four plate races last season.

Jeff Gordon

CAR: No. 24 Chevrolet.

STARTING POSITION: Second.

BEST FINISH: First (spring 2004, spring 2000, summer 1996)

NOTES: Defending race champion has won two of past three restrictor-plate races. He'd gladly ride out another beer can maelstrom for a trip to Victory Lane.

Kevin Harvick

CAR: No. 29 Chevrolet.

STARTING POSITION: First.

BEST FINISH: Second (fall 2004, spring 2003).

NOTES: Had a dynamic car during Speedweeks but lost it in a qualifying race crash with Jimmie Johnson. This car might be as good.

Kurt Busch

CAR: No. 97 Ford.

STARTING POSITION: 10th.

BEST FINISH: Third (spring 2002, spring 2001).

NOTES: Defending series champion has top fives in half of his starts here and appears to have developed a real sense for restrictor-plate racing. Carries the hopes of the non-Chevrolet crowd.