Race For a Win: Part One

Well another week and another Jimmie Johnson win. Past that last statement, this article will not talk about Jimmie Johnson again. This article instead will take a look at all the drivers looking to find a win still in 2013 and with that a possible birth into the Chase.

Dover brought Tony Stewart back into the talks of the Chase after a dismal start to the season, the win didn't just give him a shot at the WC, but he is already in 13th place in the standings which means he has a great shot regardless.

So with Smoke leading the way, which other drivers haven't notched there first win of the 2013 season but need to? I will take a look at those drivers and when or if they will find a win in 2013.

**First part of a two part series. The first I take a look at the guys who have a good shot at getting into the Chase without a win. The second will be guys who almost HAVE to get a win or two to get a WC spot.**

Brad Keselowski

Well lets start out with the win less drivers with the guy who finished 2012 as Nascar's newest Champ. BK has been through it all this season but has yet to find his way back to Victory Lane, but he still sits 9th in the points just hanging on. If there is a list of who needs a win the most he would be on it.

A Look Ahead: Well this next week Nascar heads to BK's home track, Michigan International Speedway, where his last three starts have been promising (2nd, 13th, 3rd). He may have a chance to get going at Michigan but he has had better luck ever season in the August race. The newer Kentucky track is where BK needs to take advantage of the other drivers. He and Kyle Busch are the only two drivers to have a win at Kentucky (BK's other finish is 7th).

Will he get one in 2013?

• I think it is hard to bet against the former Champ. Tracks like Kentucky, Bristol, or even the second stop at Dover should all be places he runs strong.

Dale Earnhardt Jr

Second guy on the list is Jr, we get to him early in this list because his last win was in the June Michigan race in 2012. Last year he broke his long win less streak at this track and in the past has run well at MIS. He has been hot this season (not as hot as last year to this point) and is almost a lock for the Chase.

A Look Ahead: Well he does run well at MIS so this week should be a good week to watch and see if JR Nation gets to rejoice again like one year ago, but he also has a chance with the second trip to Daytona coming up. He has two runner up finished in the last 3 trips to Daytona including this years 500.

Will he get one in 2013?

• I hate to say in Jr Nation but I just am not sure he will. Last year he had a great season, even better then this one, and he managed one win. He does have the benefit of running for Hendrick so I wont count him out. Look out at the afore mentioned and also maybe the second trip to Martinsville.

Greg Biffle

Let's move on to Biff, the guy who came second to JJ at Pocono. He has not been on many peoples radar in 2013, as has been the case with a lot of Ford drivers. Luckily for Biffle he is heading to a track this next week that he has won at. Actually Biffle, along with Jr, won at Michigan last year (and has 3 career wins).

A Look Ahead: As mentioned, Michigan is a track Biffle could have a shot at if he is truly figuring out this new Ford. Last year he also finished 4th in the June race at MIS. Biffle also has 2 career wins at Kansas which is in the near future. Biffle most likely will have some strong runs at 1.5 mil tracks so he could bust out then.

Will he get one in 2013?

• If you look at the past 6 season Biffle has gone every other year notching 2 wins or no wins. This would be one of those years falling on a zero win year. Will he follow that pattern? I am not sure he will get one, but mostly because Ford's have just been a step behind the Chevys and Toyotas.
• **Update 6/16/13: Well the week the articles come out one driver checks his name off the board. Biffle and Ford get out of there 2013 slump at a Michigan track where Fords (namely Jack Roush Fords) have found good success. Now the question is, well Biffle find another win to makes sure he gets into the Chase?**

Clint Bowyer

A guy running as consistent as Bowyer doesn't need to worry about wins, but try telling a driver he doesn't need to win to get into the Chase. Bowyer is upset every week he doesn't get a win so 2013 hasn't been his year. In 2012 he finished the year having a very strong Chase and it has followed this season.

A Look Ahead: Well Sonoma is coming up soon and last year he snuck out a win there. In his 7 career starts at Sonoma he has 5 top 10's, 4 top 5's and a that win in 2012. I would say he will be a front runner or needs to be. In 2012 he also notched a win at Richmond and has a history of running well there.

Will he get one in 2013?

• Considering only once in the last 6 season Bowyer hasn't notched a win, 2009 being the year he didn't, I think its safe to say he will get one in 2013. I think he has a chance to get real hot and find a few wins this year like he did last year (3).

Jeff Gordon

Gordon is on the boarder of needing wins to get in the Chase or being able to without one (or more).  He made the first list because I have about 5 or 6 more drivers who almost certainly need the wins to get into the Chase. For Gordon, long gone are the days where he could strike for double diget wins in a single season.  Last season he had 2, Pocono which Nascar was just at and the last race of the 2012 season, Homestead.

A Look Ahead: Gordon was runner up 4 other times in 2012 and most of those came down the stretch. Places like the second trip to Dover, Pocono, and Richmond are all tracks I can see Gordon getting a win at. Also to add to that list a place like Atlanta where Nascar visits once and Gordon has finishes of 2nd (2012) and 1st (2011) in the last two could mean a visit to Victory Lane.

Will he get one in 2013?

• 87 career wins, 301 top 5's, 418 top 10's, and a Hendrick Motorsports car....It's tough to bet against Gordon. In the last four races Gordon does have two 3rd place finishes and has looked poised to be a front runner again. I think he gets at least one this season and will slip into the Chase, but it wont be easy.