Nationwide regulars competing well with Sprint Cup rivals

JIM UTTER, jutter@charlotteobserver.com

Friday, Jul. 18, 2008

It could be partially because of the different cars used, but this season's Nationwide Series “regulars” appear to be much more competitive against the Sprint Cup Series drivers, even in companion weekend events when the number of Cup drivers typically increase.

Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano, for instance, appear just as strong in races with several Cup drivers as without. Even in the series standings, five of the top-10 drivers are not Cup regulars.

Good move by NASCAR to transfer the series' most popular driver award to NASCAR.com which has produced a large response (more than 38,000 votes so far). In previous seasons, the award had been determined by a ballot in NASCAR Insider magazine.

Elevator

LANDON CASSILL

Two top-10 finishes and a pole during past five races.

CLINT BOWYER

He continues to keep all challengers for the series title at arm's length.

BRAD COLEMAN

One finish of 15th or better during past eight races.

3 Things to Watch

1 JOEY LOGANO: Returns to Joe Gibbs Racing's No.20 team this week looking to pick up where he left off – with three finishes of sixth or better during his four races.

2REED SORENSON: Returns to the scene of his last NASCAR victory looking to repeat his victory of a year ago and add a spark to his season.

3 SCOTT WIMMER: Has finished in the top 10 in each of his past three races at the track, including a second-place finish behind Sorenson a year ago.

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