Raceday at Bristol: All eyes on Edwards and Keselowski

THREE THINGS TO WATCH

1 . Will added SAFER barriers really tighten the racing at Bristol? There’s a mixed chorus from drivers, but if it does, Turn 4 will likely be a point of contention.

2. All eyes will be on Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski in today’s race, but it’s unlikely either would be foolish enough to intentionally get involved in another incident. However, NASCAR’s willingness to allow drivers to self-police and “have at it” should make for an interesting finish.

3. Jimmie Johnson may have won four consecutive Cup titles but one thing he still lacks on his resume is a win at Bristol. He starts fourth today; his third-best start in 17 races at the track.

OBSERVATIONS

--Lost in the Carl Edwards-Brad Keselowski aftermath, which includes several other Sprint Cup drivers continually expressing concern over Keselowski’s driving style, is this simple fact: NASCAR has never penalized Keselowski for any aggressive driving incident on the track. That’s right, NASCAR has never found anything wrong with any incident any other driver has accused Keselowski of instigating. Carl Edwards can’t say that. Most other drivers can’t say that, either. So if NASCAR doesn’t have a problem with how Keselowski drives, why should he make any effort to change?

--The further we go into the 2010 season the more legit Scott Speed appears. While he may not finish the season in the Top 12 and make the Chase, he has already shown far more patience and car control than a year ago.

--Bristol’s idea, started last season, to have drivers choose their own to song to be played at pre-race introductions is one of the most creative – and popular – in the sport.

JUST THE FACTS

Food City 500
Where: Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway
Track type: .533-mile highly banked concrete oval.
Race distance: 500 laps or 266.5 miles
When: Green flag is 1:13 p.m. Eastern.
Weather: Cloudy with a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers.
TV: Coverage begins at 1 p.m. on Fox.
Radio: Performance Racing Network

OBSERVER PICK
JIM UTTER

Yes, he has a bad starting position, but he’s still one of the best at Bristol and hasn’t finished worse than ninth in the first four races. Winner: Kevin Harvick

NOTES

NASCAR plans Road America test

In preparation for the first Nationwide Series race at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., NASCAR will conduct a test at the track Wednesday with road-racing ace Boris Said.

Said will drive a Roush Fenway Racing-prepared car and work with crew chief Mike Kelly. Information gleaned will be shared with teams planning to compete in the June 19 event.

Road America replaces the former event at the Milwaukee Mile on the schedule. Jeff Burton and Richard Childress Racing handled the Mexico City test, and RCR and Terry Labonte tested for the inaugural race at Montreal. Drivers in the tests cannot participate in the races.

Another Truex to debut in NASCAR

Ryan Truex, the 18-year-old brother of Cup driver Martin Truex Jr., will race in six Nationwide events this season with Michael Waltrip Racing, beginning July 17 at St. Louis. Ryan competes full time in the K&N Filters Pro Series East.

"I'm a racer and the best present anyone can give me is a chance to race," Ryan Truex said. "Our eye is on running full-time Nationwide in 2011, so I couldn't be happier."