Logano faces big test at Richmond

Inside the Nationwide Series

JIM UTTER, jutter@charlotteobserver.com

Wednesday, Sep. 03, 2008

Observations

It's another big test for Joe Gibbs Racing upstart Joey Logano who not only will compete in the Nationwide race but will make his Sprint Cup Series debut this weekend at Richmond. How he handles the double duty - the Richmond schedule is one of the most compact in NASCAR - should give an indication of how he will handle himself next season when he is competing in both series most weekends.

It will be interesting to see how Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards will fair with their respective schedules if both drivers are competing for two championships as the season winds down. Edwards has already clinched a spot in the Chase; Bowyer will attempt to on Saturday. With one standalone Nationwide race left, travel should not be much of a concern. But it will be interesting to see where their priorities lie if either - or both - have their two championship runs clash?

Elevator

UP – Kyle Busch May not be in the championship hunt, but still a factor for wins every week.

UP – Carl Edwards Slowing closing on series leader Clint Bowyer.

DOWN - Brad Keselowski A bad finish exactly when he didn’t need it.

3 to Watch

BRYAN CLAUSON: Will finish the season with Chip Ganassi Racing’s Nationwide Series team which should help his development in hopes of running a full season in 2009.

JASON KELLER: Makes his 450th career start and on the march to get into the top-10 in points. He’s 27 points behind 10th place Marcos Ambrose.

AUSTIN DILLON: The 18-year-old grandson of veteran car owner Richard Childress will attempt his first series race. He is currently third in the Camping World East series.

This week’s race

Emerson Radio 250
Where: Richmond (Va.) International Raceway
When: 8 p.m. Friday
TV: ESPN2
Last year’s winner: Kyle Busch
Top 10 in points: 1. Clint Bowyer 3,913; 2. Brad Keselowski 3,709; 3. Carl Edwards 3,691; 4. David Reutimann 3,503; 5. Mike Bliss 3,474; 6. David Ragan 3,428; 7. Kyle Busch 3,344; 8. Mike Wallace 3,136; 9. Jason Leffler 3,129; 10. Marcos Ambrose 3,082

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