[G-men]

NASCAR Jack: Points to ponder for Michigan
By NASCAR JACK

Here are some facts to consider leading into Sunday’s Carfax 400 at Michigan International Speedway:

--This could be a breakthrough race for Roush Fenway Racing who have only two wins this season. They are tied with the most wins (11) at MIS with Wood Brothers. By any standards, Matt Kenseth’s two wins are a dismal total for a team that considers themselves the equal of Hendrick Motorsports. You might want to think about betting on Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle or Kenseth this Sunday. It's the best chance for a RFR win to date.

--Jimmie Johnson is 0-15 at this track. His average finish is pretty good at 14.9 but he hasn’t been able to close the deal. In the race here in June, he led most of the way but ran out of fuel at the end and finished 22nd, making Mark Martin a very happy race winner. He has a lowly (for him) two Top 10s. Maybe he should go directly to Bristol this weekend. Be sure to fill up on the way, J.J.

--Mark Martin should be smiling so widely his wrinkles might break. He has five wins, 17 Top 5s, 29 Top 10s and a AF of 12.9 at MIS. He won’t be skipping this race.

--Dale Earnhardt Jr. will start race number 350 of his career at Michigan, home of his last win many, many laps ago. A combination of inattention on his part along with some terrible luck with cars self-destructing and being collected in wrecks has made this the season from hell for Junior. Will things turn around for him Sunday? NASCAR would embrace a win for the No. 88 ride.

[head_strong]

--Jimmie Johnson is 0-15 at this track. His average finish is pretty good at 14.9 but he hasn’t been able to close the deal. In the race here in June, he led most of the way but ran out of fuel at the end and finished 22nd, making Mark Martin a very happy race winner. He has a lowly (for him) two Top 10s. Maybe he should go directly to Bristol this weekend. Be sure to fill up on the way, J.J.

Speed Row Bet: (3 Drivers order of finish) put JJ 3rd in whatever pairing he is in.....