Sprint Cup drivers to watch for today in the Pocono 5-hour Energy 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a driver to watch at Pocono
Credit: Karel Zubris for Skirts and Scuffs
The purpose of this series of articles is to draw attention to drivers who are excelling in racing and are on the move, looking forward in the career. Some of these drivers are hungry for a win after a long winless streak while others have never had the taste of victory yet and are awaiting their first trip to Victory Lane.

Today, NASCAR'S Sprint Cup drivers are in the Poconos for the 5-hour Energy 500. The race starts at 1 p.m. and remember, TNT is now airing the race.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is on a 106 race losing streak yet he's finished in second place three times this year. In 22 career starts at Pocono, he has yet to win a single race here. Today, he starts in 21st position. Last weekend, after another amazing run to the second place finish, he told reporters "We need to qualify better so we don't have to work so hard."

With that said, Earnhardt Jr. is 3rd in points, if he keeps up with consistent top five finishes and gets a win this year, the dream of a Cup Championship win could be a reality.

Sam Hornish Jr. returns to Sprint Cup racing today; he qualified in 26th. To get all of the information on his luck to race today, be sure to check out Rebecca Kivaks article. "

Regan Smith surprised him self in Darlington by winning the Southern 500 on May 7th. It was his first career win in Sprint Cup as it was Furniture Row's first victory. Today, Smith qualified in the top 5.

Kevin Harvick has won three races this year, two of them being lucky wins when he popped out of nowhere and given him a new nickname, The Closer. Drivers might want to watch out for "Happy Harvick," you never know when he'll sneak out from behind (your car) to win the race.

Last year, Harvick was a top 3 Championship contender with hopes to win the Cup. He's now 4th in points and could get a second chance to be the one to dethrone Jimmie Johnson at the end of the season.
Sprint Cup drivers to watch for today in the Pocono 5-hour Energy 500 Sprint Cup drivers to watch for today in the Pocono 5-hour Energy 500 Reviewed by Unknown on Sunday, June 12, 2011 Rating: 5