Quick Picks for the big weekend

I've had these rattling around in my head for the past week, getting more and more confident as Sunday approached:

Monaco GP: Hopefully we'll get our first wet race of the year and Lewis Hamilton will remind the world of his capabilities. Outside chance: Mark Webber. Mark and Red Bull are typically in fine form at Monaco and a damp track should clear out enough spots up front to make his quali position less of an issue.

Indianapolis 500: All the signs are eerily pointing to The Danica, but I've been dazzled by Marco Andretti's performances so far at Indy. He's been too quiet this year.

Coca-Cola 600: Gotta go with JJ here. No team is more patient with changing track conditions and has that ability to just lay back in the weeds. Once the front runners chew up their equipment or lose the handle, the 48 will again be headed for victory lane at their home track. Outside chance: Kasey Kane whooped the all-stars here last weekend and he's dominated the 600 before, so don't count him out.

We Have Ourselves A Villain

All those pre-race invocations are certainly paying off for NASCAR. They've managed to get the sport's most insanely popular driver in championship contention with some top notch equipment. Now, barely a quarter of the way into the season, a worthy antagonist has entered stage right.

He's relishing the role, too. From last week's victory lane interview:

"I'm here to race. I'm here to win. If I win it must make them more upset and crying on their way back home."

Busch paused and then added, "By the way. Did somebody throw a beer can at me? Next time make sure it's full so I can enjoy it out there."

Could you possibly script it any better? Oh right, make sure this "villain" has an entirely legitimate axe to grind on account of being booted out of his seat to make way for NASCAR Jesus. Also ensure a well groomed press corps takes the opportunity to compare him to Jesus' daddy - that shouldn't get the base too fired up or anything.

Of course, if you really wanted to pour some gas on the blaze, you might even consider bringing up that awful looking goose egg in the win column as often as possible.

Sorry, did I imply that Earnhardt Junior is a tad overrated? Well he is:


The past few years have been great for us Jimmie Johnson fans. True, that outfit is chillingly competent and that's what we like about them - but JJ can come off as just too damn nice sometimes. I've always tended to cheer for the bad guys in movies and with the way this season is shaping up, it looks like I'm going to finally enjoy some guilt-free cheering for the bad guy on the track.