Sprint Cup 2011: Race 34 -- Three to Go

And now there are three, and Texas Motor Speedway is one tough destination for Sunday’s AAA 500. Carl Edwards and especially Tony Stewart (-8) are talking championship trash after Martinsville’s demolition derby. However, they are not the only contenders with three races remaining. Kevin Harvick is only -21 out of first while Brad Keselowski sits back -27. We’re keeping Matt Kenseth in the picture, who’d need to make up 12 points a race to be in the championship picture at the end. Jimmie Johnson has a full field’s worth of points to overcome, -43; however, can we really rule out the defending five consecutive champ.

Here are where our contenders line up.

1-      Carl Edwards, #99, Ford, starts 7^th

2-      Tony Stewart, #14, Chevrolet, starts 5^th

3-      Kevin Harvick, #29, Chevrolet, starts 21^st

4-      Brad Keselowski, #2, Dodge, starts 8^th

5-      Matt Kenseth, #17, Ford, starts 3^rd

6-      Jimmie Johnson, #48, Chevrolet, starts 11^th

Given the top two contenders such elite starting positions adds to the intrigue as they will be fighting hard to maintain track position and execute flawless pit stops as an eight point lead can vanish quickly.

Weather should be ideal with temperatures in the low 70’s under partly cloudy skies.