Turn 11 will produce drama: TNT’s coverage of Nascar is always advertising how it loves drama, and Turn 11 is going to produce it. Drivers have to slow all the way down to 35 mph to conquer the u-shaped turn. Top contenders get taken out, temper flare, and words get exchanged over the radio. Expect thistreacherous turn to upset drivers throughout the day.3. Dale Junior WILL NOT go back to back: It’s simple statistics here Junior nation, your driver is not road course savvy like Jeff Gordon or Boris Said. In 8 starts at Infineon, Junior has averaged a 22nd place finish, and has yet to finish a race in the top 10. If anything, fans should hope the Sonoma race ends up being a gas mileage battle.

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.4. Robby Gordon could take the spotlight: This is one of two races that Robby Gordon circled on his calendar at the beginning of the year. Gordon has always seemed to show his best at the road course races on Nascar’s schedule. I would not be surprised if Gordon is in contention at races end. This is the race that could finally get Robby Gordon Motorsports to where it needs to be.5. Familiar Cars, Unfamiliar faces: Infineon’s race is unique because weekly drivers are booted in favor of the road course specialists This year is no different.

Canadian Ron Fellows will continue his persuit of his first Nascar win in the DEI owned 01 car. Scott Pruett will replace Reed Sorenson in the 41 Target car. (who didn’t see that one coming?) Scott Riggs will give up his seat to Cart veteran Max Papis and will move over to the 70 car. I am guessing ol’ Scott will have an early start to his weekend plans. What does this do for teams? It helps struggling teams gain points it wouldn’t have with their usual drivers, and gives them a chance to crack the top 35. Other teams make the move to solidify their status in the owner points.6.