Kansas (Rd.#3): NASCAR Sprint Cup - UPDATED

Get ready for round three of the NASCAR Sprint Cup 'Chase' as the series makes its annual visit to the 1.5-mile oval at Kansas Speedway. The 'Cup' series has been racing at Kansas since 2001, an event that was won by 4-time champion Jeff Gordon. The 2002 round was also won by Gordon, but since then no other driver has won this race twice.

One interesting note is that in eight races, Kansas has twice been won from Pole (Joe Nemechek - 2004, Jimmie Johnson - 2008) and once from a second place (Jeff Gordon - 2001) starting position. Points leader Mark Martin will start the race from Pole, while Dale Earnhardt Jr will start second.

Could either driver turn their solid starting positions into a win ?

Maybe.

Though Jeff Gordon - starting 9th today - and Mark Martin have the best results over the eight-race history of Kansas, Jimmie Johnson is easily the best driver over the last three years.

Johnson also led both of yesterday's Saturday practice sessions by a significant margin.

So, today's pick is going to go to three-time champion Jimmie Johnson. Though Mark Martin may become the third pole sitter to take a Kansas victory.

You might also keep an eye on Greg Biffle (starting 31st) who has four top fives (Victory in 2007) in the last five races at Kansas Speedway. He even finished in the top five in 2008 after qualifying 18th.