Atlanta - The Evernham aero program is the best in the business on intermediate tracks, giving Kasey Kahne the edge at Atlanta.
Bristol - The Car of Tomorrow debuts at Bristol in March, which makes no sense to us. Those front splitters are very fragile, and with all the bumpin’ and bangin’ that takes place, we’ll either see the cleanest, most boring Bristol race in history, or there won’t be many front splitters — or cars — left.
California - In Fontana, aerodynamics are the key. The best aero numbers will win out at the 2-mile California Speedway, once again giving young Kasey Kahne the advantage.
Chicago - We’ll take Jimmie Johnson as our favorite at Chicago. Although he has never won at the 1.5-mile track, Johnson has averaged a 3.6-place finish in his five trips to the Windy City.
Darlington - Always one of the toughest courses on the Cup schedule, Darlington will be even more of a challenge this season, especially if the Car of Tomorrow leads to increased passing opportunities as hoped.
Daytona -There are few drivers with the ability to prosper on plate tracks. Two-time Cup champ Tony Stewart has won two of the last three races at Daytona, but neither was the Daytona 500.
Dover - The Car of Tomorrow will be used in both events at Dover this season. While that makes for some uncertainty, we still have no choice but to go on track record alone.
Homestead - The season finale in South Florida is a unique stop on the Cup schedule. There are always one or two Chase contenders who are trying their best to play it safe and walk away with a championship.
Indianapolis - The Brickyard is home to Tony Stewart. His win here in 2005 was arguably the biggest, and definitely the most emotional, of his Cup career.
Infineon - There are a handful of road warriors who contend at Infineon every year. That list is headlined by Jeff Gordon, who has five wins in Sonoma, and Tony Stewart, who has a pair of victories at the California road course.
Kansas - Tony Stewart coasted to the checkered flag in neutral last season with an empty tank of gas. While some claim he stole the win, his career stats on the plains tell us it was only a matter of time.
Las Vegas - It’s a roll of the dice in Vegas as far as picking this year’s winner is concerned. With a new surface and higher banking, the track should feature more side-by-side racing in 2007.
Lowes - Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne have absolutely dominated Lowe’s Motor Speedway over the last four seasons, combining to win seven of the last eight pointspaying events.
Martinsville - The Martinsville events this season could have a markedly different look than in years past.
Michigan - Michigan is Jack Roush country. The Roush aero package on intermediate tracks has outperformed the best of the rest.
New Hampshire - The Car of Tomorrow should add more excitement, with increased passing at the flat New Hampshire oval.
Phoenix - The Car of Tomorrow will make its debut on a race track that’s one mile long or longer — a superspeedway — at the Phoenix event in Week 8.
Pocono - The 2.5-mile Pennsylvania triangle was at least one driver’s favorite track. In his rookie season, Denny Hamlin earned the first two wins of his young career.
Richmond - The short track at Richmond will have the Car of Tomorrow factor to consider. Last year, Kevin Harvick won in September and finished third in May, leading a total of 326 laps between the two races.
Talladega - The spring race at Talladega is the last time Alabama will have a chance to see the current stock car. The fall race will debut the Car of Tomorrow for plate racing.
Texas - In the 12-race history at Texas, there has never been a multiple winner. Seven different Fords, three different Chevrolets and two different Dodges have taken the checkers at the 1.5-mile intermediate track in Fort Worth, which hosted an annual spring race from 1997-2004 before adding a second fall race in 2005.
Watkins Glen - This season, the Car of Tomorrow is in play, making Robby Gordon a frontrunner. With a new ride across the board, Robby’s talent should allow him to outrun other drivers on the 11-turn New York track.