NASCAR Sylvania 300 2015: Preview and prediction

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Sep 20, 2015; Joliet, IL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) celebrates with a burnout after winning the MyAFibRisk.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

NASCAR heads to New Hampshire for the second time this season for the Sylvania 3oo.

“The Chase” is underway and after just one race, things have already heated up. Denny Hamlin punched his ticket to the next round by winning last week, but it was the story of what unfolded behind him and what happened after the race that has left everyone talking.

After one race at Chicagoland, it appears the seasons of Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer could very well be over. After rubbing cars with Jimmie Johnson last week, Harvick blew a tire and hit the wall. As a result of the wreck, Harvick tumbled to the bottom of the standings and his hopes of defending his title are over unless he picks up a win in the next two races.

After the race, Johnson and Harvick got into an altercation where Harvick shoved Johsnon. Harvick felt it was Johsnon’s fault for getting too close and causing the wrecking. He wasn’t the only one that had a bad day. After failing an opening-day inspection and racing with an illegal track bar, Clint Bowyer was fined 25 points and pushed past Harvick to the bottom of the standings.

Regardless of who is in last, both drivers have to win, or they will be among the first four drivers that are eliminated. This week at New Hampshire, both Harvick, Bowyer and the rest of the drivers will be giving it their all to punch their ticket to the next round of “The Chase.”

Joey Logano is the defending winner of the Sylvania 300 and earlier in the summer this year, Kyle Busch won the first race at New Hampshire. Both of those drivers are having fantastic starts to the postseason as they aim for their first Sprint Cup Championship.

This week at the Sylvania 300, they will once again be the favorites to win it again. Last week, Jeff Gordon had a chance to win his first race of the season with six laps to go, but without anyone behind to push him, he got sucked back into the pack. Overall, it was Gordon’s best performance of the season and he has begun to peak at the right time.

Race Notes

Track: New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Date/Time: Sunday, September 27, 2015 2:00 p.m. ET
TV: NBC Sports
Laps: 300
Most Wins: Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman and Clint Bowyer (2)

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