Sprint Summer Showdown Enters Finale
Sprint’s unique bonus program comes to an end this weekend, and it sets up to be an intriguing finale. The winners of Indianapolis (Paul Menard), Pocono (Brad Keselowski), Watkins Glen (Marcos Ambrose), Michigan (Kyle Busch) and Bristol (Keselowski again) are all eligible to win the $3 million bonus at Atlanta.

If one of those drivers wins Sunday’s race, a million dollars will be split evenly between the driver, the driver’s charity and one lucky fan. If Keselowski wins, the $1 million will be split evenly among two fans.

Wild Card And Bonus Points Up For Grabs
After race No. 26, the top-10 drivers will set up the first portion of the 12-driver Chase field. Spots 11 and 12 will go to those drivers with the most wins, provided they are inside the top 20.

Currently, Brad Keselowski (three wins) and Denny Hamlin (one win) reside in the two Wild Card spots.

After the Chase field is set, all drivers will have their points reset to 2,000, but only the top 10 will earn three bonus points for each regular season win. Currently, Kyle Busch leads with four wins – and 12 bonus points.

Only six bonus points – three per win – remain in this season.

Defending Winner Stewart Seeks Redemption
Atlanta comes at a nice time for Tony Stewart.

The two-time champion finished 28th at Bristol after starting 42nd. Clearly, it wasn’t one of Stewart’s best races. But last year’s race at Atlanta was – he ‘smoked’ the field, leading 176 laps.

Stewart, in 10th, enjoys a cushion of just 21 points over 11th-place Keselowski.

Newman: Milestone Pole Awaits
This weekend, a major track milestone will fall.

Newman, known for his qualifying prowess, is looking to win his eighth career pole. Currently, Newman is tied with NASCAR great Buddy Baker, a driver for whom Newman has great admiration.