FanHouse Warmup: LifeLock 400

The Essentials

Where: Michigan Int'l Speedway
Time: Sunday 2:00pm/EDT
TV/Radio: TNT, MRN Radio
Twitter: At-track updates at FanHouseRacing
Forecast: 75 degrees, Partly Sunny
Distance: 200 laps (400 miles)
Pole Winner: Brian Vickers
2008 Winner: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The Storylines

It's now been a full year since NASCAR's most popular driver was in victory lane and a Dale Earnhardt Jr. win on Sunday would be a nice-sized upset -- though we can't really expect it.

After undergoing the crew chief change we all thought would never happen two weeeks ago, the No. 88 hasn't taken the world by storm, but it has certainly showed marked signs of improvement.

Earnhardt Jr. even commented on Saturday after posting the second-fastest lap time in practice about the level of support he's seen from his Rick Hendrick-owned team.

"I think Rick has gone far beyond what I anticipated in trying to get us assistance and trying to help me. More so, I'm surprised by how much the crew chiefs and drivers are participating and trying to help us," said Earnhardt Jr.

In other words, nearly any excuse to not start contending for Top-5s has started to lose credibility because of the resources Earnhardt Jr. has. I get the feeling, though, he wants it that way.

I can't say I'm disappointed to hear that Bruton Smith doesn't think there will be a Sprint Cup race at his 1.5-mile Kentucky Speedway in 2010.

The track hosted its annual Nationwide Series event on Saturday night with Joey Logano taking the checkers. From the laps I saw, the track has a little wider groove than most of the flatter, d-shaped tracks on the schedule, but still doesn't offer any 'wow!' factor to the average race viewer.

Have no fear, though -- Smith will get his way eventually and have Sprint Cup racing in Kentucky, but ya just might have to wait awhile.

Impeccable might be the best word to describe the forecast for Sunday's weather in Brooklyn, Mich., home of MIS, after a downright evil system or 12 threw off many racing plans over the past few weeks.

In fact, forecasters are saying it will be a mostly sunny day with a high of 74 degrees in the Irish Hills Region.

The Prediction

I'd feel beyond terrible if Brian Vickers handed Red Bull Racing their first team win ever and I didn't pick him. That leaves me without any options:

Geoffrey Miller: Brian Vickers