Stevie Larson was in the lead for most of the first half of the season, but a cold streak combined with a hot streak from Mark Smith saw the two front-runners flip places. After correctly choosing Brad Keselowski to win the Kentucky race, Larson has climbed back into contention, as he has 78 points, just eight back of Smith. Stephen Furst remains in third place, 35 points back of Smith entering the second half of the season.  Here are this week's picks. 


How it works

- Every week, the members of the VAVEL NASCAR team choose who they think will win that week's race, as well as why they chose that particular driver.

- After each race, points are tallied based on the following criteria:

- 10 points for a win, going down in descending order with a 10th place finish getting one point

- Every 10 laps led gets a bonus point added


The standings

Here are the standings entering this weekend's New Hampshire 301 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway


This week's picks

Mark Smith

Driver: Joey Logano

Reason: "The driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford is always strong on short tracks in the Sprint Cup Series and I see this Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway being no different. Logano already has a win this season but will be back in Victory Lane on Sunday evening."

Stevie Larson

Driver: Jimmie Johnson

Reason: "Johnson has three career wins at the track in 28 starts. He is one of just three drivers in the field to have three wins. Combine that with him already having two wins this season, and I think that Johnson will win this weekend's race at New Hampshire."

Stephen Furst

Driver: Brad Keselowski

Reason: "Keselowski always runs well at NHMS. Look for him to dominate this race and lead the most laps. He will be in victory lane at the end of the day.
 

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About the author
Stevie Larson
NASCAR Editor, Minnesota sports fan. Contact: [email protected]