NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: IRWIN Tools Night Race Preview

With just three races to go before the Chase begins, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series moves forward to Bristol Motor Speedway for a Saturday night short-track race this weekend.

Starting position is key at the track, as 80 percent of the races at Bristol have seen the winner start within the top-10. Furthermore, 33 percent of wins have come from the front row. When drivers qualify on Friday, they will be gunning for a good starting position.

Jamie McMurray leads the group of drivers who are on the bubble of advancing to the Chase, with Aric Almirola the first driver outside the top-16.

One notable name who is on the bubble is Jeff Gordon, who does not have a win in what is the final season of his career - but he does have five wins at Bristol in his career.

Tony Stewart is also on the bubble, although he is in a much more dire situation then Gordon, who is at least in the top-16 in points. Stewart currently stands in 27th position, and needs a win to make the Chase.

Joe Gibbs Racing has been hot of late, as Kyle Busch has been dominant so far this season, along with Matt Kenseth, who won the April race at Bristol. Kenseth will be looking for his second consecutive win on Saturday night.

The Busch brothers are other drivers to watch, as they have five wins each at Bristol, tied with Jeff Gordon for most among active drivers. That combined with the recent domination of Kyle Busch, and both are serious contenders this week. Coming into the race, Kurt Busch is seventh on the points grid, while Kyle is second based on his four wins this season.