Why Kurt Busch will win at Bristol

Motivation. Sharpie, one of Busch's sponsors, is the title sponsor of the track's August night race. That should light a tire under Busch for the April 3 race. To get better at the track, he continues to test there, including once already this year--because, he says, his team must stay good where it sparkles in addition to improving where it struggles.

Patience. The key at Bristol is keeping your cool and keeping the fenders on the car. By winning four of the past six Cup races there, Busch has shown he has figured that out.

Touch. Busch has an uncanny feel for what the car is doing. At a track where a car's setup is far more important than its horsepower, a team that makes the fight balance adjustments during the race will consistently challenge for the victory.

Confidence. Late in last spring's race, crew chief Jimmy Fennig wanted Busch to come in for a set of tires. But Busch knew the car had a horsepower problem. Less horsepower meant less wear on the tires. Less wear on the tires meant they would last longer. Busch defied Fennig and stayed out. He won the race.

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