<I>Crash.Net Preview</I> - UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400

Suitably refreshed after their week off, even if nearly a dozen series regulars chose to race in Mexico City last weekend, the Nextel Cup rabble are ready to hit the town in Las Vegas for this Sunday's UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400.

The most recent race in California may have signalled the 'start' of the season, but this weekend's race in Vegas sees the season truly begin in earnest as the first of five races on consecutive weekends and if the Auto Club 500 is anything to go by, Roush Racing will be the team to beat once again.

Last year Roush placed three cars in the top ten but were beaten to the chequered flag by Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch, who were also strong in Fontana with Johnson chasing eventual winner Matt Kenseth to the chequered flag and the younger Busch brother finishing tenth.

But despite their defeat at the hands of Rick Hendrick's team last year, Jack Roush's operation are still the undisputed kings of Las Vegas with five wins from eight races including two for Fontana winner Kenseth. While Kenseth did not have the demoralising speed of teammate Greg Biffle in California, he had the ability to make his motor last the final, vital 50 laps. Even during the midst of a poor start to the 2005 season Kenseth was still able to make up two laps and finish eighth in Vegas last year.

Biffle should be strong once again, after proving last week that his unspectacular run through Daytona wasn't indicative of his true form with the thus-far impressive new Ford Fusion, a car that has displayed none of the problems associated with the new-for-2005 Dodge Charger model. Even though Biffle has less race laps at Las Vegas than any other track courtesy of his failure to qualify for the 2003 race, he should still be a contender following his sixth place finish in Vegas last year, if he can persuade his undeniably potent engine to hold together.

Current championship leader Johnson only has one career top five finish in 'Sin City' although with that top five finish resulting in his trip to victory lane one year ago, the #48 Hendrick Chevrolet will be one to watch on Sunday. With any nerves over stand-in crew chief Darian Grubb's ability to get to grips, literally, with the aerodynamically sensitive tracks such as Fontana and Vegas somewhat dimmed after his runner-up finish last time out, Johnson should be in his comfort zone right from the moment the trailer is unloaded.

In addition to Johnson, Kyle Busch, Biffle and Kenseth, Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Casey Mears, Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart also finished in the top ten last year. Of the second group, only Mears comes into the event on the heels of a top ten finish in California.

While other teams struggle with the Dodge Charger, Mears and his Ganassi Racing team have been the most competitive of the Mopar bunch thus far in 2006. A strong second in points and last year's top Dodge finisher in Vegas, Sunday is as good a chance as any for Mears to score his first Nextel Cup win.

While Penske Racing's decision to revert to the 2004 model Dodge in California failed to pay off, Ray Evernham's decision to stick with the Charger did pay dividends as Kasey Kahne finished a strong fourth. With last seasons sophomore blues behind him, Kahne could be back to the form that saw him claim pole and finish second in Las Vegas two years ago.

Last year's Vegas race was where Dale Earnhardt Jr's season really started to fall apart as an early crash left him 42nd on the results sheets. While his California performance didn't set any records, the fact that Earnhardt Jr and his #8 Budweiser team were able to persevere for a top ten finish bodes well.

Finally, Tony Stewart was back to his 'best' in Fontana, driving aggressively, fairly and more importantly, very quickly before his engine let go within sight of the finishing post. With his Joe Gibbs teammates JJ Yeley and Denny Hamlin both finishing well though, Stewart's performance through the first 200 laps is a good signifier that Gibbs is capable of challenging Roush and Hendrick.

So what kind of race can we expect on Sunday. Well, last year's UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 set a record for leaders and caution flags as teams grappled with the then-new aerodynamic and tyre regulations. This year should be little different, with the track allowing better racing year after year but while a competitive race is predicted, the number of lead changes involving drivers from teams other than Roush, Hendrick and Gibbs could be very few.