Pick 6: California 500

6. Mark Martin- Another top-5 could get the ageless wonder thinking about running the full schedule. I just can't imagine if heading into week 5 (Bristol, Martin's first scheduled week off) he is in the top-5 or 10 in points, that he wouldn't continue to run. That 2nd place finish in the Daytona 500 was no fluke.

5. Matt Kenseth- He won this race a year ago. He is, however, heading into his second consecutive week without crew chief Robbie Reiser, who was suspended. Always good for a top-15 and definitely a top-10 this weekend.

4. Jeff Gordon- Has had success in California in the past (3 wins). Last week he stumbled into a top-10 finish. That could have been that little spark of luck that Gordon needed to get things headed in the right direction.

3. Tony Stewart- The last time he finished 43rd in the Daytona 500 he won the 2002 championship. That 43rd was definitely a fluke. If he doesn't win this week, then he will be in the top-5.

2. Clint Bowyer- Ran strong last season at Fontana and has won there in the Busch Series. Richard Childress Racing is back with a vengence and looking to dominate this year. This would be a great week to make a strong statement, as RCR did last Sunday.

1. Kevin Harvick- The Daytona 500 champion looks like a serious contender after just one week. His win wasn't a fluke (notice a flukey theme?). That was one of the strongest last lap charges that I have ever seen. Could very well start the season off with two consecutive victories. California is his home state and that is his home track, so watch out for the Ronald McDonald car!

Photo: http://i.eurosport.com/2007/02/19/338928-1774621-458-238.jpg