ON THE FAST TRACK

As Cup Series drivers race to the playoffs, here are the NASCAR stories that have fans talking

- ROBERT EDELSTEIN

DON’T BE SURPRISED if NASCAR Cup Series drivers feel a little jumpy lining up at Nashville Superspeedway June 25. Coming off their last free weekend, they’ll be charging around the speedy 1 ß-mile concrete oval knowing it’s time to get in gear for a championship run. “In 10 weeks, we’re going to set this playoff field,” says NBC NASCAR analyst Steve Letarte of August’s Daytona race. “There’s anxiety: What things could you implement that might change the trajectory of your season?” It’s been competitive thus far. Letarte sizes up some of the most interesting stories.