Race No. 5 of the NASCAR Chase for the Nextel Cup heads to Charlotte this weekend here are some things to watch for:

Who’s hot: After escaping Talladega with his car intact, Mark Martin is 10 points behind leader Jeff Burton and looking strong. Roush Racing cars have traditionally performed well at Charlotte, so don’t be surprised to see Martin in victory lane this weekend.

Who’s not: After two straight weeks finishing outside the top 10, Denny Hamlin needs a strong run this week. Last week, he did gain points on Burton, but he dropped three spots in the standings, however. Hamlin could really use a solid finish if just to keep team confidence high.

Trends: Beware the upstarts. Brian Vickers won at Talladega last week, but took out two Chase contenders (Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jimmie Johnson) in the process. Be it a ride next year, potential sponsors or just pride, the other 33 guys who aren’t in the Chase have something to race for too.

Keep an eye on: The weather. It’s going to be cool under the lights at Lowe’s. So the track conditions aren’t going to change that much. So either guys are going to have the setup or they’re not.

Chasers with wins at this track: Jimmie Johnson (5), Jeff Gordon (4), Mark Martin (4), Jeff Burton (2), Matt Kenseth, Kasey Kahne.

A look ahead: Next week the Nextel Cup Series goes to the shortest NASCAR short track: Martinsville.

Quotable:

“It’s a great place for us. We just show up and attack it. We approach the track the same way that we have. With all the different surface changes, there is still a way to drive the track with a certain style in how to get around there. — Jimmie Johnson about driving at Lowe’s Motor Speedway