Head2Head: Who's next for their first Cup victory?

Two words: Watkins Glen.

The New York road course still looms on the schedule and best suits Marcos Ambrose's driving style given his background in the European and Australian racing circuits.

Ambrose finished third at The Glen last year a day after winning the Nationwide Series race for his first, and only, NASCAR victory. He also finished third earlier this year at Sonoma.

But unlike many who have attempted the transition before him, Ambrose has made a steady progression since joining the NASCAR ranks in 2006 when he made 22 starts in the Truck Series. In his two full seasons in the Nationwide Series he finished in the top-10 in points both times.

Now, in his first full season in the Cup Series, Ambrose is 18th in points with two top-fives and four top-10s. He finished fourth at Talladega (superspeedway) and 10th at Bristol (short track). He was sixth at Pocono, a superspeedway in length but a road course in style. Return trips to all of those tracks remain in 2009.

But it's Watkins Glen that plays to Ambrose's strength at this early juncture in his NASCAR career. It will be his best shot at a win in 2009. It may be his only shot. Then again, no other driver in this category stands out anywhere.

There is one reason David Ragan will get his first Cup win before anyone else -- he's in better equipment. He simply has the best chance out there.

Sure, 2009 isn't going how it was expected to go. But before you look at his stats this season, let's remember this is a kid who had six top-fives and 14 top-10s and finished 13th in points just one year ago. This season was supposed to be his break out -- and while that doesn't look to be the case, he could easily go on a hot streak at anytime.

And the schedule sets up nicely for a strong Ragan second half. Ragan has two top-fives at Daytona -- and Michigan, New Hampshire, Dover, Kansas and Fontana are all upcoming tracks where Roush cars typically shine.

Of the drivers looking for their first Cup win, no one challenges Ragan.

A.J. Allmendinger could lose his ride. David Stremme, Reed Sorenson, Sam Hornish Jr. and Paul Menard are in sub-standard equipment that won't be up front at the end of the race. And Marcos Ambrose's only legitimate shot at a victory is Watkins Glen.

Despite his difficult '09 campaign, the fact is, Ragan could pull off a victory at anytime. He has the talent behind the wheel, he has the car and he has the team. It's just a matter of synching the three up at the same time.