BROOKLYN, Mich. -- When Kyle Larson was trying to hold off Chase Elliott at Michigan International Speedway last weekend, this much was certain: One of them was going to win a Sprint Cup race for the first time.The next generation of NASCAR standouts has quite an opportunity over these next couple months. With Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart fading from prominence and Dale Earnhardt Jr. sidelined with concussion problems, a handful of younger drivers have emerged in impressive fashion of late.The 24-year-old Larson ended up winning at Michigan, with the 20-year-old Elliott coming in second. Ryan Blaney was fourth, equaling the highest finish of the 22-year-olds career.When we took that last restart I saw three guys up there that hadnt won before, six-time series champion Jimmie Johnson said. In my mind I thought, `Man, I hope one of these guys gets it.Larson wrapped up a spot in the Chase with his victory at Michigan, and Elliott seems likely to get in, too. Chris Buescher has a berth waiting for him if the 23-year-old can remain in the top 30 in points. His victory at Pocono was the first of his career.Last years Chase did not include a single driver under 25.Gordon retired at the end of last season, although hes been back behind the wheel recently to replace the injured Earnhardt. Elliott has replaced Gordon in the No. 24 car and has 12 top-10 finishes this year, an encouraging sign amid a tough year for Hendrick Motorsports.Gordons retirement as a full-time driver and Earnhardts concussion problems have driven home the fact that NASCAR wont be able to rely on its biggest names forever. Stewart plans to retire after this season, and even Johnson is all the way down in ninth place in the standings.The first race at Michigan back in June had the youngest top three in Sprint Cup history, with Joey Logano (26) finishing ahead of Elliott and Larson. Last weekend, it was Larson and Elliott going 1-2. Both were driving Chevrolets.Chevy has had a fortunate lineup of drivers and team owners, some of the very best in the industry, said Jim Campbell, vice president of performance vehicles and motorsports for Chevrolet. As some of them retire, and we are working with our team owners to bring guys in like Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson, it really bodes well for the future. Were proud of those guys. Theyre incredibly talented and surrounded by great teams.Larsons victory snapped a 99-race losing skid for Chip Ganassi Racing, and the owner expressed confidence that his young driver wouldnt be making a jump to another team any time soon.His contract came up one time. I said, `What do you think about these other teams that are talking to you? Ill never forget his answer. He said, `They all had a shot at me the first time around and they passed, Ganassi said. To say hes the foundation of the team, sure. Any time you have a young guy come along that can win, sure, you want to rally around that.Larson was the first graduate of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity and NASCAR Next programs to win a Sprint Cup race. It happened in his 99th start.I wouldnt have been surprised if he won in his first two or three starts, and wouldnt be surprised if it took him 10 years. Theres no guarantees at this level, said Brad Keselowski, who finished third Sunday. Theres too many pieces. Being a great driver alone is not enough to guarantee success. Everything has to come together. ... I look forward to racing him and Chase and Ryan Blaney and all those guys for years to come.---Follow Noah Trister at www.Twitter.com/noahtristerNike Air Max Baratas Online . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. Air Max Venta Online .C. Lions has come to an end. Banks told TSN on Jan 2 that he had no interest in playing out the option year of his contract with the Lions in 2014, and he again made that clear in a conversation with Lions GM Wally Buono last week. http://www.airmaxbaratasoutlet.es/ . But Bourque, who has missed three games with a lower-body injury, wont be in the lineup when the Habs travel to Buffalo to take on the Sabres on Wednesday. Nike Air Max Ofertas . At a Manhattan federal court hearing, attorney Jordan Siev said his law office has gotten more evidence nearly every day to support its lawsuit accusing MLB and Selig of going on a "witch hunt" to ruin Rodriguezs reputation and career. He said the defendants went "way over the line. Air Max Outlet España .H. -- Matt Kenseth made it 2 for 2 in the Chase, holding off teammate Kyle Busch to win Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona Cardinals already were having problems protecting Carson Palmer. Now they must deal with the loss of Jared Veldheer.The 6-foot-8, 321-pound left tackle is out for the season with a torn triceps, an injury that occurred in the Cardinals 30-20 loss at Carolina two weekends ago.Veldheer has been the anchor of the Arizona offensive line since he signed as a free agent in 2014 after spending his first four NFL seasons in Oakland.Palmer called Veldheer one of the best tackles in the league for a long time.His production, his professionalism, his athleticism, his power, his leadership, its irreplaceable, Palmer said Wednesday.Stepping into that considerable void Sunday, when Arizona is home against San Francisco, steps John Wetzel, an imposing figure in his own right at 6-7 and 328 pounds.But Veldheer has 88 career starts. Wetzel has one, at left guard against the New York Jets on Oct. 17 when Mike Iupati was out with an ankle injury against.Wetzel, undrafted out of Boston College in 2013, signed a rookie free agent contract with Oakland but was released before the season started. He was on the practice squads of Dallas and Indianapolis before being signed the Cardinals practice squad last Dec. 9. Wetzel made the 53-man Arizona roster as a backup this season.I feel ready, he said. It helps that I started a game already this year and played a little bit in the San Fran game. That helps a lot, just the mental aspect of getting adjusted to the speed of things. Ive still got a lot of work to do in practice coming up this week, got to get some technical stuff worked on, but by Sunday I should be pretty good.Wetzel has appeared in all eight games, mostly on special teams before his stint at guard. He played the entire second half against Carolina at tackle after Veldheer was hurt.Its really unfortunate what happened to Jared, you dont want to see that, Wetzel said, but Im looking forward to being part of the team, doing a little bit more than I was, just doing what I can to help out, get some wins.Coach Bruce Arians said hes very comfortable with Wetzels new role.Thats a more comfortable spot for him (than guard), and hes tough and smart, Arians said. Will he get beat? Proobably now and then.dddddddddddd They all do -- Jared did too -- but hell do fine.Wetzel agreed tackle is his best position.Ive played it more, Ive got more experience, he said. Really I only first started playing guard when I was in Dallas due to injuries, played a little bit one preseason game and thats about it.Palmer voiced confidence in Wetzel.Wetz is ready, Wetz is excited, Palmer said. When I talk about guys being here (during the bye weekend), Wetz was around, watching film, studying, working on his technique. Hes a physical specimen, so I dont think hell be one of those guys that has that kind of deer-in-the-headlights look.Its a second change on the line this season. Earl Watford is at right guard after Evan Mathis, a free agent signee in the offseason -- was lost for the season with an ankle injury at San Francisco on Oct. 6.Palmer threw for a season-high 363 yards against Carolina but was sacked a season-worst eight times.It was really the two interior guys (Iupati and Watford) whod been there, Arians said. So yeah, theyve got to protect the quarterback better and then block for the running game. The challenge never changes. Theyve got to block.The Cardinals have allowed 25 sacks this season. Only Indianapolis (30) and Cleveland (26) have given up more. Arizonas allowed 60 quarterback hits, fifth-most in the league.Wednesday was a veterans day off for Palmer. The 36-year-old quarterback said that his 14 NFL seasons have made him appreciate the extra rest.I was a gym rat for so long, he said. I want every rep and Im greedy with every rep, but Ive learned to understand the importance of recovery and rest and sleep and all those things. I understand how important it is for feeling great Sunday.Game notes Asked if he was ready to declare defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (shoulder) out for the 49er game, Arians said not yet. ... Mathieu and cornerback Tharold Simon (ankle) did not practice. ... Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (ankle) was among five players that were limited.---For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '