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NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Ford 400 from Homestead-Miami Speedway

Totally reconfigured in 2003, Homestead-Miami Speedway is a 1.5-mile track that features variable banking in the corners that gradually increases from 18 degrees on the bottom to 20 at the top. Since the track only hosts the season finale, it is more important to consider a driver’s momentum and overall success on intermediate tracks this season in addition to historical stats at Homestead.

Chasing the pole at Homestead-Miami Speedway

1. Jimmie Johnson… Two poles in the last three starts at Homestead.
2. Scott Speed… Qualified on the outside pole in both career starts at Homestead.

Here’s an explanation of the highlighted text in the rankings.

• Y! A/B/C - The top options in the Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing game by driver list.

1. Jimmie Johnson… Average running position of 12th or better with at least one lap led in four straight starts at Homestead.
2. Denny Hamlin… Won 2009 race at Homestead, average running position of ninth or better in three straight starts.
3. Kevin Harvick… Three Top Fives in the last four starts at Homestead, seven Top 10s in nine career starts.
4. Carl Edwards… Won 2008 race at Homestead, five straight Top 10s- has never held an average running position worse than 15th.
5. Jeff Gordon… Nine Top 10s, five Top Fives in 11 career starts at Homestead.
6. Mark Martin… Finished 12th or better in three of the last four starts at Homestead.
7. Clint Bowyer… Three finishes of 11th or better in four career starts at Homestead.
8. Kyle Busch… Finished a career-best eighth last year at Homestead, average running position of 10th or better in two straight.
9. Matt Kenseth… Won 2007 race at Homestead, average running position of seventh or better in three of the last four starts.
10. Joey Logano… Finished 24th last year in first career Cup start at Homestead, 7.0 in two Nationwide starts.
11. Kurt Busch… Won 2002 race at Homestead, three Top Fives in the last five starts- two DNFs due to crash.
12. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (1999, 2000) at Homestead, average running position of eighth or better in two of the last three starts.
13. Jeff Burton… Runner-up last year at Homestead, first Top Five since 2003.
14. Greg Biffle… Three-time winner (2004-06) at Homestead, average finish of 15.0 in the last three starts.
15. Martin Truex Jr…. Four straight Top 10s at Homestead.
16. A.J. Allmendinger… Finished 11th and 10th in two career starts at Homestead.
17. Juan Pablo Montoya… Average running position of 12th in two of the last three starts at Homestead.
18. Jamie McMurray… Average finish of 15.8 in eight career starts at Homestead.
19. David Reutimann… Average running positions of eighth and 16th in the last two starts at Homestead.
20. Ryan Newman… Average running position of 18th or better in four of the last five starts at Homestead, one Top 10.
21. Kasey Kahne… Average finish of 17.5 in six career starts at Homestead, two Top 10s.
22. David Ragan… Average running position of 14th or better in two of the last three starts at Homestead.
23. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Average finish of 23.9 in 10 career starts at Homestead, two Top 15s.
24. Brad Keselowski… Average finish of 24.0 in two career starts at Homestead.
25. Paul Menard… Average finish of 27.0 in four career starts at Homestead.
26. Marcos Ambrose… Led four laps at Homestead last year, finished 35th.
27. Sam Hornish Jr…. Held an average running position of 17th last year at Homestead, finished 21st.
28. Scott Speed… Average finish of 21.5 in two career starts at Homestead.
29. Bill Elliott… Won 2001 race at Homestead, finished 12th and 16th in the last two starts.
30. Aric Almirola… Finished 35th in only career start at Homestead (2008).
31. Casey Mears… Average running position of 16th or better in three straight starts at Homestead.
32. Regan Smith… Average finish of 33.0 in four career starts at Homestead.
33. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 28.4 in 11 career starts at Homestead.
34. Dave Blaney… Average finish of 19.4 in nine career starts at Homestead.
35. Bobby Labonte… Won 2003 race at Homestead, average finish of 32.4 since 2005.
36. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 28.4 in five career starts at Homestead.
37. David Gilliland… Average finish of 30.2 in four career starts at Homestead.
38. Robby Gordon… Average finish of 28.9 in eight career starts at Homestead.
39. Patrick Carpentier… Finished 40th in only career start at Homestead (2007).
40. Andy Lally… Possible start and park.
41. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
42. Landon Cassill… Likely start and park.
43.  J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park.
44. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park.
45. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park. Two straight DNQs.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Kobalt Tools 500 at Phoenix International Raceway

The mile-long flat track in the desert, Phoenix International Raceway, is a unique tri-oval that features a dogleg between Turn Two and Three. Although each flat track on the schedule (Martinsville Speedway, PIR, Richmond International Raceway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway) all have their own unique elements, a driver with good braking skills can excel on all four.

Top drivers in 2010 races on flat tracks

	MVIL 1	PHX 1	RICH 1	NH 1	RICH 2	NH 2	MVIL2	AVG
Jeff Gordon	3	2	2	4	12	6	20	7.0
Jimmie Johnson	9	3	10	1	3	25	5	8.0
Kyle Busch	22	8	1	11	2	9	4	8.1
Denny Hamlin	1	30	11	14	1	2	1	8.6
Ryan Newman	4	1	8	6	11	8	30	9.7
Kevin Harvick	35	13	3	5	9	5	3	10.4
Carl Edwards	8	7	5	25	10	11	8	10.6
Clint Bowyer	7	9	12	7	6	1	38	11.4
Joey Logano	2	10	16	9	4	35	6	11.7
Jeff Burton	20	25	4	12	13	15	9	14.0
Matt Kenseth	18	6	13	17	14	23	15	15.1
Brad Keselowski	12	16	14	26	15	18	10	15.9
A.J. Allmendinger	38	15	17	10	8	12	12	16.0
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.	15	12	32	8	34	4	7	16.0
Marcos Ambrose	11	11	9	13	5	30	34	16.1
Jamie McMurray	30	24	19	18	17	3	11	17.4
Mark Martin	21	4	25	21	20	29	2	17.4
Martin Truex, Jr.	5	17	7	22	22	20	29	17.4

Chasing the pole at Phoenix International Raceway

1. A.J. Allmendinger… Won the pole in April start at Phoenix. Started third, sixth in the last two starts at Richmond and Loudon.
2. Juan Pablo Montoya… Qualified seventh in April start at Phoenix. Started second, fifth and fifth in the last three starts at Richmond, Loudon and Martinsville.

Here’s an explanation of the highlighted text in the rankings.

• Y! A/B/C - The top options in the Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing game by driver list.

1. Jimmie Johnson… Four-time winner (11/09, 08 sweep, 11/07) at Phoenix- eight straight Top Fives, has never held an average running position worse than 11th. Y!-A1
2. Denny Hamlin… Average running position of ninth or better in seven of 10 career starts at Phoenix- five Top Fives. Y!-A2
3. Kevin Harvick… Two-time winner (06 sweep) at Phoenix- finished 13th in April start, average running position of 10th. Y!-B1
4. Mark Martin… Two-time winner (4/09, 10/93) at Phoenix, three straight Top Fives. Y!-A3
5. Jeff Gordon… Won 4/07 race at Phoenix- finished ninth in last year’s Chase race, runner-up in April start. Y!-A4
6. Clint Bowyer… Average running position of seventh in two straight starts at Phoenix. Y!-B2
7. Kyle Busch… Won 11/05 race at Phoenix, average running position of 11th or better in seven straight starts.
8. Greg Biffle… Average running position of 13th or better in four of the last six starts at Phoenix- two Top Fives, five Top 15s.
9. Carl Edwards… Average running position of 10th in three of the last five starts at Phoenix- two Top Fives, four Top 10s.
10. Joey Logano… Finished 10th in April start at Phoenix, average running position of sixth. Y!-B3
11. Ryan Newman… Won 4/10 race at Phoenix, second Top 10 since 05. Y!-B4
12. Jeff Burton… Two-time winner (10/01, 11/00) at Phoenix, 18 Top 15s over the last 19 starts. Y!-B5
13. Kurt Busch… Won 4/05 race at Phoenix, average running position of third in three of the last four starts.
14. Tony Stewart… Won 11/99 race at Phoenix, average running position of 14th or better in eight of the last 10 starts.
15. Matt Kenseth… Won 11/02 race at Phoenix- finished sixth in April start, first Top 10 since 07. Y!-B6
16. Juan Pablo Montoya… Finished a career-best fifth in April start at Phoenix, average running position of third and 104 laps led.
17. Martin Truex Jr…. Average running position of ninth or better in five of nine career starts at Phoenix. Y!-B7
18. David Reutimann… Two Top 10s last year at Phoenix, finished 20th in April start. Y!-B8
19. A.J. Allmendinger… Average running position of 13th or 14th in three of four career starts at Phoenix. Y!-C1.
20. Marcos Ambrose… Two straight 11th-place finishes at Phoenix.
21. Kasey Kahne… Three Top 15s in the last four starts at Phoenix.
22. Jamie McMurray… Average finish of 20.9 in 14 career starts at Phoenix.
23. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Two-time winner (11/04, 11/03) at Phoenix, finished 12th in April start.
24. Brad Keselowski… Finished 16th in April start at Phoenix, three straight Top Fives in the Nationwide Series.
25. David Ragan… Average finish of 24.9 in seven career starts at Phoenix.
26. Sam Hornish Jr…. Three straight Top 20s at Phoenix, average running position of 10th in April start. Y!-C2
27. Paul Menard… Average finish of 25.0 in seven career starts at Phoenix. Y!-C3
28. Aric Almirola… Finished 26th in only career Cup start at Phoenix (07) Finished third in last year’s Truck race. Y!-C4
29. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 26.9 in 17 career starts at Phoenix.
30. Regan Smith… Average finish of 28.0 in four career starts at Phoenix.
31. Bill Elliott… Won 11/89 race at Phoenix, first start at the site since 08.
32. Robby Gordon… Average finish of 27.6 in 16 career starts at Phoenix, finished 14th in April start.
33. Scott Speed… Average finish of 32.0 in four career starts at Phoenix.
34. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 25.7 in seven career starts at Phoenix.
35. Casey Mears… Average finish of 27.2 in 12 career starts at Phoenix.
36. Bobby Labonte… Finished 27th in April start at Phoenix.
37. David Gilliland… Average finish of 28.0 in eight career starts at Phoenix.
38. Tony Raines… Average finish of 29.6 in eight career starts at Phoenix.
39. Brendan Gaughan… Possible start and park. No Cup starts since 04. Average finish of 10.0 in three career Nationwide starts at Phoenix.
40. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
41. Dave Blaney… Likely start and park.
42. Landon Cassill… Likely start and park.
43. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
44. Jason Leffler… Likely start and park.
45. Terry Labonte… Likely start and park. Won 10/94 race at Phoenix.
46. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park. Three straight DNQs.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: TUMS Fast Relief 500 from Martinsville Speedway

The half-mile, paperclip track known as Martinsville Speedway is among the most unique tracks in NASACAR. The long asphalt straightaways are twin drag strips connected by concrete corners. There are very few options when it comes to unearthing a legitimate sleeper for fantasy lineups as the elite drivers at Martinsville rarely disappoint. The final flat track race of the season is coming up shortly at Phoenix International Raceway. Drivers that find success here could also be riding high in the desert.

Chasing the pole at Martinsville Speedway

1. Jeff Gordon… Won the pole in 3/08 start at Martinsville, started second in 10/09 start.

Here’s an explanation of the highlighted text in the rankings.

• Y! A/B/C - The top options in the Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing game by driver list.

1.  Jimmie Johnson… Six-time winner (3/09, 10/08, 07 sweep, 10/06, 10/04) at Martinsville, 16 straight Top 10s. Average running position of eighth or better in 10 straight. Y!-A1
2. Denny Hamlin… Three-time winner (3/10, 10/09, 3/08) at Martinsville. Average finish of 6.6 in 10 career starts, has led 44.7 percent of the last three. Y!-A2
3. Jeff Gordon… Seven-time winner (05 sweep, 03 sweep, 10/99, 4/97, 9/96) at Martinsville, 11 straight Top Fives. Average running position of seventh or better in 10 straight, over 35 laps led in eight straight. Y!-A3
4. Kevin Harvick… Average running position of 10th or better in four of the last six starts at Martinsville. Y!-B1
5. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (4/06, 10/00) at Martinsville, three Top 10s with an average running position of 12th or better in three of the last five starts at Martinsville. Y!-A4
6. Clint Bowyer… Average running position of 12th or better in six of the last seven starts at Martinsville. Y!-B2
7. Carl Edwards… Three Top 10s in the last five starts at Martinsville.
8. Jeff Burton… Won 9/97 race at Martinsville. Race-high average running position of third in March start, finished 20th. Y!-B3
9. Mark Martin… Two-time winner (4/00, 4/92) at Martinsville, average running position of 10th or better in three straight starts.
10. Jamie McMurray… Average running position of 16th or better in seven of the last 10 starts at Martinsville. Y!-B4
11. Kurt Busch… Won 10/02 race at Martinsville, average running position of 12th or better in six of the last 11 starts, only three Top 15s.
12. Kyle Busch… One Top Five since 08, four finishes of 22nd or worse.
13. Ryan Newman… Three straight Top 10s at Martinsville. Y!-B5
14. Matt Kenseth… Only one Top 10 finish since 08 at Martinsville. Y!-B6
15. Greg Biffle… Only two Top 10s in 15 career starts at Martinsville.
16. Joey Logano… Runner-up in March start at Martinsville, average running position of 11th. Y!-B7
17. Martin Truex Jr…. Finished a career-best fifth in March start at Martinsville, average running position of 12th. Y!-B8
18. Kasey Kahne… Average finish of 19.5 in 13 career starts at Martinsville.
19. Juan Pablo Montoya… Average finish of 14.6 in seven career starts at Martinsville.
20. David Reutimann… Average running positions of 11th and 13th last year at Martinsville.
21. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Average running position of 11th or better in seven of the last eight starts at Martinsville
22. Paul Menard… Finished a career-best 14th in March start at Martinsville. Y!-C1
23. A.J. Allmendinger… Average finish of 28.2 in six career starts at Martinsville, two Top 15s. Y!-C2
24. Brad Keselowski… Finished 12th in March start at Martinsville, average running position of 20th.
25. Sam Hornish Jr…. Finished a career-best 13th in March start at Martinsville, average running position of 22nd. Y!-C3
26. Marcos Ambrose… Average finish of 17.3 in three career starts at Martinsville.
27. David Ragan… Average finish of 19.4 in eight career starts at Martinsville.
28. Regan Smith… Average finish of 28.5 in four career starts at Martinsville. Y!-C4
29. Scott Speed… Average finish of 33.2 in four career starts at Martinsville.
30. Casey Mears… Average running position of 14th or better in three of the last four starts at Martinsville (08-09).
31. Aric Almirola… Finished sixth in March Truck start at Martinsville.
32. Travis Kvapil…  Average finish of 27.8 in nine career starts at Martinsville.
33. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 24.7 in 23 career starts at Martinsville.
34. David Gilliland… Average finish of 30.2 in eight career starts at Martinsville.
35. Robby Gordon… Average finish of 34.6 in 20 career starts at Martinsville.
36. Tony Raines… Average finish of 22.3 in seven career starts at Martinsville (03-08).
37. Dave Blaney… Average finish of 31.4 in 19 career starts at Martinsville.
38. Kevin Conway… Finished 31st in March start at Martinsville.
39. Ken Schrader… No Cup starts since 08. Average finish of 17.8 in 47 career Cup starts at Martinsville (1985-2008).
40. Hermie Sadler… No Cup starts since 06. Average finish of 33.1 in nine career Cup starts at Martinsville (01-05). Finished 12th in March Truck race.
41. Dennis Setzer… No Cup starts since 98. Average finish of 10.2 in 20 career Truck starts at Martinsville.
42. Bobby Labonte… Possible start and park. Won 4/02 race at Martinsville.
43. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
44. Landon Cassill… Likely start and park.
45. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
46. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park.
47. Johnny Sauter… Likely start and park.
48. Terry Cook… Likely start and park.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Bank of America 500 from Charlotte

A total of four races have already been held on the three 1.5-mile cookie-cutter tracks with 24 degrees of corner banking, including the June event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Be sure to also include the results from Atlanta Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway when making fantasy selections. While the wear on each of these tracks will cause the speeds to vary, the skills and setup required to succeed are similar.

Top 10 Drivers thus far on 1.5 mi x 24° tracks

	ATL1	TX1	CHR1	ATL2	AVG
Kurt Busch	1	4	1	6	3.0
Kyle Busch	25	3	3	5	9.0
Matt Kenseth	2	20	10	11	10.8
Ryan Newman	17	11	9	8	11.3
A.J. Allmendinger	6	13	14	18	12.8
Kasey Kahne	4	5	12	32	13.3
Jimmie Johnson	12	2	37	3	13.5
Kevin Harvick	9	7	11	33	15.0
Jeff Burton	20	12	25	4	15.3
Tony Stewart	13	32	15	1	15.3

 Chasing the pole at Charlotte Motor Speedway

1. Ryan Newman… Won two of the last three poles at Charlotte. Started second in September start at Atlanta.
2. Jimmie Johnson… Won two of the last four poles at Charlotte.
3. Kasey Kahne… Five qualifying efforts of sixth or better over the last six starts at Charlotte.

Here’s an explanation of the highlighted text in the rankings.  Download a printer-friendly version here.

    * Y! A/B/C - The top options in the Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing game by driver list.

1. Jimmie Johnson… Six-time winner (10/09, 05 sweep, 04 sweep, 5/03) at Charlotte, laps led in 17 straight starts. Y!-A1
2. Jeff Gordon… Five-time winner (10/07, 10/99, 5/98, 5/97, 5/94) at Charlotte, finished of eighth or better five of the last six starts. Y!-A2
3. Kyle Busch… Six straight finishes of eighth or better at Charlotte, laps led in five. Y!-A3
4. Kurt Busch… Won 5/10 race at Charlotte, led 252 of 400 laps. Average running position of 13th or better in seven straight starts. Y!-A4
5. Kasey Kahne… Three-time winner (5/08, 06 sweep) at Charlotte, average running position of fifth in three of the last five starts. Y!-B1
6. Tony Stewart… Won 10/03 race at Charlotte, average running position of 14th or better in five straight, no Top 10s since 07.
7. Clint Bowyer… Average running position of eighth or better in three of the last four starts at Charlotte. Y!-B2
8. Kevin Harvick… Finished 11th in May start at Charlotte, best finish since 10/03. Y!-B3
9. Ryan Newman… Three straight finishes of 11th or better at Charlotte. Y!-B4
10. Jeff Burton… Three-time winner (10/08, 5/01, 5/99) at Charlotte. Average running position of ninth in May start, finished 25th. Y!-B5
11. Denny Hamlin… Only three Top 10s in 10 career starts at Charlotte, 18.5 average finish.
12. Mark Martin… Four-time winner (5/02, 10/98, 10/95, 10/92) at Charlotte, has never held an average running position worse than 15th.
13. Matt Kenseth… Won 5/00 race at Charlotte, four Top 10s in the last five starts. Y!-B6
14. Carl Edwards… Only one Top 10 in the last four starts at Charlotte. Average finish of 13.2 in 11 career starts.
15. Greg Biffle… Average running position of 15th or 17th in the last three starts at Charlotte.
16. David Reutimann… Won 5/09 race at Charlotte, finished fifth in May start with career-best average running position of fourth, 99.8 percent of laps in the Top 15. Y!-B7
17. Joey Logano… Average running position of 13th or better in all three career starts at Charlotte. Y!-B8
18. Jamie McMurray… Won 10/02 race at Charlotte. Runner-up in May start, average running position of seventh, 94.5 percent of laps in the Top 15.
19. Paul Menard… Finished a career-best eighth in May start Charlotte, average running position of 12th. Y!-C1
20. A.J. Allmendinger… Finished a career-best 14th in May start at Charlotte. Y!-C2
21. Brad Keselowski… Average finish of 16.0 in two career Cup starts at Charlotte.
22. Juan Pablo Montoya… Only one Top 10 in seven career starts at Charlotte, 30.0 average finish.
23. Martin Truex Jr…. Average running position of 18th or better in seven straight starts at Charlotte, only one Top 10.
24. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Average running position of 20th or worse in four straight starts at Charlotte.
25. Sam Hornish Jr…. Average finish of 21.6 in five career starts at Charlotte. Y!-C3
26. David Ragan… Average finish of 23.9 in seven career starts at Charlotte.
27. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 25.4 in 24 career starts at Charlotte.
28. Bill Elliott… Two-time winner (10/87, 10/84) at Charlotte, average finish of 28.0 in the last two starts. Y!-C4
29. Reed Sorenson… Average finish of 21.6 in eight career starts at Charlotte.
30. Regan Smith… Finished 22nd in May start at Charlotte, average running position of 22nd.
31. Scott Speed… Average finish of 25.3 in three career starts at Charlotte.
32. Marcos Ambrose… Average finish of 28.0 in three career starts at Charlotte.
33. Casey Mears… Won 5/07 race at Charlotte, four finishes of 29th or worse in the six starts since.
34. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 26.7 in seven career starts at Charlotte.
35. Dave Blaney… Average finish of 25.2 in 20 career starts at Charlotte.
36. Robby Gordon… Average finish of 28.2 in 20 career starts at Charlotte.
37. David Gilliland… Average finish of 29.5 in eight career starts at Charlotte.
38. Kevin Conway… Finished 35th in May start at Charlotte.
39. Patrick Carpentier… DNQ last week.
40. Bobby Labonte… Possible start and park. Two-time winner (10/00, 5/95) at Charlotte, finished 31st in the last two starts.
41. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
42. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
43. Andy Lally… Likely start and park.
44. Landon Cassill… Likely start and park.
45. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park.
46. Jason Leffler… Likely start and park.
47. Jeff Green… Likely start and park.
48. Johnny Sauter… Likely start and park.
49. Scott Riggs… Likely start and park.
50. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park. Two straight DNQs.
51. Brian Keselowski… Two DNQs this season.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Pepsi Max 400 from Auto Club Speedway

The racing at Auto Club Speedway is very fast and very spread out, so frontrunners can jump out to a big lead in a hurry. From a fantasy perspective, sleeper picks are few and far between because of the premium this track places on horsepower. The fastest cars will cut through traffic with ease. Long green flag runs can bring fuel mileage into play at the end of the race.

Chasing the pole at Auto Club Speedway

1. Jimmie Johnson… Average start of 8.7 in 15 career starts at Fontana.
2. Juan Pablo Montoya…Started second in Feb start at Fontana, fourth in last year’s Chase event.
3. Jamie McMurray… Won the pole in Feb start at Fontana.

Here’s an explanation of the highlighted text in the rankings.

Y! A/B/C - The top options in the Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing game by driver list.

1.  Jimmie Johnson… Five-time winner (2/10, 10/09, 8/08, 9/07, 4/02) at Fontana, average running position of fourth or better in six straight starts with over 70 laps led. Y!-A1
2. Kevin Harvick… Average running position of eighth or better in three of the last four starts at Fontana, runner-up in Feb with 27 laps led. Y!-B1
3. Greg Biffle… Won 2/05 race at Fontana, average running position of 13th or better in five straight with two Top Fives and Three Top 10s. Y!-A2
4. Carl Edwards… Won 2/08 race at Fontana, average finish of 7.2 in 12 career starts. Y!-A3
5. Tony Stewart… Average running position of 16th or better in 10 straight starts at Fontana, seven Top 10s. Y!-A4
6. Jeff Gordon… Three-time winner (5/04, 5/99, 6/97) at Fontana, average running position of 13th or better in 10 of the last 11 starts.
7. Kyle Busch… Won 9/05 race at Fontana, average running position of 12th or better in nine of the last 10 starts.
8. Kurt Busch… Won 4/03 race at Fontana, average finish of 6.3 in the last three starts.
9. Denny Hamlin… Average running position of 11th or better in three of the last four starts at Fontana.
10. Jeff Burton… Finished third and led 46 laps in Feb start at Fontana. Y!-B2
11. Matt Kenseth… Three-time winner (2/09, 2/07, 2/06) at Fontana, average running position of 12th or better in 10 of the last 11 starts. Y!-B3
12. Mark Martin… Won 5/98 race at Fontana, has finished fourth in two straight starts.
13. Juan Pablo Montoya… Finished 11th and third last year at Fontana, DNF (engine) in Feb.
14. Clint Bowyer… Three Top 10s in the last four starts at Fontana. Y!-B4
15. Kasey Kahne… Won 9/06 race at Fontana, four finishes of 12th or better in the last six starts. Y!-B5
16. Ryan Newman… Only one Top 10 since 06 at Fontana. Y!-B6
17. Jamie McMurray… Average finish of 16.4 in 14 career starts at Fontana. Y!-B7
18. David Reutimann… Average finish of 14.0 in the last four starts at Fontana. Y!-B8
19. Joey Logano… Finished fifth in Feb start at Fontana, average running position of 15th.
20. A.J. Allmendinger… Average finish of 23.8 in five career starts at Fontana, one Top 15. Y!-C1
21. Paul Menard… Finished a career-best 18th in Feb start at Fontana. Y!-C2
22. Martin Truex Jr…. Average finish of 21.6 in nine career starts at Fontana.
23. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Finished 25th or worse in five of the last seven starts at Fontana.
24. Brad Keselowski… Finished 21st in Feb start at Fontana.
25. David Ragan… Average finish of 14.6 in 13 career starts at Fontana.
26. Sam Hornish Jr…. Finished 12th and 16th in the last two starts at Fontana. Y!-C3
27. Scott Speed… Finished a career-best 11th in Feb start at Fontana. Y!-C4
28. Marcos Ambrose… Average finish of 28.0 in four career starts at Fontana.
29. Reed Sorenson… Average finish of 27.8 in eight career starts at Fontana.
30. Elliott Sadler… Won 9/04 race at Fontana, average finish of 28.3 since 07.
31. Regan Smith… Finished a career-best 19th in Feb start at Fontana.
32. Patrick Carpentier… Finished 18th in 8/08 start at Fontana.
33. Casey Mears… Average finish of 22.7 in 13 career starts at Fontana.
34. David Gilliland… Average finish of 27.9 in eight career starts at Fontana.
35. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 29.0 in seven career starts at Fontana.
36. Robby Gordon… Average finish of 28.1 in 16 career starts at Fontana, two straight DNFs.
37. Bobby Labonte… Average finish of 23.8 since 08 at Fontana.
38. Dave Blaney… Average finish of 30.9 in 15 career starts at Fontana.
39. Andy Lally… Likely start and park.
40. Landon Cassill… Likely start and park.
41. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
42. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
43. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park.
44. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park. DNQ last week.
45. Jason Leffler… Likely start and park. DNQ last week.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Price Chopper 400 from Kansas Speedway

There are several factors that make selecting drivers for Kansas Speedway difficult. The site has only hosted one race per season and is still relativity new. As the track wears and drivers begin to learn the best way to get around consistent performances have been hard to come by. Among the seven 1.5-mile tracks on the schedule, Kansas features the least amount of banking. In terms of configuration it is most similar to Chicagoland Speedway, which held its single event in June.

Don’t agree with my rankings? Leave your comments below!

Chasing the pole at Kansas Speedway

1. Jimmie Johnson… Won the pole in 07 and 08. Average start of 5.6 in eight career starts at Kansas.
2. Mark Martin… Won the pole last year at Kansas. Started second in 08.
3. Brad Keselowski… Qualified third last year, won the pole at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Here’s an explanation of the highlighted text in the rankings:

• Y! A/B/C - The top options in the Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing game by driver list.
• Value play - Sneaky plays at this week’s track. Drivers to consider as low-rent salary cap options or alternatives in allocation formats.

1. Jimmie Johnson… Won 08 race at Kansas. Four Top 10s in the last five starts. Over 50 laps led in three of the last four starts. Y!-A1
2. Jeff Gordon… Two-time winner (02, 01) at Kansas. Average finish of 8.9 in nine career starts, three straight Top Fives. Y!-A2
3. Denny Hamlin… Finished a career-best fifth last year at Kansas. Y!-A3
4. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (09, 06) at Kansas, average running position of 11th or better in four of the last five starts. Y!-A4
5. Kevin Harvick… Finished sixth in two of the last three starts at Kansas. Y!-B1
6. Greg Biffle… Won 07 race at Kansas, has finished third or better in five of the last six starts.
7. Carl Edwards… Two Top Fives, four Top 10s in the last five starts at Kansas.
8. Kyle Busch… One Top 10 in six career starts at Kansas, finished 12th last year.
9. Kurt Busch… Finished 11th in two of the last three starts at Kansas.
10. Clint Bowyer… Average finish of 11.0 in four career starts at Kansas. Y!-B2
11. Jeff Burton… Two Top 10s in nine career starts at Kansas. Y!-B3
12. Mark Martin… Won 05 race at Kansas, never held an average running position worse than 15th.
13. Kasey Kahne… Finished a career-best sixth last year at Kansas. Y!-B4
14. Juan Pablo Montoya… Finished a career-best fourth last year at Kansas.
15. David Reutimann… Finished a career-best eighth last year at Kansas. Y!-B5
16. Jamie McMurray… Average finish of 21.0 in seven starts at Kansas. Y!-B6
17. Matt Kenseth… Average running position of 13th or better in three of the last five starts at Kansas. Y!-B7
18. A.J. Allmendinger… Average finish of 13.0 in two career starts at Kansas. Y!-C1
19. Ryan Newman… Won 03 race at Kansas. Six straight finishes of 16th or worse at Kansas. Y!-B8
20. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Average running position of 10th or better in three of the last four starts at Kansas.
21. Martin Truex Jr…. Average running position of 14th or better in three of the last four starts at Kansas.
22. Brad Keselowski… Started third, finished 13th in first career Cup start at Kansas.
23. Marcos Ambrose… Finished a career-best 14th last year at Kansas.
24. Joey Logano… Average finish of 33.5 in two career starts at Kansas.
25. Sam Hornish Jr…. Finished a career-best 18th last year at Kansas. Y!-C2
26. Paul Menard… Average finish of 28.0 in nine career starts at Kansas. Y!-C3
27. Reed Sorenson… Average finish of 25.5 in four career starts at Kansas. Y!-C4
28. Casey Mears… Long shot value play. Average finish of 14.0 in seven career starts at Kansas.
29. Bill Elliott… Average finish of 22.0 in the last two starts at Kansas.
30. David Ragan… Average finish of 19.7 in three career starts at Kansas.
31. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 19.7 in nine career starts at Kansas.
32. Regan Smith… Finished 32nd in only career start at Kansas (08).
33. Scott Speed… Started 10th, finished 27th in first career Cup start at Kansas.
34. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 25.0 in three career starts at Kansas.
35. David Gilliland… Average finish of 26.0 in three career starts at Kansas.
36. Patrick Carpentier… Finished 29nd in only career start at Kansas (08).
37. Dave Blaney… Average finish of 25.8 in eight career starts at Kansas.
38. Bobby Labonte… DNF due to crash in three of the last five starts at Kansas.
39. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park. Won 04 race at Kansas.
40. Kevin Conway… Likely start and park. No career Cup starts at Kansas.
41. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
42. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park.
43. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park. Five DNQs this season.
44. Jason Leffler… Likely start and park.
45. TBA TRG Motorsports entry… Likely start and park.
46. TBA Gunselman Motorsports entry… Likely start and park.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Sylvania 300 from New Hampshire Motor Speedway

The braking skills needed to succeed at New Hampshire Motor Speedway also apply to the other flat tracks: Martinsville Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway and Richmond International Raceway, the site of last week’s race.

For those of you that want to play an all-new (and free) fantasy NASCAR game during the Chase for the Sprint Cup, check out the Onebadwheel Fantasy NASCAR Racing Cheatsheet Driver vs. Driver game!
Don’t agree with my rankings? Leave your comments below!

Chasing the pole at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

1.  Juan Pablo Montoya… Winner of two straight poles at Loudon.
2. Kurt Busch… Qualified third in his last two attempts at Loudon.

Here’s an explanation of the highlighted text in the rankings:

• Y! A/B/C - The top options in the Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing game by driver list.
• Value play - Sneaky plays at this week’s track. Drivers to consider as low-rent salary cap options or alternatives in allocation formats.

1. Denny Hamlin… Won 7/07 race at Loudon. Average finish of 8.2 in nine career starts at Loudon, has never finished worse than 15th. Y!-A1
2. Jimmie Johnson… Three-time winner (6/10, 03 sweep) at Loudon. Average running position of eighth or better in seven straight. Y!-A2
3. Kurt Busch… Three-time winner (6/08, 04 sweep) at Loudon. Average finish of 3.8 since 08. Y!-A3
4. Jeff Gordon… Three-time winner (8/98, 9/97, 7/95) at Loudon. Average finish of 8.2 in the last 10, runner-up three times. Y!-A4
5. Kevin Harvick… Won 9/06 race at Loudon. Finished fifth in June, average running position of 14th. Y!-B1
6. Kyle Busch… Won 7/06 race at Loudon, average finish of 7.7 in the last three.
7. Jeff Burton… Four-time winner (9/00, 7/99, 7/98, 7/97) at Loudon. Average running position of fifth in June and led 89 laps, finished 12th. Y!-B2
8. Clint Bowyer… Won 9/07 race at Loudon. Average running position of 15th or better in six straight at Loudon, two straight Top 10s. Y!-B3
9. Juan Pablo Montoya… Average running position of 13th or better in four straight at Loudon, ran fourth last Sept, sixth in June.
10. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (7/05, 7/00) at Loudon, average finish of 9.0 in 11 starts since 05.
11. Ryan Newman… Two-time winner (9/05, 9/02) at Loudon. Average running position of 10th in two straight. Y!-B4
12. Greg Biffle… Won 9/08 race at Loudon. Finished ninth in last year’s September race.
13. Kasey Kahne… Average running position of 12th or better in three of the last four at Loudon. Y!-B5
14. Carl Edwards… Only two Top 10s in 12 career starts at Loudon.
15. Matt Kenseth… Average finish of 20.6 in the last three at Loudon. Y!-B6
16. A.J. Allmendinger… Finished a career-best 10th in June at Loudon. Y!-C1
17. Joey Logano… Won 6/09 race at Loudon, finished ninth in June. Y!-B7
18. Jamie McMurray… Has finished 18th in two straight at Loudon. Y!-B8
19. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Average running position of 13th or better in eight straight at Loudon, finished eighth in June.
20. David Reutimann… Four straight Top 15 finishes at Loudon, one Top Five.
21. Mark Martin… Won 9/09 race at Loudon, finished 21st in June.
22. Martin Truex Jr…. Average finish of 4.8 from 07-08 at Loudon, 26.0 in the last three.
23. Marcos Ambrose… Average running position of 20th in two straight at Loudon.
24. Brad Keselowski… Average running positions of 23rd and 25th in two career starts at Loudon.
25. Reed Sorenson… Finished 24th in June at Loudon. Y!-C2
26. Paul Menard… Average finish of 29.3 in seven career starts at Loudon. Y!-C3
27. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 20.8 in 23 career starts at Loudon.
28. Robby Gordon… Won 11/01 race at Loudon. Average finish of 25.5 in last four at Loudon (08-09). Y!-C4
29. David Ragan… Average finish of 27.6 in seven career starts at Loudon.
30. Casey Mears… Finished 29th in June at Loudon, 11th and 13th last year.
31. Sam Hornish Jr…. Average finish of 27.4 in five career starts at Loudon.
32. Scott Speed… Average finish of 31.3 in three career starts at Loudon.
33. Regan Smith… Average finish of 29.7 in six career starts at Loudon.
34. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 30.3 in six career starts at Loudon (05-08).
35. Jeff Green… Average finish of 24.7 in 15 career starts at Loudon (1997-2007).
36. Bobby Labonte… Finished 30th in June at Loudon.
37. Dave Blaney… Average finish of 28.5 in 21 career starts at Loudon.
38. David Gilliland… Average finish of 35.3 in seven career starts at Loudon.
39. Tony Raines… Average finish of 29.9 in eight career starts at Loudon.
40. Andy Lally… Possible start and park.
41. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park. Won 9/99 race at Loudon.
42. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park.
43. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
44. Todd Bodine… Likely start and park.
45. Scott Riggs… Likely start and park.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Air Guard 400 from Richmond International Raceway

The quarter-mile, D-shaped flat track at Richmond International Raceway hosts the final regular season race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. RIR is also important to fantasy owners since it concludes the summer segment for many games.

For those of you that want to play an all-new (and free) fantasy NASCAR game during the Chase for the Sprint Cup, check out the Onebadwheel Fantasy NASCAR Racing Cheatsheet Driver vs. Driver game!

Don’t agree with my rankings? Leave your comments below!

Chasing the pole at Richmond International Raceway

1. Denny Hamlin… Qualified third in both Richmond starts last year.
2. Jimmie Johnson… Started third in May, fourth last Sept.
3. Martin Truex, Jr…. Started fourth and second last year at Richmond.

Here’s an explanation of the highlighted text in the rankings:

• Y! A/B/C - The top options in the Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing game by driver list.
• Value play - Sneaky plays at this week’s track. Drivers to consider as low-rent salary cap options or alternatives in allocation formats.

1. Denny Hamlin… Won 9/09 race at Richmond. Average start of 7.4, average finish of 8.8 in nine career starts, never held an average running position worse than eighth until May. Y!-A1
2. Kyle Busch… Two-time winner (5/10, 5/09) at Richmond, nine Top Fives in 11 career starts at RIR- has never held an average running position worse than 15th. Y!-A2
3. Jeff Gordon… Two-time winner (9/00, 3/96) at Richmond, average finish of 5.4 since ‘07- average of 92.6 laps led. Y!-A3
4. Kevin Harvick… Won 9/06 race at Richmond, 10 Top 10s over the last 11 starts at RIR. Y!-B1
5. Jimmie Johnson… Three-time winner (9/08, ‘07 sweep) at Richmond, finished 11th and 10th in the last two starts at RIR- held average running positions of sixth and ninth. Y!-A4
6. Jeff Burton… Won 9/98 race at Richmond, has finished sixth or better in three of the last four starts at RIR. Y!-B2
7. Clint Bowyer… Won 5/08 race at Richmond, average finish of 10.2 in nine career start- has never held an average running position worse than 15th. Y!-B3
8. Kurt Busch… Won 9/05 race at Richmond, two Top Fives, four Top 10s in the last seven starts at RIR.
9. Juan Pablo Montoya… Finished a career-best sixth in May at Richmond, average running position of seventh.
10. Ryan Newman… Won 9/03 race at Richmond, three straight Top 10s at RIR. Y!-B4
11. Carl Edwards… Finished a career-best fifth in May at Richmond, only four Top 10s in 12 career starts.
12. Tony Stewart… Three-time winner (5/02, 5/01, 9/99) at Richmond. Finished 17th and 23rd in the last two starts at RIR- had four straight Top Fives prior, runner-up three times.
13. Greg Biffle… Average finish of 19.7 since ‘07 at Richmond, no Top 10s.
14. Mark Martin… Won 3/90 race at Richmond, finished 25th in May- ended streak of four straight Top Fives at RIR.
15. Matt Kenseth… Won 9/02 race at Richmond, has finished 13th in two of the last three starts at RIR, no Top 10s since ‘07. Y!-B5
16. Kasey Kahne… Won 5/05 race at Richmond, average finish of 20.3 in the last four starts at RIR. Y!-B6
17. David Reutimann… Started second, finished 15th in May at Richmond- average running position of ninth. Y!-B7
18. Jamie McMurray… Average finish of 26.6 since ‘06 at Richmond, one Top 10. Y!-B8
19. A.J. Allmendinger… Finished career-best 17th in May at Richmond, average running position of 18th. ARP of 15th last Sept, finished 23rd. Y!-C1
20. Martin Truex Jr…. Strong value play. Held an average running position of 15th or better in four of the last five starts at Richmond, two Top 10 finishes.
21. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Three-time winner (5/06, 5/04, 5/00) at Richmond, only one Top 10 since winning in ‘06 - average finish of 26.6 in the last three starts at RIR.
22. Sam Hornish Jr…. Strong value play. Average finish of 7.0 last year at Richmond, DNF (crash) in May. Y!-C2
23. Marcos Ambrose… Strong value play. Average finish of 14.0 in three career starts at Richmond.
24. Joey Logano… Average finish of 16.3 in three career starts at Richmond.
25. Brad Keselowski… Started sixth, finished 14th in May at Richmond.
26. Paul Menard… Average finish of 27.4 in seven career starts at Richmond. Y!-C3
27. David Ragan… Average finish of 21.7 in seven career starts at Richmond.
28. Mattias Ekstrom… Second career Cup start, first on an oval. Y!-C4
29. Scott Speed… Average finish of 34.7 in the last three starts at Richmond.
30. Travis Kvapil… Long shot value play. Average finish of 22.1 in seven career starts at Richmond.
31. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 25.3 in 23 career starts at Richmond.
32. Dave Blaney… Average finish of 26.1 in 19 career starts at Richmond.
33. Regan Smith… Average finish of 28.5 in four career starts at Richmond.
34. David Gilliland… Average finish of 31.6 in eight career starts at Richmond.
35. Bobby Labonte… Average finish of 31.6 in the last three starts at Richmond.
36. Kevin Conway… Finished 37th in May, first career Cup start at Richmond.
37. Tony Raines… Average finish of 32.7 in 10 career starts at Richmond.
38. Jeff Green… Finished 24th at Bristol, first career Cup start since ‘07.
39. Casey Mears… Possible start and park.
40. Terry Labonte… Possible start and park.
41. Jason Leffler… No Cup starts since ‘08. DNQ last week.
42. Brian Keselowski… No career Cup starts. DNQ at Bristol.
43. Joe Nemechek… Won 5/03 race at Richmond. Likely start and park.
44. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
45. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park.
46. Landon Cassill… Likely start and park. DNQ last week.
47. Todd Bodine… Likely start and park. DNQ last week.
48. Scott Riggs… Likely start and park. Two DNQs in the last three races.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Emory Healthcare 500 Motor Speedway

The return trip to Atlanta Motor Speedway is a great time for fantasy owners to take advantage of the three races held on 1.5-mile tracks with 24 degrees of corner banking. Texas Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway have also hosted one event each, so I’ve put together another Fantasy Tool to highlight the best finishers from those races and provided a link to last year’s version.

NASCAR Fantasy Tool 2010 Average Finish at Atlanta, Texas and Charlotte [24 degree, 1.5 mile quad-ovals]

NASCAR Fantasy Tool 2009 Average Finish at Atlanta, Texas and Charlotte [24 degree, 1.5 mile quad-ovals]

Chasing the pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway

1. Juan Pablo Montoya… Started third in March at Atlanta, fourth last September. Has started 10th or better seven of the last eight this season with two poles.
2. Kasey Kahne… Started from the outside pole last September at Atlanta, sixth last March.
3. Kurt Busch… Started second and sixth last year, 11th in March.

Here’s an explanation of the highlighted text in the rankings:

• Y! A/B/C - The top options in the Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing game by driver list.
• Value play - Sneaky plays at this week’s track. Drivers to consider as low-rent salary cap options or alternatives in allocation formats.

1. Kurt Busch… Three-time winner (3/10, 3/09, 10/02) at Atlanta, has won two of the last three with an average of 181.5 laps led. Y!-A1
2. Kasey Kahne… Two-time winner (9/09, 3/06) at Atlanta- led 144 laps in March, finished fourth. Y!-B1
3. Jeff Gordon… Four-time winner (10/03, 3/99, 11/98, 3/95) at Atlanta, eight Top 10s in the last 10 starts- four Top Fives, runner-up twice. Y!-A2
4. Denny Hamlin… Average running position of eighth or better in five of the last six starts at Atlanta, has led 23 or more laps in three of the last four. Y!-A3
5.  Jimmie Johnson… Three-time winner (’07 sweep, 10/04) at Atlanta, has never held an average running position worse than 13th- led at least 11 laps in three of the last four. Y!-A4
6. Kevin Harvick… Won 3/01 race at Atlanta, average finish of 8.3 in the last six starts. Y!-B2
7. Carl Edwards… Three-time winner (10/08, ‘05 sweep) at Atlanta, average running position of 11th or better in eight of the last 11 starts- ran fifth or better four times. Y!-A5
8. Matt Kenseth… Average finish of 6.7 in the last 10 starts at Atlanta, finished second in March. Y!-B3
9. Greg Biffle… Four Top 10s in the last five starts at Atlanta. Y!-A6
10. Kyle Busch… Won race 3/08 at Atlanta, average running position of ninth or better in four of the last six. Led an average of 23.0 of laps in the last two, finished 13th and 23th. Y!-A7
11. Juan Pablo Montoya… Third-place finishes in two straight starts at Atlanta. Y!-A8
12. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (10/06, 3/02) at Atlanta, average finish of 12.3 in the last four starts- one Top 10.
13. Clint Bowyer… Sixth-place finish in four of nine career starts at Atlanta, 20th or worse in the other five. Y!-B4
14. David Reutimann… Finished a career-best fourth last September at Atlanta, was running seventh in March before an engine failure. Y!-B5
15. Jeff Burton… Only one Top 15 in the last four starts at Atlanta. Y!-B6
16. A.J. Allmendinger… Finished a career-best sixth in March at Atlanta, average running position of 11th. Y!-C1
17. Martin Truex Jr…. Average running position of 15th or better in eight straight starts at Atlanta, only two Top 10s. Y!-B7
18. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Won 3/04 race at Atlanta, average finish of 13.5 in the last four. Y!-B8
19. Mark Martin… Two-time winner (11/94, 11/91) at Atlanta, average finish of 26.0 in the last the last six- one Top 10, finished fifth last September.
20. Jamie McMurray… Average finish of 20.9 in 16 career starts at Atlanta.
21. Paul Menard… Finished a career-best fifth in March at Atlanta, average running position of 15th. Y!-C2
22. Ryan Newman… Average finish of 20.0 in the last 12 starts at Atlanta, only one Top 10.
23. Marcos Ambrose… Finished a career-best sixth in March at Atlanta, average running position of 15th.
24. Joey Logano… Average finish of 29.0 in three career starts at Atlanta.
25. Brad Keselowski… DNF (crash) in March at Atlanta, average running position of 15th.
26. Scott Speed… Finished a career-best 10th in March at Atlanta, average running position of 19th. Y!-C3
27. Bill Elliott… Long shot value play. Five-time winner (’92 sweep, 11/87, ‘85 sweep) at Atlanta, finished 16th in March. Y!-C4
28. Bobby Labonte… Long shot value play. Six-time winner (3/03, 11/01, 11/99, 3/98, 11/97, 11/96) at Atlanta, average finish of 20.0 in the last two.
29. Regan Smith… Finished a career-best 14th in March at Atlanta, average running position of 28th.
30. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 22.3 in 23 career starts at Atlanta.
31. Reed Sorenson… Average finish of 24.7 in nine career starts at Atlanta.
32. David Ragan… Average finish of 26.6 in seven career starts at Atlanta.
33. David Gilliland… Average finish of 26.9 in eight career starts at Atlanta.
34. Sam Hornish Jr…. Average finish of 29.8 in five career starts at Atlanta, has never finished on the lead lap.
35. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 32.0 in eight career starts at Atlanta, has never finished on the lead lap.
36. Dave Blaney… Driving for Front Row Motorsports. Finished 34th in last non-start and park race at Atlanta (3/08).
37. Kevin Conway… Finished 31st in March, first career Cup start at Atlanta.
38. Patrick Carpentier… Finished 35th in only career Cup start at Atlanta (3/08).
39. Jason Leffler… Possible start and park. First Cup start since ‘08, first at Atlanta since ‘05.
40. Casey Mears… Likely start and park.
41. Scott Riggs… Likely start and park.
42. Landon Cassill… Likely start and park.
43. Todd Bodine… Likely start and park.
44. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
45. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
46. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park. Two straight DNQs.
47. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park. Three straight DNQs.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Irwin Tools Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway

NASCAR’s amphitheatre, Bristol Motor Speedway, is known for aggressive driving and carnage on the race track. However, the resurfacing in 2007 added variable banking and opened up additional lanes. The beating and banging may be dialed down a bit but the night race at Bristol is among the biggest dates on the NASCAR calendar.

Chasing the pole at Bristol Motor Speedway

•  Jimmie Johnson… Started fourth in March, best average start this season (7.5).
•  Kurt Busch… Started second in March, second-best average start this season (9.1).
•  Greg Biffle… Started fourth and second last year.
•  Juan Pablo Montoya… Started sixth in March. Average start of 2.8 in his last three starts this season.

Here’s an explanation of the highlighted text in the rankings

• Y! A/B/C - The top options in the Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing game by driver list.
• Value play - Sneaky plays at this week’s track. Drivers to consider as low-rent salary cap options or alternatives in allocation formats.

1. Jimmie Johnson… Won 3/10 race at Bristol, three straight Top 10s with an average of 93.0 laps led. Y!-A1
2. Kurt Busch… Five-time winner (3/06, 3/04, 03 sweep, 3/02) at Bristol, average finish of 9.0 in the last six. Finished third in March, led 278 laps. Y!-A2
3. Greg Biffle… Finished fourth in the last two starts at Bristol with average running positions of eight and sixth, led 76 and 78 laps. Y!-A3
4. Carl Edwards… Two-time winner (8/08, 8/07) at Bristol. Finished 15th and 16th last year, sixth in March. Y!-A4
5. Kyle Busch… Three-time winner (09 sweep, 3/07) at Bristol. Started 38th, finished ninth in March.
6. Denny Hamlin… Average finish of 4.0 from 08-09, finished 19th in March.
7. Jeff Gordon… Five-time winner (8/02, 3/98, 4/97, 3/96, 4/95) at Bristol, has held average running position worse than 13th only once since ‘05 at Bristol. Ran ninth or better in three of the last four.
8. Kevin Harvick… Won 4/05 race at Bristol, finished 11th in March- average running position of 20th. Y!-B1
9. Tony Stewart… Won 8/01 race at Bristol. Finished second in March, average running position of ninth. Finished 17th and 33rd last year.
10. Jeff Burton… Won 3/08 race at Bristol, Top 10s in two of the last three. Y!-B2
11. Clint Bowyer… Average finish of 5.3 from 07-08 at Bristol. Finished 13th and 21st (average running position of 10th) last year, DNF (engine) in March. Y!-B3
12. Matt Kenseth… Two-time winner (8/06, 8/05) at Bristol, Top 10s in four of the last five starts. Y!-B4
13. Juan Pablo Montoya… Average running position of eighth or 10 in three straight starts at Bristol, only one Top 10.
14. Ryan Newman… Four finishes of sixth or seventh in the last six starts at Bristol, finished 16th in March. Y!-B5
15. Mark Martin… Two-time winner (8/98, 8/93) at Bristol. Won the pole in both starts last year, finished sixth and second. Started 13th in March, finished 35th due to wreck.
16. Jamie McMurray… Finishes of 12th or better in three of the last four starts at Bristol, finished ninth in March. Y!-B6
17. Kasey Kahne… Weak play. Only four Top 10s in 13 career starts at Bristol. Average running position of 28th and 29th in the last two. Y!-B7
18. Martin Truex Jr…. Average running positions of 10th and 12th in the last two starts at Bristol, finished 22nd and 12th. Y!-B8
19. David Reutimann… Average running positions of eighth and 13th last year at Bristol, DNF (engine) in March.
20. Joey Logano… Won the pole in March at Bristol, finished 27th.
21. A.J. Allmendinger… Finished 16th and 17th in two of the last three starts at Bristol. Y!-C1
22. Marcos Ambrose… Strong value play. Finished 10th and third last year. Finished 33rd in March after a wreck.
23. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Won 8/04 race at Bristol. Average finish of 11.4 in 21 career starts, finished seventh in March.
24. Brad Keselowski… Strong value play. Finished 13th in March, average running position of 11th, led 26 laps- first career Cup start at Bristol.
25. Paul Menard… Strong value play. Finished 18th in March start at Bristol, average running position of 12th. Y!-C2
26. Reed Sorenson… Started seventh and 10th last year, finished 23rd and 19th. Y!-C3
27. Scott Speed… Average running positions of 21 and 22nd in the last two starts at Bristol. Y!-C4
28. David Ragan… Average finish of 24.0 in seven career starts at Bristol.
29. Elliott Sadler… Won 3/01 race at Bristol, average finish of 24.7 since 07.
30. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 22.5 in eight career starts at Bristol.
31. David Gilliland… Finished 23rd in March start at Bristol, average running position of 27th.
32. Regan Smith… Average finish finished of 25.6 in five career starts at Bristol.
33. Robby Gordon… Average finish of 27.4 in 19 career starts at Bristol.
34. Bobby Labonte… Average finish of 28.0 in the last five starts at Bristol.
35. Sam Hornish Jr…. Average finish of 32.8 in five career starts at Bristol, has never finished on the lead lap.
36. Brian Keselowski… No career Cups starts. Crashed in March’s Nationwide race at Bristol.
37. Tony Raines… Replacing Kevin Conway. Average finish of 29.6 in eight career starts at Bristol.
38. Kevin Lepage… Won 8/98 Nationwide race at Bristol. No Cups start since ‘07.
39. TBA Latitude 43 Motorsports entry… Five DNQs this season.
40. Jeff Green… Won 3/02 Nationwide race at Bristol. No Cups start since ‘07. Possible start and park.
41. Max Papis… Possible start and park. DNQ in March, no career Cup starts at Bristol. Finished 28th in last year’s Truck Series race.
42. TBA Robby Gordon Motorsports entry… Possible start and park.
43. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
44. Landon Cassill… Likely start and park.
45. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park.
46. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
47. Todd Bodine… Likely start and park.
48. Casey Mears… DNQ last week. Likely start and park.
49. Mike Bliss… DNQ last week. Likely start and park.
50. Scott Riggs… DNQ last week. Likely start and park.

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