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NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Carfax 400 from Michigan Speedway

The NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit returns to the 2.0-mile, D-shaped oval track at Michigan International Speedway for the second time this season. In addition to the June race at MIS, review the results from Auto Club Speedway. Fontana has less banking but is the only other 2.0-mile track on the schedule. The most recent intermediate race was held at Chicagoland Speedway, which has very similar banking to MIS.
Fuel mileage has created a lot of luck in both directions for drivers at Michigan, so pay close attention to loop data statistics like average running position over basics such as Top Fives and Top 10s.

Chasing the pole at Michigan International Speedway

1. Kurt Busch… Won the pole in March, started fifth and sixth last year.
2.  Jamie McMurray… Started second in March. Won the pole at Fontana and and Chicagoland.
3. Jimmie Johnson… Started third in March, third and fourth last year. Started second at Chicagoland.

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.  Jeff Gordon… Two-time winner (6/01, 8/98) at Michigan, runner-up in both ’09 races, finished fourth in June. Y!-A1
2. Jimmie Johnson… Average running position of fifth or better in six of the last nine races at Michigan, ran second and third last year- led 279 of 400 laps. Finished sixth in June. Y!-A2
3. Kurt Busch… Two-time winner (8/07, 6/03) at Michigan. Won the pole in June, finished in third. Y!-A3
4. Denny Hamlin… Won June race at Michigan, led 123 of 200 laps. Finished third and 10th last year. Y!-A4
5. Carl Edwards… Two-time winner (8/08, 6/07) at Michigan, average finish of 6.6 in 12 career starts.
6. Greg Biffle… Two-time winner (6/05, 8/04) at Michigan, Top 10s in three of the last four, two Top Fives.
7. Kevin Harvick… Nine straight Top 20s at Michigan. Y!-B1
8. Tony Stewart… Won 6/00 race at Michigan, six Top Fives, eight Top 10s in the last 11 starts.
9. Kasey Kahne… Won 6/06 race at Michigan, runner-up in June. Has spent over 85 percent of laps running in the Top 15 in three of the last five. Y!-B2
10. Jeff Burton… Finished eighth in June race at Michigan, first Top 10 since 8/02. Average finish of 15.9 in 33 career starts. Y!-B3
11. Clint Bowyer… Two Top 10s in ’09 at Michigan, finished 22nd in June. Y!-B4
12. Kyle Busch… Finished 20th or worse in the last two starts at Michigan, average running position of ninth or better in five straight prior.
13. Matt Kenseth… Two-time winner (8/06, 6/02) at Michigan, finished 14th in the last two. Y!-B5.
14. Juan Pablo Montoya… Average running position of 15th or better in three straight starts at Michigan.
15. A.J. Allmendinger… Strong value play. Finished a career-high 11th in June at Michigan. Y!-C1
16. Jamie McMurray… Average finish of 19.3 in 15 career starts at Michigan.
17. Mark Martin… Three-time winner (6/09, 6/98, 8/97, 8/93, 8/90) at Michigan. Finished 16th in June, average running position of 22nd. Ran 10th and fourth last year.
18. Joey Logano… Strong value play. Two straight Top 10s at Michigan, average running position of 11th and 15th. Y!-B6
19. Ryan Newman… Two-time winner (6/04, 8/03) at Michigan, no Top 10s since. Average running position of 16th in June, finished 32nd. Y!-B7
20. Dale Earnhardt, Jr…. Won race 6/08 at Michigan- average running position of 17th or better in 10 straight, three straight Top 15s. Y!-B8
21. David Reutimann… Four straight Top 20s at Michigan.
22. Martin Truex, Jr…. Average finish of 17.4 in nine career starts at Michigan.
23. Sam Hornish, Jr…. Average finish of 20.8 in five career starts at Michigan. Y!-C2
24. Paul Menard… Average finish of 23.9 in eight career starts at Michigan. Y!-C3
25. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 22.2 in 23 career starts at Michigan.
26. Brad Keselowski… Average finish of 25.5 in two career starts at Michigan.
27. Marcos Ambrose… Finished a career-best 15th in June race at Michigan, average running position of 25th.
28. Reed Sorenson… Average finish of 28.0 in ’09 races at Michigan. Y!-C4
29. Bill Elliott… Seven-time winner (6/89, 8/87, ’86 sweep, ’85 sweep, 6/84) at Michigan. Finished 16th in both races last year, 29th in June.
30. David Ragan… Finished 30th or worse in last two starts at Michigan.
31. Regan Smith… Finished 23rd in June race at Michigan.
32. Scott Speed… Average finish of 33.0 in three career starts at Michigan, no lead lap finishes.
33. Bobby Labonte… Three-time winner (8/99, ’95 sweep) at Michigan, finished 27th or worse in five straight.
34. Travis Kvapil… Finished 31st in June race at Michigan.
35. Robby Gordon… Finished 33rd in June race at Michigan.
36. David Gilliland… Finished 35th in June race at Michigan.
37. Kevin Conway… DNF (engine) in June race at Michigan.
38. Casey Mears… Likely start and park.
39. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park.
40. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park.
41. Landon Cassill… Likely start and park.
42. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
43. Dave Blaney… Likely start and park.
44. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
45. Tony Raines… Likely start and park.
46. TBA (Germain Racing)… Likely start and park.
47. TBA (Latitude 43 Motorsports)… Likely start and park.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Heluva Good Sour Cream Dips at the Glen

Five races have passed since the Sprint Cup Series drivers have needed to make a right-hand turn on the race track. For fantasy owners, the results from the June race at Infineon Raceway are a good starting point for making early evaluations. The Glen features longer straightaways which allow for more speed, while Infineon is a more technical course and requires more precision.

Chasing the pole at Watkins Glen International

Note: Qualifying was rained out at The Glen in ’08, ’07, ’05 and ’04 but the forecast for this weekend looks good. The Yahoo! rosters lock Saturday morning before qualifying so pay close attention to the practice sessions on Friday and use them to your advantage find the likely pole sitters.

• Jimmie Johnson… Won the pole at The Glen last year, second this year at Sonoma.
• Kurt Busch… Started second at The Glen last year, third this year at Sonoma.
• Marcos Ambrose… Started fourth at The Glen last year, sixth this year at Sonoma.

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. Tony Stewart… Five-time winner (’09, ’07, ’05, ’04, ’02) at The Glen, has not finished worse than second since ’03. Ninth at Sonoma. Y!-A1
2. Marcos Ambrose… Strong value play. Average finish of 2.5 in two career starts at The Glen. Has won two straight Nationwide races at The Glen. Sixth at Sonoma. Y!-B1
3. Jimmie Johnson… Average finish of 13.0 in eight career starts at The Glen- three Top Fives, four Top 10s. Won at Sonoma. Y!-A2
4. Kevin Harvick… Won ’06 race at The Glen, five Top 10s in nine career starts. Third at Sonoma. Y!-B2
5. Jeff Gordon… Four-time winner (’01, ’97-’99) at The Glen- one Top 10, three Top 15s since ’02. Fifth at Sonoma. Y!-A3
6. Juan Pablo Montoya… Average finish of 5.0 in the last two starts at The Glen, has never held an average running position worse than 15th. 10th at Sonoma. Y!-A4
7. Kyle Busch… Won ’08 race at The Glen, four straight Top 10s.
8. Denny Hamlin… Has never started or finished worse than 10th in four starts at The Glen, has never held an average running position worse than 12th.
9. Carl Edwards… Average finish of 8.8 in five starts at The Glen, four straight finishes of ninth or better.
10. Kasey Kahne… Average running position of 17th or better in four of the last five starts at The Glen. Fourth at Sonoma. Y!-B3
11. Greg Biffle… Finished a career-best fifth last year at The Glen. Seventh at Sonoma.
12. Clint Bowyer… Finished a career-best ninth last year at The Glen. Y!-B4
13. Kurt Busch… Four straight Top 20s with an average running position of 14th or better in four straight at The Glen.
14. Robby Gordon… Strong value play. Won ’03 race at The Glen, three straight Top Fives from ’05-’07- finished 18th last year. Runner-up at Sonoma. Y!-C1
15. Boris Said… Strong value play. Average finish of 23.1 in nine starts at The Glen, one Top 15 since ’06. Eighth at Sonoma. Y!-C2
16. Matt Kenseth… Three straight finishes of 14th or better at The Glen. Y!-B5
17. Jeff Burton… Has crashed in three of the last five starts at The Glen, finished 11th and 17th in the other two. Y!-B6
18. A.J. Allmendinger… Average finish of 12.0 in two starts at The Glen. Y!-C3
19. Martin Truex Jr…. Strong value play.Finished sixth in ’07, fifth at ’08 at The Glen. Average running position of 14th last year, finished 28th. Y!-B7
20. Jamie McMurray… Average running position of 17th or better in three of the last five starts at The Glen- one Top Five, three Top 16s. Y!-B8
21. Ryan Newman… Average finish of 23.5 in the last two starts at The Glen.
22. Mark Martin… Three-time winner (’93-’95) at The Glen. Finished 23rd last year, first start since ’06.
23. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Average running position of 19th or better in four of the last five starts at The Glen, finished 39th last year.
24. Joey Logano… Finished 16th last year in first Cup start at The Glen. One Top 10 in two Nationwide starts.
25. Brad Keselowski… First Cup start at The Glen. Average finish of 7.5 in two Nationwide starts.
26. Patrick Carpentier… First career Cup start at The Glen. Average finish of 20.5 in two Nationwide starts. Y!-C4
27. Scott Speed… Finished 22nd last year in first Cup start at The Glen.
28. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 21.1 in 11 starts at The Glen.
29. Sam Hornish Jr… Average finish of 34.0 in two starts at The Glen.
30. Paul Menard… Average finish of 25.2 in six starts at The Glen.
31. David Ragan… Average finish of 28.7 in three starts at The Glen.
32. David Reutimann… Average finish of 29.0 in two starts at The Glen.
33. Bobby Labonte… Average running position of 24th or worse in five straight starts at The Glen.
34. David Gilliland… Average running positions of 26th and 22nd in ’07 and ’08, did not start at The Glen last year.
35. Travis Kvapil… Did not start at The Glen last year, finish 36th in ’08.
36. Regan Smith… First Cup start at The Glen since ’07, finished 37th.
37. Kevin Conway… First career start at The Glen.
38. Casey Mears… Possible start and park.
39. J.J. Yeley… Possible start and park.
40. Andy Lally… Possible start and park.
41. Joe Nemechek… Possible start and park.
42. Max Papis… Possible start and park.
43. P.J. Jones… Possible start and park.
44. Dave Blaney… Possible start and park.
45. Michael McDowell… Possible start and park.
46. Tony Ave... Possible start and park.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500

Moving from the rectangle of Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the triangle at Pocono Raceway, the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers will remain on a 2.5-mile flat track albeit with a different layout. Pocono is a unique course that features three turns, each modeled after different tracks. Since each of the three turns is different, Pocono has drawn comparisons to a road course. Turn One is banked 14 degrees and modeled after the defunct Trenton Speedway. Turn Two, “The Tunnel Turn”, is banked nine degrees like IMS. Turn Three, with six degrees of banking, is lifted from The Milwaukee Mile.

Chasing the pole at Pocono Raceway

• Jimmie Johnson… Fastest in pre-qualifying practice in June. Started second and first in ’08 (qualifying was rained out for both ’09 races)
• Kyle Busch… Won the pole in June.
• Clint Bowyer… Fastest average speed in pre-qualifying practice in June; qualified second.

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… Four-time winner (6/10, 8/09, ’06 sweep) at Pocono, average running position of 11th or better in eight of nine career starts. Y!-A1
2. Kevin Harvick… Finished fourth in June, matched a career-high average running position of sixth at Pocono. Y!-B1
3. Jimmie Johnson… Two-time winner (’04 sweep) at Pocono, average running position of ninth or better in six of the last eight. Y!-A2
4. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (6/09, 6/03) at Pocono, has finished 10th or better in nine of the last 10. Y!-A3
5. Jeff Gordon… Four-time winner (6/07, 7/98, 6/97, 6/96) at Pocono, average running position of 11th or better in seven of the last eight. Y!-A4
6. Jeff Burton… Finished seventh in June- five Top 10s, seven Top 15s in last nine starts at Pocono. Y!-B2
7. Kyle Busch… Finished a career-best second in June, average running position of third. ARPs of 14th or better in four straight at Pocono.
8. Clint Bowyer… Career-best average running position of sixth in June at Pocono, finished ninth. Y!-B3
9. Kasey Kahne… Won 6/08 race at Pocono, average running position of 10th or better in four of the last five. Y!-B4
10. Carl Edwards… Two-time winner (6/09, 6/05) at Pocono, average running position of eighth or better in four of the last five.
11. Kurt Busch… Two-time winner (8/07, 7/05) at Pocono, three Top 10s in the last five- laps led in five of the last six.
12. Matt Kenseth… Has finished 17th or better in nine straight starts at Pocono, average finish of 11.5. Y!-B5
13. Greg Biffle… Average running position of 14th or better in five straight starts at Pocono.
14. Juan Pablo Montoya… Has finished eighth or better in three straight starts at Pocono, average running position of 12th and 11th in the last two.
15. Mark Martin… Average running position of 18th or better in all 11 races since ’05. Five Top 10s in the last seven starts at Pocono.
16. Jamie McMurray… Average running positions between 20th and 24th in five straight starts at Pocono. Y!-B6
17. Joey Logano… Finished a career-best 13th in June at Pocono, average running position of 11th. Y!-B7
18. Ryan Newman… Won 7/03 race at Pocono, average running position of 17th or better in all 11 races since ’05. Y!-B8
19. A.J. Allmendinger… Strong value play. Finished a career-best 10th in June at Pocono, average running position of 11th. Y!-C1
20. Sam Hornish Jr…. Strong value play. Has finished 11th or better in three straight races at Pocono. Y!-C2
21. David Reutimann… Finished 15th in June at Pocono, average running position of 26th. ARPs of 10th and 15th in ’09.
22. Martin Truex Jr…. Average finish of 17.0 in nine career starts at Pocono.
23. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Average finish of 17.5 in 21 career starts at Pocono.
24. Paul Menard… Finished a career-best 16th in June at Pocono, average running position of 28th. Y!-C3
25. Brad Keselowski… Finished 21st in June, first career start at Pocono.
26. Marcos Ambrose… Average running positions of 16th, 20th and 18th in three career starts at Pocono.
27. David Ragan… Average finish of 23.1 in seven career starts at Pocono.
28. Regan Smith… Finished a career-best 18th in June at Pocono, average running position of 23rd. Y!-C4
29. Scott Speed… Finished a career-best 20th in June at Pocono, average running position of 24th.
30. Reed Sorenson… Average running positions of 23rd and 25th last year at Pocono.
31. Bobby Labonte… Three-time winner (7/01, ’99 sweep) at Pocono. Average running position of 20th or worse since ’07.
32. David Stremme… Finished 24th in June at Pocono.
33. Elliott Sadler… Average running position of 26th or 27th in three straight starts at Pocono.
34. Travis Kvapil… Finished 22nd in June at Pocono, average running position of 31st.
35. David Gilliland… Finished 33rd in June at Pocono.
36. Kevin Conway… Finished 35th in June, first career start at Pocono.
37. P.J. Jones… Driving for Robby Gordon Motorsports. First Cup start at Pocono since ’07.
38. Casey Mears… Possible start and park. Two DNQs with Tommy Baldwin Racing.
39. Max Papis… Possible start and park. Four DNQs this season.
40. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
41. Landon Cassill… Likely start and park.
42. Todd Bodine… Likely start and park. Three DNQs with Gunselman Motorsports.
43. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park. Three DNQs this season.
44. Dave Blaney… Likely start and park. Four DNQs this season.
45. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park. Two straight DNQs.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway was built back in 1909 but the configuration has remained similar, a flat 2.5-mile rectangular track. The venue hosts the largest single-day sporting event in the world, the Indianapolis 500 but added an annual NASCAR event starting in 1994. The track lends itself more to battles for track position and fuel mileage than side-by-side racing so starting position is very important.

Chasing the pole at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

1. Mark Martin… Won the pole last year, started second in ’08.
2. Juan Pablo Montoya… Qualified second in two of three career starts.
3. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.… Qualified on the second row in two of the last three starts.
4. Ryan Newman… Qualified third in ’07 and ’08.
5. Kasey Kahne… Qualified fourth or fifth from ’05-’08.

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… Three-time winner (’09, ’08, ’06) at Indy, has won three of the last four. Y!-A1
2. Jeff Gordon… Four-time winner (’04, ’01, ’98, ’94) at Indy, 13 Top 10s in 16 career starts. Y!-A2
3. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (’07, ’05) at Indy, average finish of 6.8 since ’04 Y!-A3
4. Juan Pablo Montoya… Average running position of fourth or better in two of his career starts at Indy, led 116 laps last year. Y!-A4
5. Kevin Harvick… Won ’03 race at Indy, has finished seventh or better in three of the last four. Y!-B1
6. Kasey Kahne… Average finish of 5.0 in four non-DNF starts at Indy, finished seventh in the last two. Y!-B2
7. Jeff Burton… Average running position of eighth or better in three of the last four at Indy. Y!-B3
8. Kyle Busch… Average running position of ninth or better in three of the last five at Indy.
9. Greg Biffle… Average running position of 10th or better in three of the last four at Indy, three straight Top 15s.
10. Denny Hamlin… Average running position of ninth in two of four career starts at Indy.
11. Matt Kenseth… Since ’05 at Indy: two Top Fives, two Top 10s in five starts. Y!-B4
12. Clint Bowyer… Average finish of 13.5 in four career starts at Indy, one Top 10. Y!-B
13. Carl Edwards… Two Top 10s in five career starts at Indy, average running position of 20th or worse in the other three.
14. Kurt Busch… Average finish of 12.8 from ’04-’07, 27th or worse in the last two starts.
15. Mark Martin… Has finished 11th or better in six of the last seven at Indy.
16. David Reutimann… Finished a career-best eighth last year at Indy. Y!-B
17. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Average running positions of 10th and 13th in ’07 and ’09 races at Indy– DNFs due to engine in each. Finished 12th in ’08. Y!-B7
18. A.J. Allmendinger… Finished 10th in ’08 race at Indy, average running position of ninth. Finished 20th last year. Y!-C1
19. Jamie McMurray… Average finish of 16.1 in seven career starts at Indy, three Top 10s. Y!-B8
20. Joey Logano… Finished 12th last year, first career start at Indy– average running position of 19th.
21. Reed Sorenson… Average finish of 11.6 in the last three starts at Indy, one Top Five. Y!-C2
22. Ryan Newman… Finished 13th or 14th in three of the last four at Indy.
23. Sam Hornish Jr…. Average running positions of 27th and 26th in two career starts at Indy. Won ’06 Indy 500, eight career IndyCar starts. Y!-C3
24. Martin Truex Jr…. Three Top 20s in the last four starts at Indy.
25. Brad Keselowski… No career Cup starts at Indy
26. David Ragan… Average finish of 18.0 in three career starts at Indy.
27. Marcos Ambrose… Has finished 22nd in both career starts at Indy.
28. Scott Speed… Finished 31st last year, first career Cup start at Indy– average running position of 34th. Y!-C4
29. Paul Menard… Average finish of 30.0 in three career starts at Indy.
30. David Stremme… Average finish of 20.0 in three career starts at Indy.
31. Bill Elliott… Won ’02 race at Indy. Finished 26th last year, average running position of 15th.
32. Jacques Villeneuve… First Cup start since ’07. Won ’05 Indy 500.
33. Bobby Labonte… Won ’00 race at Indy, average finish of 28.7 in 19 career starts at Indy.
34. Elliott Sadler… One lead-lap finish in the last five starts at Indy.
35. Robby Gordon… Average running position of 30th or worse in four of the last five at Indy.
36. David Gilliland… Average finish of 22.3 in three career starts at Indy.
37. Casey Mears… Average finish of 23.4 in seven career starts at Indy.
38. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 32.7 in three career starts at Indy, did not start last year.
39. Regan Smith… Average finish of 35.0 in two career starts at Indy.
40. Max Papis… No career Cup starts at Indy. Two starts in IndyCar Series.
41. Kevin Conway… No career Cup starts at Indy.
42. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
43. Dave Blaney… Likely start and park.
44. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park.
45. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
46. Todd Bodine… Likely start and park.
47. TRG Motorsports entry, driver TBA… Likely start and park.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: LifeLock.com 400 from Chicagoland

It’s the cookie cutter that isn’t exactly a cookie cutter. Like many other intermediate tracks, Chicagoland Speedway is 1.5 miles but is banked at 18 degrees in the corners, like the 2.0 mile Michigan International Speedway. Chicagoland is somewhat unique in that it does not have a true straightaway as the backstretch as a slight curve to it. Considering the slight quirks, it’s best to make selections based primarily on past history at Chicagoland. If your choices have also performed well at most of the other intermediates this season, you are likely on the right path.

Chasing the pole at Chicagoland Speedway

Note: Qualifying was rained out for the 2008 race.

• Jimmie Johnson… Started third last year, average start of 8.5
• Denny Hamlin… Started fourth last year, average start of 7.8
• Red Bull Racing… Scott Speed started second last year. Brian Vickers won the pole. Reed Sorenson, who’s now in Vickers’ car, started 11th.

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… Seven Top 10s, five Top Fives in eight career starts at Chicagoland. Has never held an average running position worse than 11th. Had led 15 or more laps six times. Y!-A1
2. Kevin Harvick… Two-time winner (’01 and ’02) at Chicagoland. Three Top Fives in the last four starts at the site. Average running position of eighth or better in four of the last five. Y!-B1
3. Jeff Gordon… Won ’06 race at Chicagoland, average running position of 10th or better in four straight. Five Top Fives in nine career starts. Y!-A2
4. Denny Hamlin… Finished a career-best fifth last year at Chicagoland, average running position of sixth. Y!-A3
5. Kurt Busch… Five finishes of eighth or better from ’01-’07. Finished 17th last year, average running position of 10th. Y!-A4
6. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (’04, ’07) at Chicagoland, seven Top Fives in nine career starts. Has never held an average running position worse than 10th.
7. Kyle Busch… Won ’08 race at Chicagoland, has held an average running position of ninth or better in four of the last five starts at the site.
8. Jeff Burton… Average finish of 9.3 from ’06-’08 at Chicagoland, DNF (crash) last year. Y!-B2
9. Clint Bowyer… Three Top 10s in four career starts at Chicagoland. Y!-B3
10. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Won ’05 race at Chicagoland, average running position of 12th or better in four of the last five starts at the site. Y!-B4
11. Kasey Kahne… Finished a career-best third last year at Chicagoland, 15th in ’08. Y!-B5
12. Matt Kenseth… Average finish of 11.2 in nine career starts at Chicagoland. Y!-B6
13. Carl Edwards… Average running position of 12th or better in three straight starts at Chicagoland.
14. Greg Biffle… Finished 11th or better four times in last five starts at Chicagoland.
15. Mark Martin… Won ’09 race at Chicagoland, first Top 10 since ’05.
16. Ryan Newman… Won ’03 race at Chicagoland, three straight Top 10s, average running positions between ninth and 16th. Y!-B7
17. Juan Pablo Montoya… Average finish of 14.3 in three career starts at Chicagoland.
18. David Reutimann… Average finish 13.0 in last two starts at Chicagoland. Y!-B8
19. A.J. Allmendinger… Strong value play. Has finished 13th in both career starts at Chicagoland. Y!-C1
20. Joey Logano… Strong value play. Finished 18th last year, first career Cup start at Chicagoland- average running position of 21st. Won last year’s Nationwide race.
21. Jamie McMurray… Average finish of 21.5 in last two starts at Chicagoland.
22. Martin Truex Jr…. Has never held an average running position worse than 16th at Chicagoland.
23. Brad Keselowski… Finished 32nd last year, first career Cup start at Chicagoland- average running position of 23rd. Average finish of 11.7 in three Nationwide starts.
24. Marcos Ambrose… Finished 11th last year, first career Cup start at Chicagoland- average running position of 20th.
25. Scott Speed… Started second, DNF (crash) last year, first career Cup start at Chicagoland. Y!-C2
26. Reed Sorenson… Long shot value play. Average finish of 9.5 in ’06-’07, 27.5 in ’08-’09. Y!-C3
27. Paul Menard… DNF (crash) last year at Chicagoland, average running position of 20th. Y!-C4
28. Sam Hornish Jr…. DNF (crash) last year at Chicagoland, average running position of 22nd.
29. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 22.7 in nine career starts at Chicagoland.
30. David Ragan… Two finishes of 25th of three career starts at Chicagoland.
31. David Stremme… Finished 26th last year at Chicagoland.
32. Robby Gordon… Average finish of 28.5 in last four starts at Chicagoland.
33. Bill Elliott… Average finish of 30.6 in last three starts at Chicagoland.
34. David Gilliland… Average finish of 33.3 in three career starts at Chicagoland, two straight DNFs.
35. Regan Smith… Finished 34th in ’08, only career start at Chicagoland.
36. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 40.3 in three career starts at Chicagoland.
37. Kevin Conway… First career Cup start at Chicagoland.
38. Max Papis… First career Cup start at Chicagoland.
39. Bobby Labonte… Possible start and park. Average finish of 23.3 in last three starts at Chicagoland.
40. Casey Mears… Possible start and park. Average finish of 30.5 in last two starts at Chicagoland.
41. Andy Lally… Possible start and park.
42. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park.
43. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
44. Dave Blaney… 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.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Coke Zero 400 from Daytona

The Independence Day fireworks could come a day early at Daytona International Speedway. With so many tempers flaring coming into the event and 10 drivers within 200 points of the Chase cutoff, expect some drivers to take desperate actions. The tight packs that form on restrictor plate tracks make for unpredictable outcomes, but be sure to review the results from the Daytona 500 and the spring race at Talladega Superspeedway prior to setting your fantasy lineup.

Chasing the pole at Daytona International Speedway

Note: Qualifying was rained out for last year’s summer race.

1. Mark Martin… Fastest lap for Daytona 500 qualifying. Second fastest for ’09 Daytona 500 and ’08 Coke Zero 400.
2. Dale Earnhardt, Jr…. Second fastest lap for the Daytona 500 qualifying. Third fastest for ’08 Coke Zero 400.
3. Ryan Newman… Third fastest lap in qualifying for the last two Daytona 500s.

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. Kyle Busch… Won 7/08 race at Daytona. Average running position of 11 or better in nine straight races at Daytona, laps led in seven straight. Finished ninth at Talladega. Y!-A1
2. Kevin Harvick… Won 2/07 race at Daytona. Finished seventh in the Daytona 500, average running position of fifth, led 41 laps. Won at Talladega. Y!-B1
3. Kurt Busch… Last eight races at Daytona: five Top Fives, six Top 10s. Finished eighth at Talladega. Y!-A2
4. Tony Stewart… Three-time winner (7/09, 7/06, 7/05) at Daytona, two Top Fives, one Top 10 since ’08. Y!-A3
5. Jimmie Johnson… Won 2/06 race at Daytona. Runner-up in last year’s summer race at Daytona, DNF in the Daytona 500. Y!-A4
6. Jeff Gordon… Six-time winner (2/05, 7/04, 2/99, 10/98, 2/97, 7/95) at Daytona. No Top 10s since ’07 at Daytona. Average running position of 14th or better in four of the last five with at least one lap led, but only one Top 15.
7. Jamie McMurray… Strong value play. Two-time winner (2/10, 7/07) at Daytona. Runner-up at Talladega. Y!-B2
8. Clint Bowyer… Two Top Fives in the last three races at Daytona, average finish of 12.3 in nine career starts. Finished seventh at Talladega. Y!-B3
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Two-time winner (3/04, 7/01) at Daytona. Runner-up in the Daytona 500. Average finish of 8.5 in ’08 at Daytona, 33.0 last year. Y!-B4
10. Denny Hamlin… Finished a career-best third in last year’s summer race at Daytona, finished 17th in the Daytona 500. Finished fourth at Talladega.
11. Juan Pablo Montoya… Strong value play. Two straight Top 10s at Daytona. Finished third at Talladega.
12. Kasey Kahne… DNF in the Daytona 500, average running position of 10th. Y!-B5
13. Jeff Burton… Won 7/00 race at Daytona. Finished 11th at the Daytona 500, average running position of 21st. Y!-B6
14. Matt Kenseth… Won 3/09 race at Daytona. Has finished eighth or better in five of the last six races at Daytona. Y!-B7
15. Carl Edwards… Three Top Fives, four Top 10s over the last six races at Daytona, average finish of 9.3.
16. Greg Biffle… Won 7/03 race at Daytona. Finished third in the Daytona 500, first Top 10 since ’08. Average finish of 19.0 last year at Daytona.
17. A.J. Allmendinger… Strong value play. Average running position between 11th and 20th in the last three races at Daytona. Y!-C1
18. Martin Truex Jr…. Strong value play. Finished career-best sixth in the Daytona 500, 12th at Talladega. Y!-B8
19. Mark Martin… Finished 16th or better in three of the last four races at Daytona. Finished fifth at Talladega.
20. David Ragan… Strong value play. Average running position of 14th or 15th in the last three races at Daytona. Finished sixth at Talladega.
21. Elliott Sadler… Strong value play. Average finish of 7.5 last year at Daytona. Finished 24th in the Daytona 500, average running position of 11th.
22. Ryan Newman… Won 2/08 race at Daytona, only one Top 20 since.
23. Joey Logano… Finished 19th and 20th in the last two starts at Daytona.
24. David Reutimann… Finished a career-best fifth in the Daytona 500, average running position of 15th.
25. Marcos Ambrose… Average finish of 11.5 in ’09 races at Daytona, DNF (engine) in the Daytona 500.
26. Brad Keselowski… Average finish of 30.0 in two career starts at Daytona.
27. Scott Speed… Finished 19th at Daytona, 15th at Talladega. Y!-C2
28. Paul Menard… Average running position of 22nd or 24th in the last three races at Daytona. Y!-C3
29. Reed Sorenson… Long shot value play. Finished ninth in last year’s Daytona 500. Average finish of 23.4 in eight career starts at Daytona. Y!-C4
30. Bobby Labonte… Average running position of 22nd or 25th in the last four races at Daytona.
31. Regan Smith… Average finish of 26.6 in five career starts at Daytona.
32. Sam Hornish Jr…. Average finish of 29.0 in five career starts at Daytona.
33. Robby Gordon… Finished 28th at Daytona, 20th at Talladega.
34. David Stremme… Finished 27th at Talladega.
35. Travis Kvapil… Finished 29th at Daytona, 18th at Talladega.
36. Kevin Conway… Finished 30th at Talladega.
37. Michael McDowell… Finished 33rd at Daytona.
38. Mike Bliss… DNF due to crash at Daytona, finished 10th at Talladega.
39. Max Papis… DNFs at both Daytona and Talladega.
40. Robert Richardson Jr…. Finished 31st at Daytona, finished 26th at Talladega.
41. Joe Nemechek… Possible start and park.
42. Dave Blaney… Possible start and park.
43. J.J. Yeley… Possible start and park.
44. Todd Bodine… Possible start and park.
45. Steve Park… Possible start and park. No Cup starts since ’03.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Lenox Industrial Tools 301 from Loudon

It’s been a while since the Sprint Cup series drivers have battled on a flat track. 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. To refresh fantasy owners on the best finishers from those tracks, I’ve built another NASCAR Fantasy Tool for flat tracks.

Chasing the pole at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Note: Qualifying was rained out for last year’s summer race and the ’08 fall race.

1. Kurt Busch… Started third in last year’s fall race at Loudon. Has started in the first two rows in four straight races this season.
2. Martin Truex, Jr…. Started seventh 4/09 at Loudon, eighth 6/08.
3. Jimmie Johnson… Has started third and second in the last two weeks, fifth or better in seven of the last nine.

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… Two-time winner (’03 sweep) at Loudon, average finish of 5.8 since ’07 with average running position no worse than eighth, average of 35.8 laps led. Y!-A1
2. Denny Hamlin… Won 7/07 race at Loudon, runner-up in last year’s fall race. Average finish of 7.5 in eight career starts, six Top 10s– has never finished worse than 15th. Held an average running position of ninth or better six times. Y!-A2
3. Kurt Busch… Three-time winner (6/08, ’04 sweep) at Loudon- average finish of 4.0 since ’08, average of 17.8 laps led. Y!-A4
4. Jeff Gordon… Three-time winner (8/98, 9/97, 7/95) at Loudon. Average finish of 7.6 since ’07– runner-up three times, has finished no worse than 15th. Has never held an average running position worse than 13th. Y!-A3
5. Kyle Busch… Won 7/06 race at Loudon, finished seventh and fifth last year- average running positions of seventh and 17th.
6. Kevin Harvick… Won 9/06 race at Loudon- average finish of 12.0 in ’08, 33.0 last year. Y!-B1
7. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (7/05, 7/00) at Loudon. Since ’05: average finish of 9.7 in 10 starts. Finished fifth and 14th last year, average of 46.0 laps led- held average running positions of sixth and eighth.
8. Jeff Burton… Four-time winner (9/00, 7/99, 7/98, 7/97) at Loudon- finished 12th and fourth in ’08, 31st and 16th last year. Y!-B2
9. Juan Pablo Montoya… Started and finished 12th in last year’s summer race, led six laps. Won the pole, finished third in the fall, led 105 laps.
10. Clint Bowyer… Won 9/07 race at Loudon, held average running positions of eighth and 10th in ’08, 15th and 14th last year. Y!-B3
11. Kasey Kahne… Last three races at Loudon: 11th, 10th, DNF (engine). Y!-B4
12. Ryan Newman… Two-time winner (9/05, 9/02) at Loudon, average running positions of 17th and 10th last year. Y!-B5
13. Mark Martin… Won last year’s fall race at Loudon, average running position of eighth. Finished 14th in the summer, average running position of ninth.
14. Greg Biffle… Won 9/08 race at Loudon, average running position of 16th and 17th last year- finished 18th and ninth.
15. Matt Kenseth… Average finish of 22.5 last year at Loudon, no Top 10s since ’07. Y!-B6
16. Carl Edwards… Only two Top 10s in 11 career starts at Loudon, 13.8 average finish.
17. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Has held an average running position of 13th or better in seventh straight at Loudon, 11th in both races last year. Y!-B7
18. David Reutimann… Held average running positions of 12th and 13th last year at Loudon, finished fourth and 12th. Y!-B8
19. Martin Truex Jr…. Strong value play. Average finish of 4.8 from ’07-’08 at Loudon– DNF (crash) and 19th-place finish last year.
20. Marcos Ambrose… Strong value play. Average finish of 21.5 last year at Loudon.
21. Joey Logano… Won 6/09 race at Loudon, 21st in the fall. Started first, finished second in last year’s Nationwide race.
22. Brad Keselowski… Finished sixth in last year’s summer race at Loudon, average running position of 23rd. Average finish of 6.5 in two career Nationwide starts.
23. Jamie McMurray… No Top 10s since ’04 at Loudon, finished 33rd and 18th last year.
24. Sam Hornish Jr…. Finished a career-best eighth in last year’s summer race at Loudon, DNF (engine) in the fall. Y!-C1
25. A.J. Allmendinger… Average start of 29.4, average finish of 34.2 in five career starts at Loudon– finished a career-best 25th in last year’s fall race. Y!-C2
26. Elliott Sadler… Two Top 10s in the last four races at Loudon, average running position no better than 20th.
27. David Stremme… Finished 28th in both races last year at Loudon. Y!-C3
28. David Ragan… Average finish of 28.8 in six career starts at Loudon, two DNFs due to crash.
29. Paul Menard… Average finish of 29.5 in six career starts at Loudon. Y!-C4
30. Scott Speed… Average finish of 33.5 in two career starts at Loudon.
31. Reed Sorenson… Finished 17th and 36th last year Loudon.
32. Regan Smith… Average finish of 29.0 in five career starts at Loudon.
33. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 30.3 in six career starts in Loudon, no starts last year.
34. David Gilliland… Average finish of 35.3 in six career starts at Loudon.
35. Max Papis… First career Cup start at Loudon. Finished 22nd in last year’s Truck race.
36. Kevin Conway… First career Cup start at Loudon. Finished 21st in ’07 Nationwide race.
37. Casey Mears… Possible start and park. Average finish of 12.0 last year at Loudon.
38. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park. Won 9/99 race at Loudon.
39. Andy Lally… Likely start and park.
40. P.J. Jones… Likely start and park.
41. Mike Bliss… Likely start and park.
42. Dave Blaney… Likely start and park.
43. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
44. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park. Average finish of 14.8 in six career starts at Loudon.
45. Todd Bodine… Likely start and park.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Toyota Save Mart 350 from Infineon Raceway

The road course at Infineon Raceway is the first of only two road courses on the NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule. The second, Watkins Glen International, will take place six races after Sonoma. While drivers who are good at one track tend to perform well at the other, Infineon is the more technical of the two.

Chasing the pole at Infineon Raceway

1. Marcos Ambrose… Started third last year at Sonoma, fourth at Watkins Glen.
2. Kasey Kahne… Started fifth last year at Sonoma, won the pole in ’08.
3. Ryan Newman… Average start of 7.2 over the last four starts at Sonoma.

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. Jeff Gordon… Five-time winner (’06, ’04, ’00, ’99, ’98) at Sonoma. Last 15 starts: five wins, 10 Top Fives, 13 Top 10s. Y!-A1
2. Denny Hamlin… Finished a career-best fifth last year at Sonoma, led 33 laps. Y!-A2
3. Juan Pablo Montoya… Won ’07 race at Sonoma, has never finished worse than sixth in three career starts. Y!-A3
4. Marcos Ambrose… Strong value play. Finished third last year at Sonoma. Y!-B1
5. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (’05, ’01) at Sonoma, average finish of 9.3 in 11 career starts. Y!-A4
6. Kyle Busch… Won ’08 race at Sonoma, average running position of 15th or better in three of the last four starts.
7. Clint Bowyer… Strong value play. Average finish of 8.0 in four career starts at Sonoma, two Top Fives. Y!-B2
8. Carl Edwards… Average running position of 15th or better in four straight starts at Sonoma, two Top 10s.
9. Jimmie Johnson… Finished a career-best fourth last year at Sonoma.
10. Kurt Busch… Three Top 15s in the last five starts at Sonoma, two Top Fives.
11. Jeff Burton… Four Top 15s and three Top 10s over the last six starts at Sonoma. Y!-B3
12. Kasey Kahne… Won ’09 race at Sonoma, first Top 20 at the site. Y!-B4
13. Ryan Newman… Average finish of 10.4 in eight career starts at Sonoma- two Top Fives, five Top 10s. Y!-B5
14. Greg Biffle… Average finish of 16.0 in seven career starts at Sonoma.
15. Kevin Harvick… Average running position of 14th or better in three of the last four races at Sonoma, runner-up in ’07. Y!-B6
16. Jamie McMurray… Average finish of 17.4 in seven career starts at Sonoma. Average running position of 13th or better in four of the last five. Y!-B7
17. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 15.3 in 11 career starts at Sonoma, finished 10th last year. Y!-B8
18. A.J. Allmendinger… Finished a career-best seventh last year at Sonoma, average running position of 26th. Y!-C1
19. Mattias Ekström… Strong value play. First career Cup start. Won ’07, ’04 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters championships. Y!-C2
20. Boris Said… Weak value play. Average finish of 20.6 in 10 career starts at Sonoma, four Top 10s. Y!-C3
21. Max Papis… Finished a career-best 12th last year at Sonoma. Y!-C4
22. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Average finish of 21.4 in 10 career starts at Sonoma- no Top 10s, four Top 15s.
23. Matt Kenseth… Average finish of 21.4 in 10 career starts at Sonoma, three Top 15s.
24. Robby Gordon… Won ’03 race at Sonoma, average running position of 19th in four straight starts.
25. Joey Logano… Started 12th, finished 19th in first career start at Sonoma. One career Top 10 in three Nationwide starts on road courses.
26. Brad Keselowski… First career Cup start at Sonoma. Average finish of 13.8 in six career Nationwide starts on road courses- one Top Five, four Top 10s.
27. Martin Truex Jr…. Average finish of 20.0 in four career starts at Sonoma.
28. Paul Menard… Average finish of 27.5 in two career starts at Sonoma. Average finish of 16.1 in seven Nationwide starts on road courses- two Top Fives, three Top 10s.
29. Scott Speed… Finished 37th last year at Sonoma, first career start at the site. Finished 10th in last year’s Nationwide race at Watkins Glen.
30. David Gilliland… Average finish of 22.8 in four career starts at Sonoma, runner-up in ’08.
31. Mark Martin… Won ’97 race at Sonoma, finished 35th last year, first start since ’06.
32. David Ragan… Average running position of 19th last year at Sonoma, finished 33rd.
33. David Reutimann… Started 42nd in the last two races at Sonoma– DNF, 31st-place finish.
34. Travis Kvapil… Finished 22nd in ’08 at Sonoma, no starts last year.
35. Michael Waltrip… Finished 25th at Sonoma in ’08, did not start last year.
36. Sam Hornish Jr…. Average finish of 34.5 in two career starts at Sonoma.
37. P.J. Jones… DNF last year at Sonoma, average finish of 26.3 in nine career starts.
38. Brian Simo… Average finish of 32.8 in four career starts at Sonoma- two DNFs, one Top 10. DNQ last year.
39. Brandon Ash… Average finish of 40.0 in three career starts at Sonoma, two DNFs.
40. Regan Smith… Finished 30th in his only career start at Sonoma (’07).
41. Kevin Conway… First career starts at Sonoma.
42. Jan Magnussen… No career Cup starts, former CART and F1 driver. Possible start and park.
43. Bobby Labonte… Likely start and park.
44. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
45. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park.
46. Dave Blaney… Likely start and park

Fantasy NASCAR Race Preview: Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400

The NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit returns to 2.0-mile, D-shaped oval track for the first time since the second race of the season at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. The result of that race is a good temperate check as you round out your fantasy lineup. Fuel mileage has created a lot of luck in both directions for drivers at Michigan International Speedway, so place close attention to loop data statistics like average running position over basics like Top Fives and Top 10s.

Chasing the pole at Michigan

1. Jimmie Johnson… Started third and fourth last year at Michigan.
2. Juan Pablo Montoya… Started seventh and third last year at Michigan. Started second at Fontana.
3. Kasey Kahne… Started eighth and 10th last year at Michigan. Started fourth 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.

• 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… Average running position of fifth or better in six of the last eight races at Michigan, ran second and third last year- led 279 of 400 laps. Won at Fontana. Y!-A1
2. Jeff Gordon… Two-time winner (6/01, 8/98) at Michigan, runner-up in both races last year. Y!-A2
3. Denny Hamlin… Finished a career-best third and 10th last year at Michigan. Y!-A3
4. Kyle Busch… Average running position no worse than ninth with over 92 percent of laps in the Top 15 in five of the last six races at Michigan. Y!-A4
5. Kevin Harvick… Average finish of 11.6 since ’06 at Michigan. Runner-up at Fontana. Y!-B1
6. Jeff Burton… Has never finished better than 11th at Michigan since ’02, average finish of 17.5 since then. Third at Fontana. Y!-B2
7. Clint Bowyer… Had his first two Top 10s last year at Michigan. Eighth at Fontana. Y!-B3
8. Mark Martin… Five-time winner (6/09, 6/98, 8/97, 8/93, 8/90) at Michigan, average running position of 10th and fourth last year. Fourth at Fontana.
9. Kurt Busch… Two-time winner (8/07, 6/03) at Michigan, average running position of sixth and 18th last year. Sixth at Fontana.
10. Matt Kenseth… Two-time winner (8/06, 6/02) at Michigan, average running position of ninth or better in seven of the last 10 races at MIS- finished 20th and 14th last year. Seventh at Fontana. Y!-B4
11. Greg Biffle… Two-time winner (6/05, 8/04) at Michigan, average running position of ninth or better with over 90 percent of laps in the Top 15 in three of the last four races at MIS. Tenth at Fontana.
12. Carl Edwards… Two-time winner (8/08, 6/07) at Michigan, average finish of 6.1 in 11 career starts- 10 Top 10s. Has never held an average running position worse than 12th.
13. Tony Stewart… Won 6/00 race at Michigan, average finish of 5.0 in the last three June races, 13.0 in August. Ninth at Fontana.
14. Joey Logano… Strong value play. Finished 25th and seventh last year at Michigan, first two career starts at MIS. Fifth at Fontana. Y!-B5
15. Jamie McMurray… Has finished 10th or 11th in three of last four races at Michigan. Y!-B6
16. David Reutimann… Finished a career-best ninth in last year’s August race at Michigan. Y!-B7
17. Juan Pablo Montoya… Finished a career-best sixth and 19th last year at Michigan.
18. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Won 6/08 race at Michigan, average running position of 17th or better in nine straight. Y!-B8
19. Kasey Kahne… Won 6/06 race at Michigan, held average running positions of eighth and 22nd last year at MIS, finished 21st and 11th.
20. Martin Truex Jr…. Average running position of 19th or better in seven of eight career starts at Michigan.
21. Ryan Newman… Two-time winner (6/04, 8/03) at Michigan, no Top 10s since.
22. Brad Keselowski… Finished 24th in last year’s summer race at Michigan, first career start at MIS.
23. Sam Hornish Jr…. Strong value play. Finished a career-best fifth in last year’s August race at Michigan, average running position of 20th. Finished 16th at Fontana. Y!-C1
24. A.J. Allmendinger… Held average running positions of 31st and 26th last year at Michigan, average finish of 27.8 in five career starts. Y!-C2
25. Paul Menard… Average finish of 23.7 in seven career starts at Michigan. Y!-C3
26. Scott Speed… Average running position of 35.5 in two career starts at Michigan. Finished 11th at Fontana. Y!-C4
27. Regan Smith… Finished 19th at Fontana.
28. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 22.2 in 22 career starts at Michigan, 13.8 in the last four.
29. Casey Mears… Finished 24th and sixth last year at Michigan.
30. David Ragan… Average running position of 19th or better in five straight races at Michigan.
31. Bill Elliott… Long shot value play. Seven-time winner (6/89, 8/87, ’86 sweep, ’85 sweep, 6/84) at Michigan, finished 16th in both races last year.
32. Marcos Ambrose… Average finish of 36.3 in three career starts at Michigan.
33. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 14.5 in ’08 races at Michigan, no starts last year.
34. David Stremme… Finished a career-best 13th in last year’s August race at Michigan, 26.5 average finish in six career starts.
35. David Gilliland… Average finish of 29.7 in seven career starts at Michigan.
36. Max Papis… Finished 35th in last year’s June race at Michigan, first career start at MIS.
37. Kevin Conway… First career Cup start at Michigan, finished 31st at Fontana.
38. Robby Gordon… DNFs due to crash in two of the last four races at Michigan.
39. Bobby Labonte… Three-time winner (8/99, ’95 sweep) at Michigan. Possible start and park.
40. Landon Cassill… First career Cup start. Possible start and park.
41. J.J. Yeley… Likely start and park.
42. Todd Bodine… Likely start and park.
43. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
44. Dave Blaney… Likely start and park.
45. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
46. Johnny Sauter… Likely start and park.

NASCAR Fantasy Racing Preview: Gillette Fusion ProGlide 500

Pocono Raceway is a unique triangle course that features three turns, each modeled after different tracks. Since each of the three turns is different, Pocono has drawn comparisons to a road course. Turn One is modeled after the now defunct Trenton Speedway, banked 14 degrees. Turn Two, “The Tunnel Turn”, is banked nine degrees like Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Turn Three features six degrees of banking, lifted from The Milwaukee Mile.

I will be among the media covering Sunday’s race. If you have a question for any of the Top Three finishers about the race, tweet it to me @ericmcclung and I’ll do my best to get it asked during the post-race press conference.

Chasing the pole at Pocono

1. Jimmie Johnson… Started second and first in ’08 (qualifying was rained out for both ’09 races)
2. Kasey Kahne… Won a pole and started seventh in ’08.
3. Mark Martin… Started third and second in ’08.

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… Three-time winner (8/09, ’06 sweep) at Pocono, average finish of 9.5 in eight career starts. Y!-A1
2. Jimmie Johnson… Two-time winner (’04 sweep) at Pocono, average finish of 7.3 since ’08 at Pocono- 36.5 laps led. Y!-A2
3. Jeff Gordon… Four-time winner (6/07, 7/08, 6/07, 6/96) at Pocono, finished fourth and eighth last year at Pocono, average running position of eighth. Y!-A3
4. Kurt Busch… Two-time winner (8/07, 7/05) at Pocono. Since ’05: two wins, two runner-up finishes, six Top 10s in 10 starts. Y!-A4
5. Carl Edwards… Two-time winner (8/08, 6/05) at Pocono, average running position of 6.5 since ’08.
6. Matt Kenseth… Average finish of 10.9 since ’06 at Pocono, average running position of 9.6 in that span. Has lead at least one lap led in five straight. Y!-B1
7. Jeff Burton… Finished fifth and ninth in the last two spring races at Pocono, 21st in both fall races. Y!-B2
8. Kasey Kahne… Won 6/08 race at Pocono, average finish of 7.0 since ’08. Y!-B3
9. David Reutimann… Average running position of 10th and 15th last year at Pocono, finished third and 29th. Y!-B4
10. Kyle Busch… Last three races at Pocono: average running position 13.3, average finish 24.6
11. Kevin Harvick… One Top 10 finish since ’07, average finish of 13.5 in that span. Y!-B5
12. Tony Stewart… Two-time winner (6/09, 6/03) at Pocono. Since ’05: one win, one runner-up finish, eight Top 10s in 10 starts.
13. Mark Martin… Last three races at Pocono: average running position 8.0, average finish 11.3
14. Clint Bowyer… Average running position of 17th and 16th last year at Pocono, finished 12th and third. Y!-B6
15. Greg Biffle… Average finish of 13.5 since ’08 at Pocono.
16. Ryan Newman… Won 7/03 race at Pocono, has never held an average running position worse than 17th. Y!-B7
17. Juan Pablo Montoya… Finished eighth and second last year at Pocono.
18. Jamie McMurray… Average running position of 20th in both races last year at Pocono, finished 13th and 20th. Y!-B8
19. Martin Truex Jr…. Average finish of 16.0 in eight career starts at Pocono.
20. Sam Hornish Jr…. Average running position of 20th and 18th last year at Pocono, finished 10th and fourth. Y!-C1
21. AJ Allmendinger… Average running position of 14th and 19th last year at Pocono, finished 30th and 17th. Y!-C2
22. Joey Logano… Average finish of 25.0 in first two career starts last year at Pocono. Won last year’s ARCA spring race.
23. Dale Earnhardt Jr…. Average running position of 20th and 18th last year, finished 27th and 28th.
24. Brad Keselowski… No career Cup starts at Pocono.
25. Paul Menard… Average finish of 29.3 in six career starts at Pocono. Y!-C3
26. David Ragan… Average finish of 22.7 in six career starts at Pocono.
27. Marcos Ambrose… Average running position of 16th and 20th last year at Pocono, finished sixth and 34th.
28. Casey Mears… Average finish of 20.7 in 14 career starts at Pocono. Y!-C4
29. Scott Speed… Average finish of 27.5 in first two career starts last year at Pocono.
30. David Gilliland… Finished 16th and 34th in ’08 at Pocono.
31. Elliott Sadler… Average finish of 24.5 last year at Pocono.
32. Bobby Labonte… Three-time winner (7/01, ’99 sweep) at Pocono, average running position of 24.5 since ’07.
33. Regan Smith… Average finish of 28.7 in three career starts at Pocono.
34. Travis Kvapil… Average finish of 23.3 in six career starts at Pocono, none start year.
35. Kevin Conway… No career Cup starts at Pocono.
36. Max Papis… No career Cup starts at Pocono.
37. Robby Gordon… Average finish of 32.0 last year at Pocono.
38. David Stremme… Average finish of 33.0 last year at Pocono.
39. J.J. Yeley… Possible start and park.
40. Joe Nemechek… Likely start and park.
41. Terry Cook… Likely start and park.
42. Michael McDowell… Likely start and park.
43. Dave Blaney… Likely start and park.
44. Geoff Bodine… Possible start and park. No Cup starts since ’04.
45. Chad McCumbee… Likely start and park. No Cup starts since ’08. Average finish of 2.5 in four ARCA races (’05-’07) at Pocono.

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