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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: 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.

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.

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