NASCAR Fantasy Fusion: Crunchin' Numbers and Hoping for the Best at 'Dega

Track Classification: Restrictor Plate

Similar Tracks: Daytona International Speedway

Distance: 2.66 miles 

Drivers with Most Top 10s:

By Race:

Tony Stewart - 7

Kurt Busch - 6

Kevin Harvick - 5

By Track:

Kurt Busch - 12 (with 3 DNFs)

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - 10 (with 4 DNFs)

Kevin Harvick - 10 (with 0 DNFs)

Jeff Gordon - 9 (with 4 DNFs)

Jimmie Johnson - 9 (with 7 DNFs)

Tony Stewart - 8 (with 4 DNFs)

Recent Pole Winners at Talladega:

Spring 2011: Jeff Gordon

Fall 2010- Juan Pablo Montoya

Spring 2010 - Qualifying Rained Out

Fall 2009 - Qualifying Rained Out

Spring 2009 - Juan Pablo Montoya

Race Teams to Watch:

• Richard Childress Racing
• Hendrick Motorsports

Note: Richard Childress Racing drivers plan to stick together, they only have their in car radios set up to talk within their own team.

The Likely Suspects:

• Jimmie Johnson & Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
• Kevin Harvick & Paul Menard (or Clint Bowyer) Sorry, no three-somes here!
• Jeff Gordon & Mark Martin
• Matt Kenseth & David Ragan
• Kurt Busch & Brad Keselowski

My 2 Cents:

Talladega is a stuff race to pick Fantasy drivers. Your best bet is to try to not pick someone who tends to get in caught up in a wreck or has equipment issues. The patient, consistent drivers who are known for clean passes tend to do better in Talladega like Harvick, Kenseth, and Jeff Burton. Scary picks are Kyle Busch, Juan Pablo (though he could get you qualifying points) and Jamie McMurray.

Non-Chase Drivers to Watch:

• A.J. Allmendinger
• David Gilliland

Check back after qualifying for my final picks to aid you in finalizing your fantasy teams.

Post your comments here or email me at ssfantasyracing@gmail.com.