NASCAR Fantasy Fusion: Desert ringers or new faces?

Track Classification: Flat Short Track  

Distance: 1 Mile

Similar Tracks: 

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Richmond Raceway

Drivers with Most Top 10s (Last 5 Years):

By Race:

Jimmie Johnson - 5

Kyle Busch - 4

Mark Martin - 3

Jeff Gordon - 3

Tony Stewart - 3

Carl Edwards - 3

Denny Hamlin- 3

By Track:

Jimmie Johnson - 7

Carl Edwards - 6

Mark Martin -5

Kurt Busch - 5

Denny Hamlin - 4

Kyle Busch - 4

Jeff Burton - 4

Clint Bowyer - 4

Recent Pole Winners:   

2011 Carl Edwards   

2010 AJ Allmendinger

The Likely Suspects:

There were four cars in practice that seemed to hug the track so I'm thinking these guys will be solid contenders on Sunday: Jimmie Johnson; Mark Martin; Martin Truex and Juan Pablo Montoya. Kasey Kahne is looking pretty racey as well as Greg Biffle, Brad Keselowski and Kurt Busch.

My 2 Cents:

Since I am thinking bonus qualifying points and Ryan Newman has the most poles at this track with four, he is a must for my fantasy team. Jimmie Johnson has a stellar record at Phoenix so he is in along with Kasey Kahne and Mark Martin who are no brainers, Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart are a real close call here, but I'm going with Carl Edwards since he has potential for the pole. Martin Truex vs. Greg Biffle is another tough match. Biffle looked great in both practices, but I'm going with Truex who has a slightly better record for this race. I'm rounding out my team with Bobby Labonte and Aric Almirola since both ran solid practice sessions.

Post your comments here or email me at ssfantasyracing@gmail.com. Enjoy the race!