NASCAR Fantasy Fusion: Picking to avoid the "Big One" at Bristol

Track Classification: Short Track

Similar Tracks: Dover International Speedway * Martinsville Speedway 

Phoenix International Raceway * Richmond International Raceway

Distance: .533 miles

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

By Race:

All with four top 10s: Kyle Busch; Jeff Burton; and Greg Biffle

All with three Top 10s: Jimmie Johnson; Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Kevin Harvick; Matt Kenseth; and Kasey Kahne 

By Track:

Matt Kenseth - 7

Both with six Top 10s: Kyle Busch and Ryan Newman 

All with five Top 10s: Jimmie Johnson; Denny Hamlin; and Greg Biffle

Recent Pole Winners:  

2011 Carl Edwards

2010 Joey Logano

The Likely Suspects: The Bristol races are fast and furious or is that ferocious? The cars aren't too pretty at the end, but the races are always exciting to watch. Two types of drivers do well here - the ones who can avoid trouble and the ones who can cut through the field. Of the active drivers Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon each have five wins. Jimmie Johnson and Greg Biffle have also been consistently strong at Bristol.

My 2 Cents: The Brothers Busch seem to have tag-teamed Bristol races. Kurt Busch boasts five wins, six top fives, 13 top 10s; one pole. Three of Kyle Busch's five victories have come after leading 150 plus laps. Enough said. They are both on my fantasy team. Greg Biffle  has started this season with amazing momentum and he performs well here so he also gets the nod. I am so tempted to go with either Matt Kenseth or Kevin Harvick since they are my "stay-out-of trouble stand-bys." However, Jeff Gordon's five wins, 15 top fives, 21 top 10s and five poles won me over. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s average finish of 11.7 with one win, seven top fives, 12 top 10s was too good to resist. I felt compelled to add Ryan Newman due to his record for winning three poles. I'm thinking that Bobby Labonte and David Ragan have to help me some time, right?

Since track position is crucial at Bristol I am going to make my final selection based on qualifying position and average practice speeds. You'll want to grab the popcorn and your beverage of choice quickly on Sunday. You won't want to miss a second of the action. Enjoy the race!

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