NASCAR Fantasy Fusion: Chicagoland ushers in Challenger round

Track Classification: Intermediate

Similar Tracks: Atlanta Motor Speedway • Charlotte Motor Speedway • Darlington Raceway  Homestead-Miami Speedway • Kansas Speedway • Kentucky Speedway

Las Vegas Motor Speedway  • New Hampshire Motor Speedway • Texas Motor Speedway

Distance: 1.5 Miles

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

By Race

Clint Bowyer - 5

Both with 4 -  Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman  

All with 3 - Kasey Kahne, Brad Keselowski and Jeff Gordon

By Track

Clint Bowyer - 4 

All with 3 - Tony Stewart, Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman  

Recent Pole Winners:

2013 Joey Logano

2012 Jimmie Johnson

The Likely Suspects: Race fans will get to see a new Chase format this year which opens with the Challenger round in Chicagoland. The not-so-sweet 16 drivers will be looking to bolster their chances to move to the next round three weeks from now. This first race is an awesome time for Chase-spoilers to show that they still have it even though they can't contend for the championship. The top of the spoiler list for Chicagoland is Clint Bowyer who sits in 17th place. In addition to Bowyer, look for these drivers to run well this week: Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman, Brad Keselowski, Jeff Gordon, and Kevin Harvick. This has traditionally been a stellar track for Tony Stewart. Can Stewart and Bowyer make some noise this week or will it be the Chasers? Stay tuned.

My 2 Cents: My no-brainer pick is a three-way tie among Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman and Mr. Top Seed Brad Keselowski. My next picks are Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Austin Dillon and Danica Patrick.

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