NASCAR Fantasy Fusion: Pure Michigan 400

By Carol D'Agostino
 

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

By Race

All with 4 - Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowksi and Joey Logano
All with  3 -  Paul Menard, Denny Hamlin, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Clint Bowyer

By Track
Joey Logano -9

Kevin Harvick -7
Brad Keselowski -6
Both with 5 - Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Clint Bowyer

Recent Pole Winners:

2016 Joey Logano
2015 Matt Kenseth

Last Year's Race Winner: Kyle Larson

The Likely Suspects: This week we're back to just turning left at NASCAR's fastest modern track. Look for these drivers to perform well: Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, Brad Keselowski, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Larson and perhaps Joey Logano. This is normally a top track for Logano. If we don't see him fast here this week, he very well may not make the playoffs. Another driver to watch this week is Chase Elliott, whose Dad, "Awesome Bill from Dawsonville," had a pretty spectacular record at Michigan in the '80s. My bet is Bill's notebook on MIS is now Chase's.

My 2 Cents: My no-brainer pick this week is a two-way tie between Kevin Harvick and Chase Elliott. My next choices are Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney and Jamie McMurray. I'll complete my team with Trevor Bayne and Ty Dillon. 

My Final Four: Kevin Harvick, Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and Ty Dillon.

Points to Ponder:

• The Coors Light pole position is the most proficient starting position in the field, producing more winners (18) than any other starting position at Michigan International Speedway.  
• Roush Fenway Racing has the most wins at Michigan in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with 13: Mark Martin (four), Greg Biffle (four), Carl Edwards (two), Matt Kenseth (two) and Kurt Busch (one). 
• Eight different manufacturers have won in the MENCS at Michigan; led by Ford with 34 victories; followed by Chevrolet with 23. Toyota has four wins at Michigan.  
• Three-quarters (69 of 92) of the Cup races at Michigan have been won from a top-10 starting position.
• Among active drivers, Kevin Harvick leads the series in runner-up finishes at Michigan with five.

Remember, if you're playing Yahoo! Fantasy Auto Racing, your pick deadline is Friday, August 11 at 5 a.m. EDT.

Enjoy the race! Post your comments here or follow me on Twitter at @purplecatpr.