If You Play With Your Heart In Fantasy Racing Prepare To Lose
There are a ton of mistakes that Fantasy Racers can make but I believe there is one that stands out among the rest. This mistake that I will talk about is the equal of a baited mouse trap. A mouse trap works by drawing in the mouse and then clamping down on the pesky critter.
The unique thing about NASCAR is that everyone has a favorite driver (mouse trap). NASCAR fans (mice) are the most loyal fans in the world but fantasy racing wise this is a problem. If you’re ever going to really succeed in fantasy racing then you need to be neutral towards the drivers that you both like and dislike. The simple way to think about this situation is “Don’t play with your heart”.
Playing with your heart is by far the number one reason why people who do Fantasy Racing don’t succeed. NASCAR is a loyalty based sport, but that doesn’t mean your fantasy team needs to be also. It’s alright to have a favorite driver but be smart about it.
Your role as a Fantasy Racer (mouse) is to stay away from the trap. Let’s say Dale Earnhardt Jr is your favorite driver and he’s having a good year (not 2009). A fan who plays with their heart will pick him almost anywhere, even a road course. I know this is probably a weak example but don’t let your heart ever become a deciding factor when you make picks. Make smart picks based on information, not on the NASCAR flag you have of your favorite driver.
Sometimes even displaying you have a favorite driver can be a weakness in fantasy racing. I know I’ve always enjoyed being in leagues with people who play with their hearts. I’m always more then happy to use this information against my opponents. For example in a auction league if I see a team that is named DaleJR#1fan then I’m going to drive his price up so high that you might as well stick a fork in that team for the year.
Fantasy Racers, don’t be the mouse who is driven to the trap. It gives away your position and many times it leads to irrational fantasy race thinking. Be neutral towards both the drivers you like and dislike. This is perhaps the most basic important thing in Fantasy Racing.
The Biggest Fantasy NASCAR Mistake: “PLAYING WITH YOUR HEART”
