Talladega Fantasy NASCAR Preview
Talladega
Talladega is a track unlike any other on the circuit. This track requires both guts and strategy to win the race. This race is also known for the infamous “Big One” that sweeps up and destroys many fantasy racers hopes and dreams.
So how do you avoid the big one? This is the question that everyone really wants to know. The answer is to look for drivers who haven’t been crash magnets (low DNF count) this year who also have a good history at the track. Each week I write a weekly fantasy tip and here it is for Talladega
” The best way to pick a lineup that will avoid the “Big One” at Talladega is to pick drivers who have a low DNF count for the year. Normally drivers who’ve had many DNF’s have a lot of bad luck. Talladega certainly isn’t a place to turn around your fortunes if your unlucky.”
Now that I have that vital question out-of-the-way we can tackle the more important issues like who’s going to win.
The ifantasyrace.com top 5 drivers for Talladega are………..
1. Tony Stewart– Tony Stewart has only one victory at Talladega and that happened in this very race last year. The key to success for Stewart all season long has been consistency. I can’t think of a single serious crash incident Stewart has been involved in all season long. The 14 has just been flat out consistent (not a crash magnet) this year.
2. Kyle Busch– Kyle Busch has had a tough season, but I would hardly call him a crash magnet. Many of Busch’s problems this season have been intermediate competitive issues accompanied by an occasional parts failure. The thing that will make Kyle Busch special at Talladega is that he has nothing to lose by racing up front and being aggressive. Chase drivers will be extremely conservative Sunday and most likely they’ll be driving in the back of the pack and then they’ll have to dodge the accidents that happen in front of them. Also in my opinion I honestly believe Kyle Busch has been the best restrictor plate driver in NASCAR for about the last 3 seasons.
3. Kurt Busch– If you like stats then Kurt Busch is your man for Talladega. In 17 Talladega races Kurt has managed to finish in the top 10 twelves times. When you check out the rest of the Chase contenders then you’ll find that the start to top 10 finish ratio is only around 50%. In my opinion Kurt Busch is the best restrictor plate driver to never when a restrictor plate race. If you’re doing good in your fantasy league then I’ll suggest you go points racing this weekend and perhaps choose this Busch. If you want to roll the dice and live more dangerously then I’ll suggest you pick the younger Busch brother.
4. Jeff Gordon– Momentum should certainly be factored into your Talladega driver decision. If a driver is pretty unlucky heading into Talladega then I highly doubt they’ll find a 4 leaf clover and survive the big one. Everyone knows how accomplished Gordon is at restrictor plate races so I’ll just give you the Jeff Gordon formula for Talladega
Momentum + Prior Talladega history + Not a crash magnet = viable pick
There you go, I did the math for you so feel free to pick him.
5. Juan Pablo Montoya– Montoya continues to impress people week in and week out in the Chase. At Talladega I expect this trend to continue. Picking Montoya to be a ifantasyrace.com top 5 driver isn’t unfounded either because he’s had some good runs at Talladega in the past.
Montoya didn’t make the Chase because he had a stellar regular season. He made the Chase because he’s consistent (avoids problems and that’s exactly what you want at Talladega).
Factors that are important when you select drivers for Talladega (everything is based on a ten scale of hearts. 10 being the most important).
Qualifying ♥
Practice ♥
Prior History at Talladega ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Momentum heading into the race ♥♥♥♥♥♥
What happened the last time they raced at Talladega ♥♥♥♥♥
Here’s my quick Talladega tip on how to avoid the “Big One”
If you’re looking for Talladega stats then I would recommend that you visit stats.onpitrow.com
