The “biggest” fantasy racing mistake people make
[picapp align=”left” wrap=”true” link=”term=mouse+trap&iid=300878″ src=”0297/fe94197d-987c-4957-9239-bdfdbf9b1169.jpg?adImageId=8337597&imageId=300878″ width=”234″ height=”156″ /]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 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 (circa 2008) and he’s having a good year (not this year). 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 will admit that when it come to fantasy racing at times I will resort to psychological warfare on 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.
Biggest Fantasy Mistake: “PLAYING WITH YOUR HEART”
December 14, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
Playing with your heart always leads to nothing but trouble.
December 15, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
You’re absolutely correct. Matt Kenseth killed me this year.
December 18, 2009 @ 10:02 pm
The only time playing with heart seems to work is if your a Jimmie Johnson fan. I think that fantasy racing is really 3 seasons long: 1. Early hipe and Wishes example Daytona Bud Shootout finishes with cars that wont even race the real thing. 2. Summer when the boys race for weeks on end the toll can tell you who will be around when the chase comes and then 3. The Chase everyone wants to win the chase but fantasy teams must stick to week in and week out performance not just my star driver does good in the chase .