Fantasy NASCAR Contender Or Pretender: Michigan
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Jimmie Johnson (Contender) – No driver was more dominant than Jimmie Johnson at Michigan last year. He didn’t finish in the top twenty in either race but fuel mileage is to blame for that. In 2009 Jimmie Johnson led 279 laps and raced in the top 15 for 97.5% percent of the laps . Lets also not forget that Johnson won at California which is Michigan’s sister track last fall and earlier this year.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Pretender) – Did you know that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has the second best Michigan average finish over the last five years? It’s true. Michigan is also the site of his last win. What’s also true is that you shouldn’t put your fantasy hopes in Earnhardt Jr. this weekend. His third place finish in the second Michigan race last year was highly influenced by being a guy who runs toward the back of the pack who could take gambles. I expect him to be a mid teens driver at best.
Jeff Gordon (Contender) – Jeff Gordon has been fast all year long on intermediate tracks. He was fast at Las Vegas, Texas and Lowes this year. Last year in both Michigan and California races Jeff Gordon finished second in every race. I expect Jeff Gordon to definitely be a contender Sunday.
Carl Edwards (Pretender) – Only once in Carl Edwards career has he finished outside the top ten at Michigan. I think this Sunday he could very easily finish outside that mark again. For whatever reason Carl Edwards and the 99 team aren’t competitive at this moment. If you haven’t been paying attention then even his recent finishes might fool you and give you the perception he’s been good.
Matt Kenseth (Contender) – If you want to pick a Ford this weekend look no further than Matt Kenseth. Michigan has always been a Roush track and to me there’s no question who’s been the best Ford driver this year. Matt Kenseth’s been a top ten car at every high speed intermediate track this year except Texas where he had problems late in the race.
Kasey Kahne (Pretender) – Kasey Kahne is an elite intermediate track driver when things are going his way. At Michigan throughout his career Kasey Kahne has either been a “Hero or a Zero”. He has 5 top fives, and 6 finishes outside the top 18. His only other finish outside these parameters is a 11th place finish. So as I said he’s either a Hero or a Zero. With the way his luck is I’m leaning towards a zero this weekend.
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