Fantasy NASCAR Contender or Pretender: Watkins Glen

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Tony Stewart (Contender) – Since 2004 Tony Stewart hasn’t finished worse than second at Watkins Glen. What makes this even more amazing is that he’s only finished second twice over this time span because the majority of his recent finishes were wins.  If you need the sure thing look no further than Tony Stewart this weekend, his average finish over the last five years is 1.4.

Jeff Gordon (Pretender) – Since Tony Stewart’s been on the scene at Watkins Glen, Jeff Gordon’s been off it. Jeff Gordon who was once known as the King of the Road last won at this New York track in 2001. Since then he’s only finished in the top ten once (9th in 2007). Last year he was very uncompetitive and was caught up in a spectacular crash.

Carl Edwards (Contender) – In five starts at Watkins Glen Carl Edwards has proven himself to be a road course ace. Only once has he finished outside the top ten (15th) and that was in his rookie year. His average finish when you omit his rookie year is 6.25. Another big plus for Carl Edwards heading into this race is that he’s arguably the hottest driver in NASCAR at the moment.

Kasey Kahne (Pretender) – Kasey Kahne won at Infineon last year but at Watkins Glen he’s never finished better than 14th. His average finish in six attempts at this fast road course is 18.3. One positive thing about Kasey Kahne is that his finish spread is relatively small (14th place – 26th place).

Marcos Ambrose (Contender) – After how Infineon played out earlier this year how can you not feel bad for Marcos Ambrose? I bet he won’t make that mistake again.

Marcos Ambrose has been nearly flawless at Watkins Glen in his short career. In his two races here he’s finished third and second. When you omit Ambrose’s 2008 Infineon transmission problem than his career average road course finish in NASCAR is a staggering 2.6.

Matt Kenseth (Pretender) – Rule #1 about Matt Kenseth is don’t use him at a road course. He doesn’t like them, and they don’t like him. He’s had some decent finishes on this serpentine tracks recently (teen finishes), but in any particular type of league you’re in there’s going to be better picks available this week.

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