Texas Samsung Mobile 500: Fantasy NASCAR “Front Runner” Rankings

Ryan Newman 2012 Fantasy NASCAR
Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

Ryan Newman – Since 2009 all of Ryan Newman’s Texas finishes have been within the 11th through 20th place range. This year Ryan Newman has been strong on intermediate tracks. He finished 4th at Vegas and 7th at Fontana. So far in 2012 on this track type he’s averaged 39 points per race and has an average running position of 8.5. Newman’s a good driver but in the Samsung Mobile 500 he falls just short of a Top Tier Elite Pick.

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Brad Keselowski – In 2012 Brad Keselowski has had disappointing finishes at both intermediate tracks. At Las Vegas he had multiple problems and at Auto Club he got caught speeding  on entry to pit road.  Last spring at Texas Brad Keselowski led 32 laps and finished 18th (13th place avg running position). In the fall race he had a pit road accident with Denny Hamlin and finished 24th. His best finish at Texas was a 14th place finish in 2010. Don’t underestimate Brad Keselowski though, he has the intangibles to overcome problems and get a good finish.
Clint Bowyer – Bowyer has a very good track record at Texas. He has a 13th place average finish and a 13th place average start. Currently Bowyer has a streak of three straight top tens at Texas. In last springs race Bowyer started 3rd, led 44 laps and finished second. On intermediate tracks this year Bowyer has finishes of 6th (Las Vegas) and 13th (Auto Club). Those stats rank him as the 8th best full-time driver on this track type for the season (9.5 avg finish, 35 points per race average).

Mark Martin – If your fantasy league rewards qualifying points I think Mark Martin should be one of the drivers who you consider. In the two intermediate track races of 2012 he’s qualified 1st and 3rd. In 2011 Mark Martin had a rough year at Texas, but in 2010 & 2009 he recorded finishes of 3rd, 6th, 4th and 6th. I think all of the early indicators are pointing towards Mark Martin having a good performance in the Samsung Mobile 500.

Martin Truex Jr. – Texas has been a good track for Truex Jr. In the last three Texas races when he wasn’t involved in accidents he’s finished 8th, 9th and 14th. In fact Truex has more top ten finishes at Texas then he does at any of other 22 tracks. So far 2012 has been a really good year for Truex and it’s likely this trend will continue in the Samsung Mobile 500. On intermediate tracks this year he’s finished 17th (Las Vegas) and 8th (Auto Club). Although he won’t challenge for the win he’s a good sleeper pick.

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