Fantasy Nascar

Coca Cola 600 Preview

            This weekend we have the longest race of the season in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. A 600-mile race will put the equipment and the drivers through their toughest test of the year. Patience pays off in this race. Take care of your equipment and keep making the necessary adjustments as the track changes and race the final 100-miles. That will be the plan for those who want to have a shot at the win in this race.

            Jimmie Johnson drives the Lowe’s sponsored Chevrolet at the Lowe’s sponsored track better than anyone else. He only has one win so far this season but it’s hard to bet against him here. 5 Wins in 13 starts, 4 wins in a row, 8 straight top 3 finishes and the list goes on. You have to have Jimmie in your lineup this weekend.

            Carl Edwards has been the driver to beat on the mile and a half tracks this season and has been very good at Charlotte throughout his short career. Carl has 5 top 10 finishes in just 6 starts and his worst finish here is 15^th. He will be the driver that gives Jimmie a run for his money Sunday night.

            Kasey Kahne won the All-Star race Saturday night and swept the races here in 2006. It won’t be a surprise to see him running up front late in the race this weekend. When he unloads a good car at this track he is going to be in contention for the win.

            This is the time of the year that Tony Stewart starts to turn it on a little bit. The only thing that might hold him back this weekend is the fact that he has a hard time staying patient in such a long race. If they can keep Tony focused over the course of a long race he will be there at the end.

            Dale Earnhardt Jr. has run well at the mile and a halves this year also and should have a car good enough to win. He will have to keep it off of the outside wall early in the night because we all know how he loves to run the high line. That will be the way to make a pass late in the race and improve positions though.

            Jeff Gordon won the fall race here last season but has struggled on the mile and a half tracks over the last few years. There are better places to start Jeff Gordon than Charlotte so just keep him on the sidelines this weekend.

            Mark Martin loves to race at Charlotte and won the 600 back in 2002. He also won the No Bull Million in that race and had to hold off then teammate, Matt Kenseth for the win. Mark will drive his heart out every week for his team and fans but I think that the team needs a little more work and it’s hard with a guy who isn’t running the full schedule.

            Yahoo Picks for Charlotte

            Group A

            Jimmie Johnson (starter)

            Carl Edwards

            Group B

            Mark Martin (starter)

            Bobby Labonte (starter)

            Kasey Kahne

            Kyle Busch

            Group C

            Paul Menard (starter)

            Scott Riggs

            Top 5 Overall at Charlotte

1.      Jimmie Johnson

2.      Carl Edwards

3.      Tony Stewart

4.      Mark Martin

5.      Kyle Busch

Dark Horse: Bobby Labonte

Stay Away From: Kurt Busch

As always you can Email me with any questions, comments or suggestions at gutsamaniac@hotmail.com. Good luck once again this week!