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We are at Chicago this weekend! The track is roughly 38.5 miles away from where I grew up (25.4 miles from where I live now). So I know this track pretty well I would say. In recent years , Chicago have been a championship killer. Joey Logano and Jeff Gordon have been victims of poor finishes over the past two seasons. Which have costs them hugely. So who will be the 2014 victim? And more importantly who will steal a solid finish from a chase eligible driver as a sleeper? Let get started!
Sleeper -
Paul Menard: Surprised? Since his 3rd place finish at Vegas , he have impressed me on Intermediate racetracks. Only twice he failed to score a Top 10. So in other words , he have 75% Top 10 success rate on this type track. Chicago haven't stood out as a good track , but that should only improve his value significantly. As of Wednesday morning (in Yahoo) , PM only selected by 16%. Real nice value there folks.
Bust -
Tony Stewart: Smoke was already probably gonna be a mid-range driver with lesser equipment then his chase teammates. The addition of changing pit crew could make matter worse. Not like crew/drivers can automatically get on the same page from day one. Especially considering it during middle of the season. Its will be interesting to see how Smoke does.
Sleeper -
Kasey Kahne: Kahne been under the radar all season long. Rightfully so. This week isn't a bad idea to take a chance with Kasey though. He been strong at Chicago recently. He actually been better then most think. His 109.9 driver rating is impressive overall. Also Kahne have made strides on this type lately. Including a win at Atlanta few weeks ago.
Bust -
Ricky Stenhouse Jr- Don't buy into his 8.0 average finish at Chicago. He only have one start in his Cup Career (came in 2013). RFR just isn't what it was a year ago. RFR have significantly took a step backwards. At best he an top 20 option. Don't be fooled , he don't back it up.
Sleeper -
Jamie Mac: I thought about listing Danica instead , but her % was higher on Yahoo. So I decided to go with my boy JMac. JMac typically get selected by under 30% on a weekly basis. He an top 15 option on any given weekend , with the potential of an top 10 with a fast car. Also JMac tested here recently with teammate Kyle Larson. That a huge plus for him.
Bust -
Denny Hamlin: I am not really high on Hamlin. Actually not high on anyone within JGR. DH have struggled here in recent seasons at Chicago. Their 1.5 mile program is strong , but JGR have been stronger during night races. So there a lot of unknowns heading into the weekend. It may be best to wait and see with Hamlin.
Twitter - @Gbriggs12
