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After going 5-for-5 on sleepers & busts last week. We have Atlanta up next and its already Wednesday. There a few test sessions on Thursday so we get a early look at Atlanta. But remember only X-amount of drivers will take part. So remember to keep track of that. Atlanta is a 1.5 mile slick worn-out racetrack. Its will be in the 40s all weekend long , so no doubt there will much faster speed. Than it would be its this race was held in the summer time (like last season). The great thing about Atlanta usually the tire-off is significant. Its will be obvious in practice whom have a contender-type car.
Sleepers -
Martin Truex Jr: I don't know what to expect out of the 78 , but I think they will have a similar year to 2013. I like what I saw out of their 1.5 mile program late last season. Since 2010 , Truex have a very good track record. Before last season 23rd place effort he finished 14th or better in 4 straight races. FRR finished 4th two years ago with Kurt Busch. 3 years ago? 13th with Smith. Truex is a such intriguing option because of the momentum on his side. Loved the speed he showed at Daytona. More importantly I think Truex is much more comfortable with this team. He have something to prove and a undervalued driver. If he shows speed in Thursday test , then he gonna make my Yahoo roster. Never too early to think outside the box.
Paul Menard: Everyone knows I have a fantasy nascar bromance with Paul Menard. Little piece of advice with Menard is use him early and often. You will get a lot of value out of him in first 15 races. Atlanta been a decent place for Menard. He never been a race-winning threat , but usually he an top 15 potential . With top 10 upside. Nothing special but he proven to surprise us with sneaky finishes in the past. I am not saying to force a start with him. But in Yahoo Fantasy Racing I might throw him on as a 4th option. Simply because his past early season success. Given you're convinced with your other options.Worst possible outcome? He's on your bench. Best case possible , he knocks off a top 12 and you skip to Las Vegas. Salary cap leagues , he probably holds little value due to his overpriced value tag.
Denny Hamlin: Hamlin is someone who doesn't get enough attention for being a great option here. I really like him. Honestly JGR isn't getting nearly enough attention. Guess everyone more focus on who will replace Busch. That's fine with me. This is the same team who place all their cars in the top 5 last season. Hamlin stands out because how good he been here (minus 2013 race) , Hamlin been one of the best drivers over past 3 season. In 2012 , Hamlin won and posted 141.0 driver rating after leading 105 laps. Excluding 2013 race , Hamlin have posted a driver rating above 95.0 since Spring of 2008 (9 races). In that span , 7 times his driver rating was above 100.0. I like Hamlin heading into Thursday test. Hoping for JGR will unload fast.
Busts -
Jamie Mac: Honestly I don't know what to expect from JMac! I liked what I saw last season from overall speed development. But no more Keith Rodden which is absolutely killer. I felt like he was a difference maker for JMac overall. Hard to feel good heading to Atlanta without him. He have a solid track record dating back to 2012 and decent other stats. But its will take awhile for him to get on same page with new crew chief. JMac will be waiting on the sidelines , until he proves himself as an asset with life after Rodden.
Joey Logano: I like Joey a lot this week , unfortunately he scares the heck out of me. Most obvious is the engine issues last week for Penske. They said it nothing to worry about , but would they actually tell us if there were? Nah me either. I am sure it was nothing , but Logano also have 1 win. Which will allow him to gamble more. Remember Dale Jr at Vegas in 2014? I rather just stay clear , plus he may be overvalued in certain games due to his Daytona win.
A lot of this article is just my thoughts & personal opinions.Kinda a bummer due to no real data to go on.
*Stats from Driver Averages.com
Email - briggs_garry48@yahoo.com
Twitter - @Garryy12
