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A:
1. Jimmie Johnson - Few drivers actually made a strong case as the top driver in this tier. Johnson get the nod because of his track record & high picked percentage. Johnson have been fast in every session this weekend and will start 5th. I like he start 5th because he will start in the preferred line (inside line). Its well documented how strong the 48 can be at Martinsville. There haven't been any signs thats indicates he won't be again on Sunday. I think it a easy decision regarding Johnson.
My Overall Ranking: 1st
2. Jeff Gordon - Gordon made a strong case for the top option , but too hard go against Johnson. Even though I think Gordon is the best option behind Johnson. My only concern with Gordon is his finishes in the spring lately. Something has spoiled Gordon from scoring a top 3. In 2011 , Gordon had the best car but finished 11th due to a late wreck. Last season he received damage in mid-pack and never recovered. I like Gordon a lot! Stout track record , excellent long run speed and starts up front.
My Overall Ranking: 2nd
3. Joey Logano - Logano is arguably the most underrated option in this tier. He will roll off from pole and will likely be an top 10 option in every format. If he can lead a lap , he will bring top 5 value in certain formats. Honestly I see Logano leading early , but then I see him fading to around 5th or so when checkers waves. The fords just don't have the speed to contend with the chevy powered cars. Even at Martinsville , speed still is a factor. Even if it isn't as significant like most week are.
My Overall Ranking: 3rd
4. Brad Keselowski - Keselowski starts from 6th and like his teammate Logano I don't think he can stay with the Chevys. Overall I think Brad K is an excellent option with go with though. He showed decent speed throughout the weekend and could make a sneaky play if things go his way in the race.
My Overall Ranking: 4th
5. Ryan Newman - Newman should be ranked higher , but few noticeable factors dragged his value down. Like his limited upside due to his pick % , lack of long run speed and how he have ran this season. Never have been able to stay in front after the first few runs. But always seems to find his way back at the end. He is my sleeper pick for Sunday race.
My Overall Ranking: 5th
Other Options - Harvick (7th) , Hamlin (8th) Dale Jr (9th) and Kenseth (11th)
B:
1. Martin Truex Jr - He is the real deal in that 78 car! Fast each week and Martinsville is no different for the single car team. Truex Jr will start 3rd and have looked solid since unloading. I gotten questions all week via email weather to roster Truex in Yahoo. Honestly if you have him as a option , then you need to start him! Without question you need to find places to save him. But he looks worth of a start. Remember it about where you use him , not how you use them.
My Overall Ranking: 6th
2. Kasey Kahne - Despite Kahne iffy track record , I like him a lot in this tier. He showed speed all day on Saturday and starts from 9th starting position! I believe there more upside than downside to Kahne in term of overall value. Usually if Kahne starts up front , then he finishes there! Also believe his new crew chief have Kahne believing he can ran and finish well. Historically this is a great track for Hendrick Motorsports. Something nobody else in this tier can say. I say he will finish in the 7th - 12th place range. Kasey track record is concerning , so I will give him a higher ceiling.
My Overall Ranking: 10th
3. Carl Edwards - Edwards qualified in the teens and will probably finish there. Even though I think he is capable of finishing in the top 10. I don't think he will unfortunately. Edwards haven't shown me enough where I can say he is a legit top 10 threat. Honestly I don't hate using Edwards , he showed top 10 speed and drives for JGR. For reliability and fantasy value stake , I think there better places to use him. I see Edwards as a Top 15 option , with Top 10 upside.
My Overall Ranking: 12th
4. Kurt Busch - Yes Kurt
posted the fastest lap in final practice , but he complained about getting looser as a run went on. Also I think Kurt is overrated at Martinsville. He only have 2 Top 10s since 2005. One of them came last season. Track history cannot be disregarded at Martinsville. To make matters worse , Kurt starts deep in the field. Track position will huge on Sunday. I do believe Kurt can be a top 15 option on Sunday and likely challenge for a top 10.
My Overall Ranking: 13th
5. AJ Dinger - The Dinger will roll off from 10th and could be an excellent value play if everything goes his way. I really like Dinger this weekend. He have decent track record here too! Last season he had an Top 10 finish average at Martinsville. In terms of speed , I thought he was decent. In my opinion , Dinger is a top 15 play with potential Top 10 upside. I have him across the line around 14th in my overall Rankings.
My Overall Ranking: 14th
6. Kyle Larson - Larson haven't been bad this weekend and starts from the 7th starting position. I wouldn't recommend Larson though over any of the options above though. Despite looking very good in practice , his track record here isn't all too good. For me to recommend him , I need to see least one complete race out of him at the paperclip. For what it worth , I think he is a top 15 option with capable of finishing in the top 10.
My Overall Ranking: 15th
Other Options - Tony Stewart (16th) , Paul Menard (18th), Jamie McMurray (19th) and Aric Almirola (20th)
C:
1. Danica Patrick - I will admit I think Danica either a top 15 to 20 play or a complete bust. The question is will she fine a way into trouble? Last season that was her problem. She been quite successful at Martinsville thus far in career! She is vastly underrated , but I cannot jump on the Danica bandwagon at a place like Martinsville. I think there a lot of upside with picking Danica in this tier though.
My Overall Ranking: 17th
2. David Ragan - Do I want the experienced Vet (Ragan) or the inexperienced young gun (Elliott)? Pretty obvious who the safer option is. I think Ragan brings more stability than Elliott. Unfortunately he is limited to upside vs Elliott. Ragan in my opinion will be a top 25 option and that about it. All weekend that what he have showed me. Unless there significant improvements , then expect a similar outcome.
My Overall Ranking: 22nd
3. Chase Elliott - Elliott will round out this tier as the 3rd option. Honestly don't think it wise to use Elliott over the options above due to his inexperienced , but his upside may be enough to consider rolling the dice! He will start from 27th and could knock off a top 25 , if all things go according to plan. Its rough telling how Elliott will do overall. I believe he is an top 25 at least based on practice results.
My Overall Ranking: 24th
Other Options - Allgaier (26th)
Email - JeffNathan74@yahoo.com
Twitter - @JeffNathans
