Fantasy NASCAR Preview: New Hampshire

by Eric McGuire , Wednesday, June 25, 2008

New Hampshire (Loudon) is a larger version of Martinsville: a flat one mile oval with tight corners. The COT was run in both races last season on this track, so you have some past data to sort through as you make your fantasy picks this weekend.

Interesting side note: I don't think I've ever not ranked a driver after a top 5 finish, but it happened this weekend when I realized just how bad David Gilliland has been at New Hampshire in the past. Usually, when I do things like this, the driver I put down almost wins the race. His teammate, Travis Kvapil, has been a great class C option all season. However, he has an equally terrible record at Loudon and missed the cut for the rankings as well.

1. Clint Bowyer, #07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet, Richard Childress Racing

The last time there was a race at New Hampshire, I said that Bowyer should be used elsewhere. He then went out and dominated, leading 222 out of 300 laps and making me look stupid. With that in mind, he's worthy of your class A selection this weekend, regardless of his other finishes at this racetrack.

2. Kyle Busch, #18 M & M's Toyota, Gibbs Racing

Busch won yet again last weekend at Sears Point and you can almost expect him to contend for the win each and every weekend. He raced up from 18th to lead 46 laps in the first race before finishing 11th, and then scored a top 5 in the second event -- leading 21 more laps. He's an excellent class B choice.

3. Denny Hamlin, #11 FedEx Toyota, Gibbs Racing

Despite his 15th place finish in the fall, Hamlin has the best career average finish of any active driver (6.5), albeit in only 4 starts. He is an excellent class A choice and after winning the spring event last season, he is definitely a driver to consider.

4. Jeff Gordon, #24 DuPont Chevrolet, Hendrick Motor Sports

Gordon has finished 2nd, 3rd, and 2nd in his last three starts at New Hampshire, to go with three career wins. Don't forget his dominance at Martinsville, another flat track. He is another excellent class A choice this weekend.

5. Jimmie Johnson, #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, Hendrick Motor Sports

Johnson had finishes of 5th and 6th at New Hampshire last year and has a couple wins on his resume here. Remember, Hendrick cars dominated the COT races last season, which all took place on the smaller tracks. Expect good things from Johnson this weekend.

6. Tony Stewart, #20 Home Depot Toyota, Gibbs Racing

Stewart improved upon his first effort at New Hampshire last season (12th) by finishing 3rd in the fall. He has a couple of wins and 10 top 5's in 18 starts; he is an excellent choice this weekend in the class A group.

7. Dale Earnhardt Jr, #88 AMP/National Guard Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports

Earnhardt scored a top 5 and led the most laps in the first race and also ran strong in the second event, getting a far worse finish (16th) than he deserved. There is no reason to think he won't run well this weekend.

8. Kevin Harvick, #29 Shell/Reeses/GM Chevrolet, Richard Childress Racing

Harvick dominated the fall 2006 race, then finished 8th last spring to give him 4 straight top 10's at the track. He only managed a 17th place finish in the fall, as his performance fell off slightly. He's still a class A guy to think about, but there are several options I would consider better this weekend.

9. Martin Truex, Jr., #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, Dale Earnhardt Inc

Truex finished 3rd in the first race and 5th in the second event at New Hampshire last year, making this a weekend where he should be on your class B roster. One advantage to using him: there aren't many other places where he is a top flight selection right now.

10. Matt Kenseth, #17 DeWalt Tools Ford, Roush-Fenway Racing

Kenseth had a couple of top 10's last season (9th and 7th) at New Hampshire, but he probably will not contend for the win and should be left off your class A roster.

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