After two straight weeks of racing in the land of NASCAR, Charlotte we are heading north. The first trip to the “Tricky Triangle” of Pocono is this Sunday. If you don’t have your fantasy lineup set just yet this article might help point you in the right direction. If you are struggling in the office league or maybe in the league with your buddies we may be able to help you.
Line Up Set
- Martin Truex Jr
- Kevin Harvick
- Ryan Blaney
- William Byron
- Kyle Busch
- Denny Hamlin (Garage)
The Who and The Why?
Martin Truex Jr. last weeks winner, knows how to get to victory lane in the Pocono Mountains. In the past four races he has won one race and led sixty seven laps. Along with that he has the third highest average finishing position among active drivers at 6.25 finish. This man took over the race last weekend and has the capabilities to do it again this weekend. If your looking for a solid fantasy line up pick this weekend at Pocono look no further.
Kevin Harvick looked to be coming for his first win last weekend. That was before the sun set on the home track. After that his car just left him and he was never able to get the feel back. Kevin has an average finish of third, in four races third! That is the highest among active drivers, but one thing is lacking. A trip to victory lane, while he has led 119 laps in the previous four races at Pocono he has been unable to lead the last one. However, Kevin will and should be in your lineup this weekend. More often than not the driver of the Busch Mustang will get you solid points this weekend in your fantasy league.
Ryan Blaney, or YRB as some in the media world call him has had a rough season. Last Sunday though he was in contention it appeared for a win. I think the performance he had last weekend will jump start the rest of his season. Ryan got his first career win at Pocono. While he hasn’t been as good of a fantasy starter as some predicted this year, this week he has the chance to give your lineup a solid outing.
William Byron, the underdog of this lineup. While the young driver is still win less in his career, he has showed some speed and ability the last few weeks. Becoming the youngest pole winner for the Coca Cola 600. While some of the speed is most likely going to be credited to his championship winning crew chief Chad Knaus. Remember this: the chief can set the car up but without a good driver it doesn’t leave pit road. William has the chance to like another young driver grab his first win at Pocono.
The “Candy Man” put on show last weekend once again. That is one thing you can not ever take from him. Kyle Busch puts on a show, and he has for sure in the past four races here at Pocono. Kyle has won two of the last four races here, and led 239 laps. He is second to only Kevin Harvick as well with an average finishing position of third. Put this man in your lineup what are you waiting for?
My garage pick is arguably one of the most up and down drivers currently in a car on raceday. Denny Hamlin fell victim to the Toyota tire monster last weekend hitting the wall twice due to flat tires. Keep an eye on him this weekend though because if Denny has a track he knows and knows well it is Pocono. In twenty six career starts here, only six finishes have been outside of the top twenty. With that he has also made four career trips to victory lane. Which is second to the winning est driver at Pocono Jeff Gordon.
Honorable Mentions
Any one of these drivers could be put into the starting lineup, but you may not be able to use them this weekend. It could be due to the usage limit, or you already using them up. I’ll give you a few solid substitutes to use if you need to get a solid fantasy weekend at Pocono.
Chase Elliott, and Kurt Busch have arguable been the most consistent guys in the Chevrolet camp. This weekend will be nothing new for either of them. Chase has an average finishing position of 8.75 at Pocono. Kurt has an average finishing spot of eleventh. They can give you the points you need this weekend.
Daniel Suarez, is another win less driver in this article much like William Byron. Daniel is in prime equipment again this year and has put it to good work. Almost ever weekend he is in the top fifteen and being talked about on the TV broadcast. Daniel has an average finish of twelve and has led thirty laps in the last four races. Keep an Eye on Daniel this weekend, he’s bound to make it to victory lane soon.
Conclusion
So, this year will possibly be the last time you see two separate NASCAR races in the Pocono Mountains. Due to next years schedule changes, you will see a double header for the first time in a long time in NASCAR. None the less race fans this weekend with the new aero package I am interested to see how this race will play out. My reasoning is mainly due to the fact that this track is historically a follow the leader, fuel mileage type of race and that is not a fans race in my opinion. Anyways, the drivers I covered above are solid picks for your fantasy lineup this weekend.
