Well I have been MIA the last few weeks with everything going on, but its time again to get back on the horse at New Hampshire. We are back racing at the biggest entertainment facility in New England area, or so the official New Hampshire Motor speedway website states. Here is the weekly Belly Up Sports NASCAR Fantasy lineup.
Starting Lineup
- Kyle Busch
- Clint Bowyer
- Aric Almirola
- Alex Bowman
- Kurt Busch
- Martin Truex Jr. (Garage)
Why them?
Kyle Busch, was once again a part of one of the more thrilling finishes of the year last weekend. He almost walked away with another trophy but finished second to his brother Kurt. All the more motivation for him to come out this weekend and drive into victory lane. He as for fantasy stats this year has averaged a whopping 38.3 points per race. Along with that in the last three races here he has won once and averaged a fifth place finish. More likely than not he will be in contention for a win this weekend.
Clint Bowyer, has had one of the most rocky seasons well besides Kyle Larson this year. After winning twice by this point last year he’s win less. The good thing with Clint though is this year he has averaged a solid 24.8 points a race this year. While that is only 16th among st active drivers its still a solid start for someone that need decent points this year. Clint has won twice in his career at New Hampshire when he drove for RCR so after all if he can keep his nose clean he could wind up back in victory lane.
Alex Bowman was able to get his first career win three weeks ago, and really has been on fire since his first second place finish way back at Talladega. This weekend at New Hampshire, Alex is projected to grab thirty fantasy points which would be on par with his season average of 28.9 so far. Alex was on the supposed hot seat to begin the season and has done nothing but impress me this year and I don’t expect that to stop this weekend.
Aric Almirola does place in the top ten of fantasy points earned this season, but he has not been able to really get back to that consistent guy we seen last year before his Talladega win. Aric was able to finish third last year at New Hampshire and if his team can have a good showing there is no reason he can’t do that again this weekend.
Last weekends winner, Kurt Busch wasn’t really a surprise to me. I have been riding that train all year long. Kurt has and always will be one of the most under appreciated drivers in the cup series. In his career at New Hampshire he has won three times. He’s also averaged 31.9 points this year, and is sixth overall is points earned period. Keep an eye on Kurt this weekend to possibly make it back to back wins.
My garage driver is kind of a no brainer type of pick. Martin Truex in the last three races has the highest average finishing position of fourth. While Martin has never been able to finish higher than third in his career at the one mile oval look for him to be a factor this weekend. After all he has been able to do some things this year like win at Richmond that he’s never done before. Martin is starting in 46% of all NASCAR fantasy lineup this year. He’s also projected to grab a solid thirty six points this weekend. Keep an eye on your lineup drivers come the end of stage two, because a quick throw in of MTJ could boost you from a second place lineup to a first place finish.
New Hampshire Sleepers
The driver with the third highest average finish in the last three races, is someone who really has had the worst season thus far this year. Kyle Larson has an average finishing position of 5.33 and in nine career starts he has four top three finishes. Is it time to turn the luck around, and lock down a playoff spot?
Kevin Harvick the only driver from last year’s big three who has yet to win this year. Harvick is third among active drivers in points earned only behind Joey Logano, and Kyle Busch. He has been able to earn 635 points, and is only starting in 22% of leagues as of today.
There really is a pretty long list of drivers who you could potentially start this weekend at New Hampshire. Harvick is a solid start whether hes able to win or not we’ll see, Larson is a solid garage pick and if he’s able to stay clean he will be able to grab you a solid points day in your fantasy league. You could also argue for the likes of Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, or even Denny Hamlin. All of these drivers have been in contention all year for wins.
Conclusion
This will be the first race at New Hampshire with the 550 rules package. After a some what lack luster race last Saturday at Kentucky up until the finish it will be interesting to see how the on track product looks at the flat one mile oval. The playoffs are really closing in so look for drivers and crew chiefs alike to start making super aggressive moves on the track.
We have not had a repeat winner since Matt Kenseth in the fall 2015 race and the summer 2016 race. It could be the perfect opportunity for any win less driver to grab their first win of the season. Their first win will give them the chance to take one of the more memorable victory lane pictures with that huge lobster that is gave to this weekends winner. A few mentioned above could take themselves and their team to victory lane for the first time this year.
