Pit Picks – Atlanta (Pep Boys Auto 500)
Atlanta, Georgia is the scene of this weeks race, the 4th last of the 2008 Cup season. The quad oval track measures just over a mile and a half and produces some of the highest speeds on the Cup circuit. This is the last race for Atlanta in it’s current slot on the schedule as this race will be moved to Labour Day next season, for more favourable weather, and to address attendance issues, both here and California.
Since there are only 4 weeks remaining on the schedule, and I hold a slim lead over 2nd place, the strategy somewhat turns to just protecting that lead, and taking drivers that are consistent at the respective tracks, and at the same time “blocking” my opponent’s starts. I’m basically only competing against one other team at this point in the season, so I can try to match up my drivers with his, to negate the chance of him picking up points on me. This can potentially be a bit of a cat and mouse game, that causes more headaches than it’s worth. Fortunately I have looked ahead and planned my starts down the stretch weeks in advance so relying on this strategy isn’t a must.
The numbers beside the drivers names are how many races I have them available for (9 starts per driver)
Group 1 – Jimmie Johnson(2) & Carl Edwards(3)
Over the past 8 races in Atlanta, these two have combined for 5 victories. Jimmie swept the track last season, and Cousin Carl turned the trick in 05, with Jimmie’s extra victory being the fall race in 04. Jimmie is on a streak that can’t be ignored, having averaged about a 4th place finish, and led about a third of the laps since the Chase began. I’m looking to use his final starts here and Texas, since Miami-Homestead should be an extra long victory lap for him. Carl usually runs his best at the tracks that are the fastest…Atlanta and the 2 milers at California and Michigan, so he’s a close second to Johnson.
Group 2 – Kyle Busch(1), David Ragan(3), Dale Earnhardt Jr(2), Mark Martin(2)
I’ve given up on working my roster to include guys who qualify well since it tends to rain every Friday, no matter where the series is, and I burn a spot on someone that could do well in the race. It’s probably silly to have left Ryan Newman out this week, since he’s come out on top of 7 of the last 10 qualifying sessions at the track, but again, rain is in the forecast and I’m planning for the race. Mark Martin is pretty much a sure start here, as I have 2 races left out of him, and I’m quite confident my opponent will also be using his last Martin start. As for the other three, I’m undecided on who to take. Ragan has been the hottest of the 3 and is gunning for the million dollar prize for best non-Chaser, but Kyle won here in the spring, and Junior has won here before as well. Bobby Labonte might be a good option as well…he’s won 6 times at the track, but all were prior to piloting Petty Dodges.
Group 3 – Travis Kvapil(3), David Reutimann(4)
I considered burning Brian Vickers last start here until he got slapped with the 150 point penalty earlier this week, and I’m unsure how well he’ll adjust to a car that hasn’t been modified. There were hotter drivers in this group, but I think these two have the best chance for a steady top 20 finish, and now is not the time to be taking big risks.
That’s the squad for this week. I’ll be back early next week to bask in the glory or wallow in defeat. Until then, good luck with your picks!
Leave a Reply