Pit Picks – Coca-Cola 600 (Charlotte)
Another week, another race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The only difference is this one actually counts (although I’m sure Tony Stewart enjoys the padded wallet). I don’t know how much last weeks All Star event will transfer to this weeks race, since alot of teams used it as a glorified test session, and the format is basically set up to manufacture drama. That said, Kasey Kahne won both the All Star race as well as the 600 last year.
Since about the 5th race of the season, the Hendrick and Stewart Haas teams have been the class of the field. I’d suspect much of the same this weekend. I’m sure most teams will tab one of the 3 Hendrick cars in the top group, and at least one of Newman, Stewart, Junior in the second group to carry the torch for this race. Picking the right combination will be the key.
**The numbers beside the drivers names are how many races I have them available for (9 starts per driver)
Group 1 – Mark Martin(9) & Greg Biffle(9)
Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson will be on a pile of rosters this weekend, but I’ve used them for 6 of 11 races already. The next best option is Mark Martin, who excels at putting in laps, staying out of trouble, and being there when it matters. In a 600 mile race, that strategy could pay big dividends, and if/when it does, I’ll gladly reap the benefits over those that took the top 2 dogs in the Hendrick shop. Greg Biffle has been quietly putting together a solid stretch of good finishes, and is second only to Tony Stewart in average finish over the last 5 races. He, like Johnson, excels at the cookie cutter tracks, and could very well put in a top 5 or 10.
Group 2 - Ryan Newman(7), Kasey Kahne(7), David Reutimann(8), Brian Vickers(8)
Newman has been one of the best performers of late, behind only Stewart and Biffle. He should do well this weekend (and he starts on the pole…yeah, I didn’t realize quals were Thurs this week so I’m a little late getting this off), and I’d expect a solid top 10 run out of the #39. Normally I’d go with Stewart as well, but I think I’m going to try and balance out my Hendrick Lite starts, and push Tony a little more when he traditionally does well and goes on a tear, in late June and July. Kahne won the event last year and although I don’t think he’ll challenge for the win, I think he’ll lay down a solid performance in possibly his last race with the old Dodge engine (assuming RPM gives their top dog the new engine at Dover as is suspected). Reutimann and Vickers were put on the roster, in hopes that Toyota power would earn some qual points…unfortunately neither could make the top 4, although Vickers laid down a run good enough for 8th. I’m debating using him ahead of Kahne, figuring Kasey’s performance will pick up with the new motor, just like Kurt Busch’s did.
Group 3 – Bobby Labonte(8), Reed Sorenson(9)
I’ve used alot of Allmendinger and Ambrose already, and figured this week is as good as any to start spreading around some starts and prepping for the second half of the season. Having close to a one race cushion on second place at this point in the season makes life alot easier, since I basically have a full mulligan. Sorenson hasn’t qualifed well at all lately, but is improving his position an average of 17 spots each race, so I may just give him his first run of the year, despite his 42nd starting position.
Good luck with your picks and to all my American friends…have a great long weekend!
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