New England 300

New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Loudon, New Hampshire | Sunday, September 25, 2016

2PM EST | Live on NBCSN

Chase race #1 (Chicagoland) Recap:

Well, its been awhile. Finally going to get one of this done for once. Its been a hectic last few weeks and a lot has happened since I last typed one of these up so here we go!

Toyota, JGR looks to be getting hot at the right time. Winning at Richmond, Darlington, Watkins Glen and now yesterday at Chicagoland. Not only is Toyota getting hot, but so is Martin Truex Jr. as he has won 2 of the last 3 races.

Now this week we head to New Hampshire where, you guessed it Toyota has been dominate. Well, Matt Kenseth has by winning the last 2 races at NHMS.

Kyle Larson has found speed in the last weeks since his 1st career win at Michigan. He has recorded a 3rd, 2nd, and an 18th yesterday but was fast and had to pit late for a tire problem. He hasn't had much success at NHMS but he will be hard not to pick this week.

And rookie, Chase Elliot is so close to bringing home the checkers it must be frustrating for the yound 20 year old from Georgia. Elliot finished 3rd yesterday and was in contention for that first win till a late race caution forced all the leaders to pit and he wasn't beaten out of the pits by eventual race winner Martin Truex.

So, this week is Chase Race #2. Who joins MTJr. and punches his ticket to the round of 12. Is it a Toyota, or will Penske Racing punch one of their drivers in. Or does Chase Elliot move onto the round of 12 with his first ever win. We will see but now onto my picks for this weekends New England 300 from New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Group A-

Matt Kenseth

Since joining JGR back in 2013, Kenseth's finishes look like this. 1st, 1st, 6th, 21st, 4th, 1st, and 9th. He is a for sure a must start this weekend.

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin finished 9th here in the summer race and 2nd in this race a year ago. Has 2 career wins here (2012 and 2007), and its going to be tough not to pick the JGR cars in this years Chase.

WE2W4-

Brad Keselowski- BK is running consistent, and if he is up front he will more then likely stay there

Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick-   Will try to bandage up there 1st Chase Race blunders with a win or good run at NHMS. These two will be on the next blog as starters (DOVER)

Group B-

Tony Stewart

Smoke finished 2nd in the summer race and with the help of a late race yellow he could've passed Kenseth for the win. 3 Career wins at NHMS and will be looking to also bandage up a 16th place finish last week.

Carl Edwards

Finished 5th here in this race a year ago, and was wrecked late in the summer race and suffered a 20th place finish. He was the worst finishing JG's Toyota's at Chicagoland and will be strong this weekend.

Jamie McMurray

Like his teammate Kyle Larson they too have found speed in the later part of this season. McMurray finished 11th yesterday, 7th at Richmond, and 15th at Darlington and got into the chase on points. He did that by being consistent and I feel he will get another good consistent finish this weekend

Greg Biffle

We off the trail I know but the BIFF has been awesome here the last 2 races, He finished 5th here in the summer race and 4th in this race a year ago. He is not in the Chase so he has nothing to lose, risk or reward if you start him.

WE2W4-

Kyle Larson-

Not because hes great here (because he isn't) but but based on speed the last couple weeks he may be up there at the end.

Group C-

Chase Elliot and Alex Bowman

Coincidentally these two were involved in wrecks late in the summer race. That was the first race Alex Bowman was on fill in duty for Dale Jr. He ran very well up until that late race spin, but you have to go with the 20 year old. He is so close to a win, and his team has been here before (last year with Jeff Gordon)

There we have it. I apologize for the delay of the last couple weeks. I'm hoping I can keep this going for the rest of the Chase. Its going to be exciting, lots of storylines and lots of racing left to this 2016 season is ahead.

Booger's Monday Fantasy NASCAR Update: Bristol Night Race Edition





Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race

Bristol Motor Speedway

Bristol, Tennessee | Saturday, August 20th, 2016

8:00 PM Est. | NBCSN

Bristol (Night Race):

 

After a week off the Sprint Cup Series is back on track this weekend for the famous Bristol Night Race. Personally my parents and I have been to this race twice (1999, and 2001). Everyone remembers the 1999 race where Dale Earnhardt spun Terry Labonte in turn 2 and the infamous quote, "I meant to rattle his cage" was born. Senior would go on to win that race, in 2001 a young Tony Stewart beat the likes of Jeff Gordon and Rusty Wallace.

This is the 2nd visit this season to Thunder Valley, the first go around did not go well for the Dick Trickle fantasy team, so we look to rebound this weekend.

Chase Elliot was the surprise of that early spring weekend, which he made his first visit to Bristol with the cup series and finished 4th. Carl Edwards started on the pole and led 276 laps enroute to victory that day.

Lets get to my picks for this weekends night race from Bristol, Tennessee.

Group A:

Matt Kenseth

Kenseth led 142 laps back in April, but finshed 36th due to a blown tire and hitting the wall while leading. He had engine trouble in last years Night Race. Last win here came in the 2015 Spring race. But with all this negativity, he finished 1st in 2013 and 3rd in 2014.

Joey Logano

Logano is the 2-time defending Bristol Night Race winner. He finished 10th in the spring race. The last 4 night races he has finishes of 8th, 5th, and 2 wins. Look for Logano to continue his strong hold on Bristol this weekend.

WE2W4- Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski

Sleeper pick- Kurt Busch

Group B:

Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Finished 16th in the spring race here, 21st in this race a year ago. Has a 2nd (Spring '14), 6th (Fall '14), and 4th (Spring '15). Stenhouse will be looking for a good run, as of now he is on the outside looking in at 20th when it comes to the chase.

Carl Edwards

Edwards dominated the Spring race leading 274 laps and finished 1st, also started on the pole. Last 5 Bristol races he has recorded finishes of 1st, 7th, 24th, 7th and 1st.

Jamie McMurray

McMurray finished 13th in the spring race, 11th in last years race. Finished 8th in the fall of 2014. He will also be looking for a good run to stay inside the top 16 in the points with only 3 races remaining till the chase.

Trevor Bayne

I have a hunch, right now Trevor is 3 points to the good in the last qualifying spot for the chase. He finished 5th here in the spring and 15th last fall.

WE2W4- Greg Biffle, Ryan Newman

Sleeper- Kyle Larson

Group C-

Jeff Gordon

I've been really surprised since his return to the car and not in a good way. I'm sure its hard to take a guy who was enjoying his retirement and put him into a car that's all but changed from last season and I don't care even if you are 4-time champ. This week I will be having a good backup.

Chase Elliot

In the case of Jeff not qualifying well or practicing well, I'm picking this rookie. He finished 4th in the spring race and looked really good in his first visit to Bristol in a cup car.

WE2W4- Ryan Blaney

Well, there we have it. Another week of picks and I only dropped from 1st to 2nd after Watkins Glen. I'm hoping I get those points back. We are unfortunately getting to the end of the season and that means summer is almost over. This is one of my favorite races of the year, in 2 more weeks is another one of my favorite races the Southern 500. Hope everyone has a good week and enjoy the race on Saturday!

UNTIL NEXT TIME....

GOD SPEED

BOOGER

Booger's Monday NASCAR Fantasy Update: Watkins Glen Edition

Cheez-It 355 at The Glen

Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen, New York | Sun, August 7, 2016

Time: 2:30 PM EST | Live: USA

Pocono Recap:

Well this week I don't have much of a recap of the race because of the DVR. So I will fill you in on some things I gathered from Twitter and Facebook. Sunday's attempt at running the race was postponed due to inclement weather, and much of the same happened Monday. The start today was delayed a little while for a foggy mist, but the race got underway with Martin Truex leading the field to green. There was a competition caution at lap 15, all the leaders pitted, Brad Keselowski and Greg Biffle stayed out to gain track position. On the first restart of the race, the pole sitter Truex blew a tire and hit the wall, and Paul Menard an early weekend surprise had transmission problems. Truex would finish a disappointing 38th and Menard finished 35th.

It was whirlwind of a day for Jeff Gordon, on lap 49 he received a too fast entering pit road penalty, and at some point during a late race restart one of his seat belts came undone. Gordon went on to say that he had hoped for the race to go back green to get back to the track position he lost having to pit to fix the seat belt issue. Gordon who is filling in for the 2nd straight week for Dale Earnhardt Jr, finished 27.

All season the experts of Fox and NBC have been wondering which of the two rookies (Chase Elliot and Ryan Blaney) would get their first cup wins, also wondering the same about Austin Dillon and Kyle Larson. I speak for myself when I say this, "Chris Buescher?" No idea that this was going to happen, was almost an easy bet to pick Larson or Elliot for how well they have been running, BUT Chris Buescher? Really? Chase Elliot who was caught up in a wreck with Joey Logano finished 33rd and Ryan Blaney finished 11th.

The day belongs to 23 year old Chris Buescher from Prosper, Texas. For a guy who sustained damage avoiding a wreck and cutting a tire to speeding on pit road, I'm sure victory was the last thought on his mind at one point today. Today's victory comes as a surprise because this victory is his first top 5 and top 10 finish of the season. Pit strategy and little help from mother nature put the defending NASCAR Xfinity Champion in hot pursuit of his first chase. He is 6 points out of the top 30 in points which is a requirement for the Chase.

For the Dick Trickle fantasy team it wasn't a win but it was a good day overall. And too all of you that had Chris Buescher over Jeff Gordon I tip my cap to you all. I went with Brad Keselowski (2nd) Kyle Larson (6th) Ryan Newman (12th) and Jeff Gordon (28). Got a little snake bit with the problems Gordon had but hey that happens, and who knows what would have had happened if they ran the full 160-laps. I maintained a strong hold on to the points lead and now lead by 59 points heading into Watkins Glen.

This weekend we turn right and left, as we head to the Watkins Glen International road course in New York. The Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship got a little tighter now that a guy not on everyone's radar winning a race. So lets find out who are my Award winners for Pocono and my picks for Watkins Glen

Pocono Bright Shiny Star- Brad Keselowski

Pocono SURPRISE!!! Award- Chris Buescher

Pocono Wreck(s) of the Day-

Group A-

Kyle Busch

In the 11 races he has been entered in here during his career, he has finished inside the Top 10 in 9 of the 11 events. That's a quite incredible stat. Finished 2nd here last season and also has 2 wins (2008-2013). Busch finished 7th at Sonoma in June and look for KyB to challenge up front all day.

Kevin Harvick

'Happy' finished 3rd in 2015 (led 39 laps) and 7th in 2014. Has 1 career win here at WGI back in 2006 when he was driving for RCR. Harvick finished 6th at Sonoma earlier this year and is poised for another good run as he makes his late summer push to the chase.

WE2W4- Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano

Sleeper- Denny Hamlin

Group B-

AJ Allmendinger

Despite the 24th finish here last year, the Dinger won the pole for that event and led 21 laps. Won his first Sprint Cup event here at WGI in 2014. Coming off a 14th place earlier this year at Sonoma, and a 14th today at Pocono, look for the Dinger to get himself locked into the Chase this weekend at the Glen.

Tony Stewart

How can you not go with Smoke this weekend at WGI? This will be his final career start there and he will be looking to go out in style as he did at Sonoma. 5 wins, 7 top 5's and 10 top 10's. In his 15 career stats, Smoke has qualified inside the top 15 in all of them. He will be tough to beat this weekend

Carl Edwards

Edwards finished 8th here in 2015 and 5th in 2014, has 1 finish outside the top 15 in 11 starts. Finished 4th at Sonoma.

Kyle Larson

Can Larson get that monkey of his back of being a first time winner and lock himself in for the chase this weekend? In the 2 races here at WGI he finished 12th last season and 4th in his rookie season. Earlier this season he finished 12th at Sonoma. Could you imagine the finish with a battle between AJ Allmendinger and Kyle Larson, this could be an epic race at the Glen.

WE2W4- Martin Truex Jr.

Sleeper- Jamie McMurray

Group C

Jeff Gordon

As of right now, no one knows if Jeff will be in the #88 this weekend or Dale Jr. or some other driver. According to Yahoo right now Jeff is not entered in the race, so make sure you check the NASCAR News. All signs turn to JG returning for his 3rd race as a fill in driver for Jr. And what a replacement, 4 wins at WGI but he hasn't faired well lately there. Just proceed with caution.

Regan Smith

Coming off a 3rd place finish at Pocono, that could be what a small market team needs to run better then they have all year. Hell, I may even plug Chris Buescher in later this week.

WE2W4- Chase Elliot and Ryan Blaney

Sleeper- Chris Buescher

Well, there we have it. Another week is in the books and a surprise winner. You know there has been a lot of people saying Buescher's victory should have an asterisks behind it because of the rain shortened event. A win is a win and stop complaining. Give credit where credit is due, he is a helluva talent, and one day we could see him behind the wheel of a big time ride. I always love when the underdogs of this sport can win races over the big name Hendrick, Gibbs, Penskes etc.

Just a little updated, next weekend is an off week for the cup boys. I'll be doing the recap of the Watkins Glen race and giving you my picks for the next 2 weeks after as I will be on vacation.

Thank you to everyone that reads this blog and continues supporting me in this. I'm still enjoying it and hope that one day I can learn more and more to achieve the ultimate goal of making it into the sport I love. As I am just North Dakota boy with a NASCAR dream.

         UNTIL NEXT TIME........

GOD SPEED

BOOGER

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Pennsylvania 500

Pocono Raceway

Long Pond, PA | Sunday, July 31st, 2016

1:30 PM EST | NBCSN

Brickyard 400 Recap:

Another week in the books and the Dick Trickle Fantasy team continues on its tear of the summer months of NASCAR fantasy racing. In the last few weeks I have managed to dig out of an early season hole and jumped atop the fantasy standings. Its a victory Monday, yesterday was my 4th win of the summer and 6th on the year. Hopefully, we can build on this late summer domination as we get ever so close to the final races of the season.

The weekend started early with a mid-week race with the Truck series on dirt in Eldora. Kyle Larson, the dirt track kid from California came from a lap down to steal the victory. His good weekend continued at the 2.5 mile Brickyard at Indy where he finished 4th in the Xfinity Series race on Saturday and 5th in the cup race yesterday afternoon.

It was Tony Stewarts 'last' start at Indianapolis, I say that only because we thought the same with Jeff Gordon last season. Smoke had a good day, battled back from a speeding penalty on pit road on Lap 122 to finish 11th.

Jeff Gordon was back, which took away a little from Tony Stewarts finale at the big track. Gordon was subbing in for Dale Earnhardt Jr. who was out of the car for the 2nd straight week with concussion like symptoms. Gordon will be back in the #88 car this weekend at Pocono Raceway.

The two legends of our sport shared an emotional lap.

But the day and the whole weekend pretty much belonged to Kyle Busch. It didn't start the way he had hoped as in practice he was spun out by Patrick Carpentier. That probably added extra fuel to the fire. Kyle Busch qualified on the pole for Saturday's Xfinity race and won from the pole. Same story, different day yesterday as Kyle dominated the event leading 149 of the 160 (170 with overtime) laps. You give me one driver, stick him out there in the lead with older tires and everyone behind him on stickers, I'm picking Kyle Busch 99 out of 100 times. The cat can flat out drive a race car.

This weekend we head to the Pocono Raceway. Where in June, Kurt Busch stretched the fuel to steal a victory. That week was a not so good week for the Dick Trickle fantasy team, so I am hoping we can turn that around. So lets get to my picks for this weekends Pennsylvania 400.

Indy Bright Shiny Star Award- Kyle Busch

The first driver in the history of NASCAR to win both poles and races in the same weekend at the same track. He has to be the favorite now for the championship.

Indy SURPRISE!! Award- Kyle Larson

A 1st to start the weekend and carried that high note all the way to the 2.5 mile Brickyard. A 4th place finish Saturday and 5th place finish yesterday. Oh and he is in the top 16 in points.

Indy Wreck(s) of the Day-

The BIG one at Indy





Trevor Bayne and Clint Bowyer wreck

GROUP A-

Jimmie Johnson

Despite the 35th finish here in June, the #48 is coming off a 3rd place finish last weekend at Indy. He has 3 wins here and finished 6th in this event last season look for 6 time to continue in the right direction.

Brad Keselowski

There is something about this #2 team and the 2nd Pocono race. He finished 2nd last season in this event and finished 3rd here in June where he also started on the pole. One of the best drivers at saving fuel is Brad Keselowski, that may come into play again here at Pocono's 2nd race.

WE2W4-  Denny Hamlin

Sleeper- Kurt Busch

Group B-

Kyle Larson

11th place in the June race for Kyle and runs very well here. In his 5 starts at Pocono he has finished 11th (twice), 12th, 8th and 5th. Look for Larson to possibly get his first win this weekend.

Ryan Newman

After last weekends crash at Indy, he and the 31 team will be looking for a solid weekend to keep his chase hopes alive. Ryan could also be racing for a job in 2017 as this is his last year on his RCR contract.

Kasey Kahne

If your looking for a sleeper to start this weekend, Kasey is your guy. Finished 6th here in June and is still looking to stay alive for the chase. Look for Kasey Kahne to have a good, solid weekend.

Austin Dillon

He wrecked here in June and wound up finished 37th, in his other 4 starts he is recorded a 13th, 19th, 15th and 17th place finish. Coming off a top 10 finish last weekend at Indy, Dillon looks to run well to stay inside the top 16 in points.

WE2W4- Tony Stewart and Ricky Stenhouse (finished 12th yesterday he will be on my radar going forward)

Sleeper- Martin Truex Jr

Group C-

Jeff Gordon

6 career wins at Pocono. PERIOD. Start him.

WE2W4- Chase Elliot

Sleeper- Ryan Blaney

There we have it another week in the books. Hopefully Pocono treats me a little better then last time. One thing to take note is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. finished 12th yesterday and is 20th in points. Its going to be interesting to see how he runs this weekend. Also, keep an eye on Kyle Larson and Chase Elliot, both are still looking for their first career wins, Elliot led the most laps here in June and could be a threat this weekend.

Thank you for all the continued support. Please LIKE, SHARE and COMMENT!

Until Next Time......

GOD SPEED

BOOGER

 



Booger's Monday NASCAR Fantasy Update: Indianapolis (Brickyard) Edition

Crown Royal presents the

Combat Wounded Coalition

400 at the Brickyard

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Speedway Indiana | Sunday, July 24th, 2016

3:00 PM EST | Live on NBCSN

Loudon Recap-

Good evening everyone, another week is in the books and the Dick Trickle fantasy team domination continues. I didn't get the win this week, but finished tied for 2nd. The last 3 weeks I have scored 294 points and the last 2 weeks I have had the winner starting (better take that luck to Vegas). I started Matt Kenseth (1st), Tony Stewart (2nd), Ryan Newman (7th) and Regan Smith (32nd). That's right I was a driver away from taking another victory but that's alright, this is a good sign heading into the final months of the season.


Dale Earnhardt Jr. missed Sundays race in Loudon due to concussion-like symptoms, driver Alex Bowman filled in for JR. He ran really well till a late race restart when he suffered damage which ultimately cut down his tire sending him into the wall he would finish 26th. Chase Elliot also had another bad day as his #24 car suffered a cut tire after a bad restart due to a shifter/clutch problem for the #78, Truex stacked up everyone on a restart. As for the other rookie Ryan Blaney, he overcame and early speeding penalty on pit road to bring his #21 ford in the 11th position helping his cause for a Chase bid.


Kyle Busch and Martin Truex dominated most of the race. Busch would lead 133 laps, and Truex led 123 laps. Kyle Busch finished 8th while Truex would suffer a broke shifter and clutch and limped it home 16th.


But the day belonged to the 44 year old out of Cambridge, WI. Matt Kenseth. Kenseth took over the lead with 30 laps to go, and didn't look back. His car did fail post race inspection, he will not be stripped of the win but will possibly miss out on some bonus points for the chase.


The biggest news of the weekend was Dale Jr. If he is unable to go this weekend at Indy, his replacement driver will be different from this weekends race at Loudon but its a familiar name. Jeff Gordon, may possibly be coming out of retirement to pilot the #88 machine. Keep an eye out for that announcement because JG will be a good go to driver to plug in this weekend.


This weekend we head to Indianapolis for the Brickyard 400, the history here alone is awesome. The drivers that win here etch their name into the history books of Indy that dates back all the way to 1909. Can Tony Stewart who will be coming off a very good week capture yet another Brickyard? Or will Kyle Busch and company ruin the retirement party? We will find out with my picks for this weekends Brickyard 400.


Bright Shiny Star Award-  Matt Kenseth
The second week in a row I picked the winner. This is back2back wins for Kenseth he was the fall race winner last season and his 3rd of his career at Loudon.


SURPRISE!! AWARD- Tony Stewart
Smoke is on fire heading into a big huge week for him. Last Saturday night they ran the Kings Royal at Eldora and his driver Donny Schatz won it, finished 2nd yesterday at Loudon, and now this Wednesday night Eldora is hosting the MudSummer Classic. The Camping World Truck series hits the mud for this awesome mid-week event (tune in to FS1). Oh by the way, the cup series heads to Tony's home state of Indiana.


Wreck of the Day- Kyle Larson goes for a spin

Group A-


Kyle Busch


The guy won here last season, and runs pretty well here. His last 6 starts at IMS are 8th, 10th (twice), 2nd (twice) and 1st. Also has finished in the top 20 every race he has been entered here except one (39th, 2009). Plug in Mr. Kyle Busch this weekend.


Kevin Harvick


It seems like Happy is on the verge of another win, but his pit stops haven't been to par this season. He runs well at Indy, has 1 win back in 2003, finished 3rd last season here 8th in 2014 and has been on the lead lap in all but 1 race here at IMS. Pit Crew troubles aside you can be assured the 4 car is going to be Freaky fast and up front.


WE2W4- Jimmie Johnson (2 Brickyard wins), Matt Kenseth
Sleeper- Joey Logano or Brad Keselowski


Group B-


Tony Stewart


I've already told you about the big week ahead for Smoke and how much he loves Indy. A month ago we weren't sure if he would even make the chase let alone win another race, he is going to make the chase and is going to be hard to slow down. Runs very well here at Indy, from 2009-2012 he recorded a 3rd, 5th, 6th, 10th, and 4th. Last win came in 2004 with JGR.


Jamie McMurray


Coming off the 6th place finish at New Hampshire, look for the 2010 winner of the Brickyard to have another good run this weekend as he looks to solidify his spot in this years chase.


Ryan Newman


The 2013 winner of the Brickyard is once again showing us all that you don't need to make a lot of noise to turn heads. At least he is making this fantasy team owner's head turn, but in the good direction. A 7th place finish last week at NH, and a good run here will help him with his chances to make another run at the title like in 2014.


Kyle Larson


Though Kyle has only ran 2 races here at IMS, I'm convinced enough that the kid likes this race track. If it wasn't for that late race spin last weekend he was battling up front all day. He is on the outside looking in as far as the chase goes, but I think this weekend he gets into contention for a win.


WE2W4- Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle
Sleeper- Kasey Kahne




Group C-


Regan Smith and (Awaiting to here the news)


Its either going to be Jeff Gordon or David Ragan. Jeff Gordon will put the drivers suit back on this weekend if Dale Jr is not cleared to race. I would advise you to keep a close eye on the news this week,  as no matter what you start Jeff Gordon.


WE2W4- JEFF GORDON!!!
Sleeper- Ryan Blaney or Chase Elliot


There we have it, another week in the books. Make sure to tune into FS1 on Wednesday night to watch some dirt slinging NASCAR Trucks Series racing. Its a fun event, if you have ever been to your local dirt track, they run heats, last chance showdown and the 150 lap feature.


I hope everyone has a great and as always thank you to those who continue to read and support this blog. Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT.

UNTIL NEXT TIME....

GOD SPEED

BOOGER



Booger's Monday NASCAR Fantasy Update: Loudon (Summer) Edition

New Hampshire 301

Loudon, NH | Sunday, July 17, 2016

1:30 PM ET | LIVE: NBCSN

                                 2015 Winner: Kyle Busch

Kentucky Recap-

Its another VICTORY MONDAY for the Dick Trickle fantasy team, and its another victory for Brad Keselowski and the 2 crew. The new racing surface provided for hold on to your seats racing, and at the end fuel mileage prevailed. BK led 75 laps enroute to his 2nd consecutive victory, and needed every gallon of fuel. Coming to the white flag, the 2 car slowed off Turn 4 with Carl Edwards pulling right up to his back bumper, lucky for Brad the car fired back up and he accelerated to the win. Carl Edwards would finish 2nd, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart rounded out the top 5. Strong runs by Greg Biffle (6th) and Jamie McMurray (7th) were good signs to come for those teams. The two drivers that dominated early Kevin Harvick (led a race high 128 laps) finished 9th and Martin Truex Jr. overcame a late race penalty on pit road to round out the top 10.

It was a different story for the excellent young rookie Chase Elliot and Ryan Blaney. On an early restart, Blaney got loose and got into Chase sending both of them backing into the wall ruining both their days. At the time, Blaney had been running well inside the top 5 and Chase Elliot in the top 10. I said a few weeks ago, we will see what will happen with these guys as we get into the dog days of summer. Elliot continues to hold a good margin inside the top 16 in points, as for Blaney he is on the outside looking in and will need to run well these last few races before Richmond or get a win to make the Chase.

6 time champ Jimmie Johnson wrecked early (32nd), and Michigan winner Joey Logano also wrecked and finished 39th.

Jimmie Johnson wreck

Joey Logano slaps the wall

This week, we head to Loudon, New Hampshire for the New Hampshire 301. A flat short track, that could possibly end the same way as Kentucky in a fuel mileage battle. The early favorite is Brad Keselowski, can he win his 3rd in a row? Or will Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart have something to say for that. We find out in my picks for this weekends race in New England.

Kentucky Bright shiny star award- Brad Keselowski

Mr. Kentucky or My Kentucky Home? His 3rd cup win at Kentucky puts him ahead of Kyle Busch. He is now .500 at Kentucky.

Kentucky SURPRISE! Award- Rookies wreck-fest (Blaney/Elliot)

                                  

Kentucky Wreck(s) of the race- Multi-car wreck, Truck on fire?

                       

                                   

                                         Gal-Dangger how we gunna get home now?

Group A-

Matt Kenseth

Kenseth won the fall race here last season, also has another win (2013). Since joining JGR in 2013, Matt has finished in the top 10 in every race with the exception of the fall race in 2014 (21st). Ran well last weekend and was in contention till he had to pit late. Look for the 20 car to qualify well and run up front.

Brad Keselowski

He is my way to early prediction to win for New Hampshire. Could we be on the verge of another summer domination like Kyle Busch did last season? There is a very good chance of that, BK finished 13th last fall and 2nd in this race last season. His last win came in the July race of 2014. Has finished in the top 10 in every race since Sept. 2011 except the fall of 2013 and 2015. The July race fits Keselowski, he has finishes of 2nd, 1st, 4th and 5th. Look for BK to flirt with his 3rd in a row.

WE2W4- Jimmie Johnson (3 wins), Kevin Harvick (1 win)

Sleeper- Denny Hamlin (2 wins)

Group B-

Tony Stewart

Smoke is tied amongst 3 active drivers (Newman and JJ) with 3 wins (last win fall 2011) here at Loudon. Finished 11th last fall and 20th last summer. Tony is coming of a top 5 at Kentucky, look for Smoke to continue his Summer Hot Streak.

Ryan Newman

NEEEWMAN! He finished 10th in the 2015 fall race and in this race last season he finished 11th. Last win came in the July race of 2011. Since 2011, he has finishes of 1st, 10th, 39th(accident), 5th and 11th (July Race). He got his first top 5 last week at Kentucky and I believe he gets another this Sunday.

Austin Dillon

AD has only raced here 4 times, but has very good consistent finishes. 22nd last fall and 8th in the summer race, his rookie season he finished 14th and 11th. Having a good quiet summer and is flying under the radar.

Kyle Larson

Larson is the other rookie from the 2014 class that found success early on here at NH. That season the young dirt tracker finished 2nd and 3rd, but as of late hasn't had the good runs (17th and 31st). Look for Larson to get that changed this Sunday.

WE2W4- Carl Edwards, Martin Truex

Sleeper - Kasey Kahne (1 win: 2012)

Group C-

David Ragan and Regan Smith

Last week I changed Ragan for Smith and man that hurt. Smith hit the wall and Ragan went on to finish 22nd to get a decent finish. Ragan has ran well here in the past, but that was for Roush Fenway Racing.

WE2W4- Ryan Blaney (finished 23rd last July)

Sleeper- Chase Elliot (Making his first start)

That's it for this weeks picks, we are now 8 races till Richmond. These next few weeks are really going to tell us who's in and who's out. I'm now up to 5 wins on the season and keep digging every so slow slowly to first in the overall standings. Lets just say, we are dominating like BK.

Thank you to everyone that continues to read this and for the continued support! Thought about posting videos and making this a video blog but I babble to much and get of subject ha. Everyone have a great week and good luck this weekend!

                       Until Next Time....

                             God Bless

                               Booger

Booger's NASCAR Fantasy Update: Kentucky Edition

Quaker State 400

presented by Advance Auto Parts

Kentucky Speedway

Sparta, Kentucky | Sat, July 9th, 2016

7:30 EST | LIVE on NBCSN

Daytona Recap-

The summer months are in full swing and it is really my favorite time of the NASCAR season until the playoffs begin. It all started with a crash filled race at Daytona won by Brad Keselowski. Keselowski previously had 4 restrictor plate wins (all at Talladega) now you can add Daytona to that list. It also was Team Penske's 100th win in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

The Dick Trickle fantasy team made it win #2 of the summer and the 4th victory of 2016. I said last week that Daytona is all about luck. My competitors did not fair to well as most of their drivers were wrecked in the first big one of the evening. I went with Dale Jr. (21st), Austin Dillon (7th), Greg Biffle (8th) and David Ragan (16th). My prediction of Jr winning this week was dashed as he got caught up in the big one, the 88 car sustained enough damage to keep him from going to the front.

Last week I stated that I believed the Chevrolets were on the rise, well this week it is a different story. Brad Keselowski's ford dominated the race, and all Roush-Fenway cars finished in the top 10. There was a total of 5 blue ovals in the top 10. Could it be a Ford resurgence? This is a big confidence booster for the fords of Roush-Fenway Racing.

Well, this week we go to Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Kentucky. A mile and half track, with the new downforce package should make for some exciting racing under the lights this Saturday. So on to my picks for this weeks race.

Group A-

Kyle Busch

This guy should be called Mr. Kentucky. He won this race last season, he won the Inaugural race back in 2011. He's led 437 laps, hasn't finished worst then 10th and has led in every race here except 1. In his 5 starts here he has posted a 1st, 2nd, 5th, 10th and 1st. Plug Kyle in this week because if Daytona is any answer it is that his Summer Slump is over.

Brad Keselowski

He could make a case also to be Mr. Kentucky. His last win here came in 2014 he also won here in his Championship year in 2012. He has led 408 laps, and in 5 races here he's posted top 10

finishes in every race except one (33rd). Can Brad K make it 2 in a row and win #101 for Roger Penske? Its an Even year so its very possible

WE2W4- Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson

Sleeper Pick- Joey Logano

Group B-  (none of the drivers have won here)

Carl Edwards

Finished 4th here last season, that was his best finish since the Inaugural event back in 2011. Look for Carl to continue to dominate 1.5 mile tracks.

Kasey Kahne

Finished 27th here last season, but before last year he posted an 8th, 11th, and 2nd place finishes. Look for Kahne to continue to run well.

Martin Truex Jr.

Truex is in a bit of a slump after his dominating performance in the Coke 600. He finished 17th last year in this race and before that he posted a 19th, 7th and 8th place finish. Look for Truex to get out of his slump here at Kentucky.

Ryan Newman

Despite a 20th place finish here last season and a 34th finish back in 2012. Newman has ran well here, posting a 3rd and 4th place finish. Ryan is one of those guys that stays out of trouble and consistently gets good finishes.

WE2W4- Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Sleeper- Trevor Bayne

Group C-

Regan Smith and David Ragan

No change this week from the past couple weeks. With these picks at these tracks coming up it wont be as rewarding as it was at Daytona on Saturday.

WE2W4- Chase Elliot and Ryan Blaney

Sleeper pick- Chris Buescher

There we have it another week of picks and 1 more week closer to Richmond. Will we see another 1st time winner this season at Kentucky? Will a rookie find his lucky charms and win at Kentucky? I love night racing and this Saturday night is going to be FUN!! Hope everyone is having a great 4th of July! I'm going to the couch and putting some Aloe Vera on my sun burnt face!!

UNTIL NEXT TIME....

GOD SPEED

BOOGER