Boogers Monday NASCAR Fantasy Update Daytona (July Race) Edition

Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola

Daytona International Speedway

Daytona Beach, FL | Saturday, July 2nd, 2016

Time: 7:45 PM EST | Live on NBC

Sonoma Recap-

'Smoke will Rise' Smoke did rise this weekend, as Tony Stewart ended an 84 winless streak. What a huge win it was, Tony Stewart pitted earlier then anyone else, needed a caution and got one to put his #14 car up front. He was strong on the 2 restarts, wheel hopped twice into Turn 7, got passed on the Final Lap only to pass Denny Hamlin in the final corner to claim victory. This now means, Smoke only needs to finish inside the top 30 in points by Richmond to be in the 2016 Chase for the Sprint Cup in his swan-song season. It was another good day for the Dick Trickle Fantasy team, finished 2nd and if it wasn't for a little birdy in my head from North Dakota, it would've been a bad day. I swapped out Clint Bowyer for Tony on early Sunday morning, Clint had a mechanical failure on Lap 6. I went with Kurt Busch, Tony Stewart, AJ Allmendinger and Chris Buescher yesterday. Ku. Busch finished 10th, was really surprised that he was a none factor all day, Allmendinger had a great run going till that last pit stop where he had to serve a penalty and restart 33rd (he finished 14) and Chris Buescher finished 30th.

This week we head to the Birthplace of NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway. Another wildcard race, where its anyone's flag to capture. BUT, I believe this trend of different winners continues. Tony Stewart become the 6th different winner in a row with his win yesterday and I believe (Insert Name Here) will take the top spot this Saturday Night. So lets get to my picks for this weekends race.

Group A-

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (DUH!)

He is my early week favorite, and quite honestly as long as there isn't a zombie apocalypse I'm not going to change that. Senior was the best and Junior is close behind him. Won here last July. Despite his 39th in the 500 this February, he hasn't placed worst then 15th since 2012 in point races here. Can Junior become the 7th different winner in a row? I believe so!

Kevin Harvick

Since joining SHR in 2012, Happy has one finish of 39th. But the other finishes consist of a 13th, 2nd and two 4ths. Won this race in July of 2010 from the pole and is the 2007 Daytona 500 winner. I believe he is due, but its going to be hard to pick against Jr this weekend.

WE2W4- Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin

Sleeper pick- Kurt Busch

Group B- (this group was difficult this week)

Austin Dillon

In the 5 point races at Daytona, Dillon hasn't finished worse then 14th, finished 7th last July (through the air) and 9th in this seasons Daytona 500. Dillon also qualifies well which is key to start up front here. Look for Dillon to challenge for his first career win.

Ryan Newman

Dillon's teammate, Ryan Newman is consistently running well this year. He is a good restrictor plate racer. He finished 11th in this years 500 and 8th last July. After his good run at Sonoma he will have the confidence it takes to take on Daytona.

Kasey Kahne

If you haven't noticed by now, my team so far consists of only Team Chevy drivers. Toyota ran well yesterday at Sonoma but I believe the Chevrolets are on the upswing to give them a run for the money. That certainly helps out Kasey Kahne. He finished 13th here in February. Look for Kasey to continue to right the ship this Saturday.

Greg Biffle

Ok so I broke the whole Chevy thing now, Greg Biffle believe it or not is a good restrictor plate racer, because he is patient. He only has 3 DNFs in is whole career here at Daytona. He won here as a rookie for Jack Roush in 2003. He carries an average finish of 15.71 at Daytona and I believe he continues that trend this weekend.

WE2W4- Carl Edwards, Martin Truex

Sleeper Pick- Paul Menard

Group C

David Ragan

I've done this before, I used Ragan a couple years back at Talladega when he was driving for Front Row. They were the underdogs and that day the underdogs beat the big boys. Not saying he will win this weekend but this is the last shot for those small car operations. David Ragan is a good restrictor plate racer, he won this race back in 2011 driving for Roush Racing. He finished 11th in this race a year ago, look for Ragan to be up front.

Regan Smith

Smith hasn't ran the July race at Daytona since he was driving for Furniture Racing. But, he finished 8th in this years Daytona 500 and 16th in last years 500. He also has been a common pick for those people that are saving Elliot and Blaney for the homestretch of the season.

WE2W4- Chase Elliot

Sleeper Pick- Ryan Blaney

These weeks are tough, this type of racing makes your picks lucky or unlucky. If your drivers avoid the big one(s) then your going to be alright. Look for a lot of drivers that don't qualify up front go to the back and those that qualify up front stay there. This pack racing puts even the fans on the edge of their seats imagine being in one of those stock cars!

There we have it, another week in the books. Thank you to all of you that read this. I enjoy the crap out of this stuff! Please Like, Comment, and Share on Facebook or Twitter. Good luck to those in fantasy leagues this week. This race is going to be fun!! Happy Birthday America!!

Until Next Time...

God Speed

Booger





Booger's Monday NASCAR Fantasy Update: Sonoma (Road Course) Edition

Toyota- Save Mart 350

Sonoma, Ca | Sunday, June 26th, 2016

3 PM EST | Live on FS1

Welcome back from the off the week, hope everyone had a great father's day weekend. I survived the heat, but the outside thermostat is getting turned up higher this week down here in Arizona. As for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, they head to Northern California and will be turning left and right. That's right, the first of 2 road courses this year lands after the final off week for the cup boys, as they will not have another week of till after the season finale at Homestead. We are in the dog days of summer, where we will find out if the early on surprises were in fact just that or if they are for real. The chase grid will start to become clearer and could find some new faces in it. I consider this race and next weekend's race at Daytona WildCard races. Meaning its really anyone's to capture the flag. Will we see another 2016 first time winner for the 5th consecutive race, or will one of the rookies (all of whom have never been to Sonoma) win their first cup race? The next two weeks are going to be fun, but lets get to my picks for this weekends TOYOTA-Save Mart 350 from wine country!

Group A-

Kurt Busch

This weekend the older Busch brother comes in at the 12th ranked driver on both road courses, the other being Watkins Glen. But here at Sonoma, he finished 2nd a year ago in fact Busch hasn't finished worst then 12th since 2011, also during that span he has led 136 laps. His only Sonoma win came in 2011, driving for Penske Racing. He qualifies up front, stays up front and its safe to say he will put his #41 Haas-Automation, Monster Energy Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet in the lead and never look back.

Jimmie Johnson

Well you can't go to a road course and not pick the 6-time champ. Not only is he the 4th ranked driver at road courses, he also  has a master mind strategic crew chief in Chad Knaus. He played the fuel mileage game last year, and finished 6th. Since 2009, JJ hasn't finished worst then 9th, and in that span he has led 101 laps. With decent starting positions, always running up front, and that strategic pit boss look for 6-time to hoist the wine cup Sunday.

WE2W4- Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick

Sleeper Pick- Kyle Busch

Group B-

Clint Bowyer

Go ahead and plug Mr. Bowyer in this week. If you start him it could pay off big time and I will tell you why. 2nd ranked driver at Road Courses, finished 3rd here last year, hasn't finished worst then 10th since 2011 and has 1 win back in 2012 driving for Michael Waltrip Racing. Look for Clint to right the ship this weekend!

Tony Stewart

I know your first thought is, 'what is going through your mind this week Booger?' WINS, that's what is going through my mind. This may surprise you, but Smoke is the #1 ranked driver at road courses. He leads all active drivers with 7 wins, 2 of which have come here at Sonoma (2001,2005) He has struggled as of late in wine country, but I believe this is the race Smoke has a good chance to get back to victory lane.

Jamie McMurray

17th best road course driver in the NSCS, finished 11th here last year. He basically runs around his average, so there is nothing to flashy about this pick. Except that McMurray has completed all but 1 lap at Sonoma since his career started in 2003.

AJ Allmendinger

Earlier this year I jumped on the Allmendinger band wagon, and ultimately was bit by bad fortune. But, its a WC race and the Dinger is the Ringer. 11th best road courser, his best finish at Sonoma is 7th. His only cup win came at Watkins Glen, but last season at Sonoma was the car to beat. He won the pole, dominated everything that weekend, but come Sunday he had a fuel pressure issue that ruined his chances at the W. Look for Dinger to ring the bell at Sonoma.

WE2W4- Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle

Sleeper Pick- Carl Edwards

Group C-

Chris Buescher and Brian Scott

I'm going to stick to my strategy but this week, I'm going to pick the other 2 rookies. I just have a feeling that the 3 road course races the Xfinity Series races at helps these young guns out a lot. Buescher has a win at a road course in that series, and as of late has been running well.

WE2W4-

Chase Elliot, Ryan Blaney

Well another week is in the books. I feel like this week was a lot easier to pick. Its surprising that each group has at least 2 guys in them that could win this weekend. Good Luck to everyone and as always, Thank You to those that read my blog every week and for the continued support!

Until Next Time...

God Speed

Booger

Booger's Monday NASCAR Fantasy Update: Michigan (Spring Race) Recap



 

Michigan (Spring) Recap:

Guess what day it is? It's VICTORY MONDAY for the Dick Trickle fantasy team. We went from last to 3rd in points and won the week thanks to the 120 points by Joey Logano. I admit I had a little help this week, sitting in the pool and having a couple cold ones Saturday afternoon I talked to my Dad and asked him for advice. Yeah, that's what sons do sometimes, they ask their Dads for stuff other then money. My question was, "What do you think, Junior or Logano?" and the inciteful answer was, "Their both due." So I went with Logano and what the right call that was. Joey Logano as Mike Joy said 'Spanked the field' that he did Mr. Joy. Logano led 138 of 200 laps, he also won 8 of the 9 restarts and after the last restart on Lap 193 he just drove away from youngsters Chase Elliot and Kyle Larson. Rounding out the top 5 was Penske teammate Brad Keselowski and Stewart-Haas driver Kevin Harvick (Better go get that Bloomin' onion tonight).

Junior Nation had a rough day at Michigan, going into turn 2 Chris Buescher and Junior drove underneath Allmendinger, Buescher got loose and into Jr. sending the 88 and 47 car into the wall off turn 2. Sending Jr to a dreaded 39th place finish.

Kyle Busch had another dreadful day, making that 4 races in a row with a horrible finish. Kyle had been complaining for much of the first run of temps running high and eventually on lap 53 the #18 blew up. The 2016 Champ is in an early summer slump (30th at Dover, 33rd at Charlotte, 31st at Pocono and 40th at Michigan.) But with the first road course race of the year coming up in the windshield, I believe he will get back on tract in 2 weeks as he is the defending race winner at Sonoma.

Another awesome week for the rookies. Chase Elliot running up front again leading laps and challenging for the win. Ryan Blaney showed some resiliency after hitting the wall on lap 162 and coming back to finish 17th place finish. Another rookie that had a good run (other then running into the 88) was Chris Buescher who finished 20th. The big test for the rookies is coming up at Sonoma.

No picks this week as the Cup Series is off. Next Monday I will be back for the first Road Course race of the year from the wine country, Sonoma Raceway. Here are this weeks award winners from the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan.

Michigan Shiny Star Award- Joey Logano

Winning the pole on Friday, leading 138 laps, and just whipping the whole field this one is deserved. How does Joey Logano celebrate a Monday after a Victory? He and his wife drove in the motorcoach from MIS to Kentucky for a test. AWESOME, a work day.

Michigan SURPRISE! Award- Tony Stewart

After qualifying 3rd on Friday, being fast all weekend, Smoke and the #14 team ran up front all day and stayed out of trouble to bring it home 7th. This does nothing but help Tony get closer to that goal of being in the top 30 in points and getting a win to make the Chase 2016.

Michigan Wreck(s) of the Day-

Jeffrey Earnhardt on fire-

https://youtu.be/1ssQFMp-uig

Dale Jr, AJ Allmendinger and Chris Buescher-

I have to share one more video, Yeah that's me. Keselowski's exciting 2014 Talladega win in the chase. I was a little bit excited. ENJOY!

And that's it for this week. I hope my picks and insights help some of you win this week like me. I hope you all have a great off week and we will talk to you next Monday as we get ready to turn right and left!!

UNTIL NEXT TIME

GOD SPEED

BOOGER

 



Booger's Monday (Tuesday) NASCAR Fantasy Update: Michigan (Summer Race) Edition



FireKeepers Casino 400

Michigan International Speedway

Brooklyn, Michigan | Sunday, June 12, 2016

1 PM EST | Live on FS1

Pocono Recap:

Rain, fog and severe weather ruled the weekend, as it postponed the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race from Sunday to Monday and shortened the NASCAR Xfinity race on Saturday. Monday was the opposite of the whole weekend as it was a beautiful day in the Pocono Mountains and it was an amazing day for the elder Busch, Kurt, as he stretched the fuel (with a Interim Crew Chief nonetheless) to take the win. Leading up to Monday's race, Hendrick Motorsports had won 5 of the last 7 Pocono races. Make that 6 of the last 8 as SHR gets their motors from the Hendrick stable. It wasn't a great day for the either of my fantasy teams, for the Yahoo league my only bright spot was Brad Keselowski. He overcame an early pit road penalty for an unapproved body modification to finish 3rd. Martin Truex Jr's Coke 600 domination stayed right there in Concord as he struggled all day to come home 19th. The day was full of comers and goers unless your last name was Elliot. The rookie from Dawsonville continued his hot streak to lead the most laps and finish 4th. Tony Stewart's hopes of the Chase took a hit as he got loose and hit the wall and in the process collected teammate Danica Patrick and Landon Cassill. But the story of the day was Kurt Busch, on the final restart his interim Crew Chief came over the radio telling him they were 2 laps short. He had more then enough to capture the flag and park the #41 Haas-Automation, Monster Energy Chevrolet into victory lane.

Pocono Shiny Star Award-   Brad Keselowski

After a pit road penalty under the 3rd caution that dropped him back to 38th he rebounded to finish 3rd.

Pocono SURPRISE! Award-  Chase Elliot

In his first Cup start at Pocono, Elliot dominated the middle portion of the race and if there was another caution to bring the field back to Kurt, Elliot would've challenged for the win.

Pocono Wreck of the Day-  Tony Stewart/ Danica, Cassill

Tony got loose after a 3 wide situation, collected Danica on his way to the Turn 1 wall and in the process collected Landon Cassill.

On to this week, Michigan International Raceway. I have been to this track so many times I can't even remember how many. My first visit to the Irish Hills was back in 1993 at the age of 3. To short to see I had to go on the shoulders of my dad, and the whole group of us wearing bumble bee colored Miller Genuine Draft shirts. The winner that day was Ricky Rudd in the Tide Ride #5 driving for Rick Hendrick.

Here is the shirt I wore on 1993 Race day at Michigan

Well on to my picks for this weekend FireKeepers Casino 400.

Group A-

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

JR Nation where are you? The last 3 weeks have been nothing but first wins of the season (Ku. Busch, Truex and Kenseth). Could this be the weekend for JR? Coming off a 2nd place finish at Pocono and a 2nd place finish in this race last year. the Big Mo stays with the 88 this weekend.

Joey Logano

In the last three June races Logano has finished 9th twice and 5th. He won the August race in 2013 and in the last six races he has not finished worst then 9th. First win of the season is in the windshield of the 22 team.

WE2W4- Kenseth, Harvick, Keselowski

Group B-

Carl Edwards

Edwards leads all active drivers in Average finish here (9.65) 2 wins, 9 top5s and 16 top 10s in his 23 career races at Michigan. Finished 6th last August. The #19 Toyota will be a factor by days end.

Austin Dillon

Finished 4th last August, has 1 top5 and 1 top10 in the last 4 races here at Michigan. I'm hoping his day this weekend ends better then the one at Pocono. Look for Dillon to get things rolling again this weekend.

Kasey Kahne

In 24 races at this track, Kahne has 1 win (2006). So it has been awhile but with 8 top5s and 10 top10s and the momentum he has coming into this weekend, Kahne is in an almost automatic start here.

Kyle Larson

In only 4 starts, Larson has one DNF. But other then that he has a 13th, 17th and an 8th place finish. Coming off an 11th place and the momentum he has had in the last 4 weeks I have to stick with him. This new downforce package could help Larson get that first career win.

WE2W4- Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart

Group C

Chase Elliot and Ryan Blaney

This is incredible, this class of rookies starting with these 2 is going to go down as the best ever. Chase Elliot is the closer of the two to their first career victory. Both are amazing talents and its going to be fun to watch these two for years to come. Ryan Blaney is making his 3rd cup start at Michigan and Chase is making his first start here.

I just wish I had infinite starts with these two, because I'm going with 2 totally different drivers just to have these two later in the year.

Who I'm Actually taking-

Ty Dillon and Regan Smith

Another week in the books, and I'm bringing up the rear. Its all going to pay off when I have those two rookies for the end of the year. Call it a dumb strategy but when other guys have to go with the Landon Cassill's of NASCAR I'll have two of the best young stars of NASCAR. If you watched the Sprint All-Star race and remember the awesome racing there was, that downforce package will be re-introduced. Lets see how exciting the racing is going to be. Again, Thank you to all of you that read this, I enjoy doing this. Please Please Please SHARE, LIKE, COMMENT so I can continue to make this blog better!

Until Next Time

GOD SPEED

BOOGER