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