The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend for the running of the Bank of American 500.
Given the misfortunes of some of the Chases contenders a week ago at Kansas this is a make or break track for some. As always a win, regardless of what happened last week, means moving onto the next round.
With that being said Tireball Sports takes a look at the Fantasy Picks that you should be making and avoiding this weekend at the 1.5-mile oval track located just miles away from many race teams shops.
Five to Pick
Joey Logano – If you are trying to find a reason to pick Joey Logano then this post is not for you. Logano has been as dominant as anyone in recent weeks and is already into the next round. Penske has nothing to lose by going for broke this weekend.
Jimmie Johnson – Last week it was Greg Biffle who got loose and gave Johnson an obstacle to overcome in the second round of the Chase. If there is any track that the No. 48 team is happy to see it is this one. Johnson has seven wins at Charlotte including one this spring. Last year he was fourth in this race.
Kyle Larson – This is a big reason why I hate the Chase. Larson is doomed to a 17th place points finish regardless of how many good runs he has to close out the season. Save for Logano, Larson may be the hottest driver on the circuit right now. Since the Chase started he has reeled off finishes of third, second, sixth and second. That first trip to victory lane is coming.
Jeff Gordon – Not exactly a great run at Kansas but the No. 24 team avoided any pitfalls. Given that Gordon has looked the best he has since his 2001 championship season and that he has five wins here you should feel pretty good about him this week.
Matt Kenseth – Steady as they come. Kenseth just keeps picking up solid runs. He is a two time winner at Charlotte and has finished third in the last two races here. We understand some concerns about the Toyota being underpowered but if you need a stable pick this is it.
Three to Avoid
Trevor Bayne – We get it. You see him in the No. 6 car, he is a cheap option. Just stay away. Roush Fenway only has one car left in the Chase for a reason. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is just starting to have some decent runs. It is going to be a mid-pack at best day for Bayne.
Tony Stewart – Since returning to action six races ago Stewart has not finished higher than 14th. He has just two top-10 finishes in his last 12 starts at Charlotte.
Greg Biffle – yea… everything we wrote about Trevor Bayne. Biffle making contact with Johnson last week only reminded us that he still has a car for the rest of the season. Biffle and company have struggled since the Chase started finishing no better than 15th. Things will not get any better here as he has just eight top-10 finishes in 23 starts, none of which came in the last three races.
