The final race of the Eliminator Round will take place this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. A field of eight championship hopefuls will be trimmed to four following the running of the Quicken Loans Race for Hero’s 500 at Phoenix.
While the championship hopefuls continue to dwindle, NASCAR Fantasy owners know now is an important time if they are to win championships themselves. Tireball Sports again is here to provide you with advice for all of your Fantasy leagues.
Here is what is important to remember. There have been six races at Phoenix since its most recent reconfiguration and results have varied between drivers since then.
Five to Pick
Kevin Harvick – Three of the six races since the reconfiguration have been won by Harvick. He has an average finish of 6.2 since then, best among all drivers. With Harvick back in the championship picture everyone should feel comfortable picking him this week.
Brad Keselowski – Keselowski has four top-ten finishes since the reconfigure and after another week of controversy all eyes will be on him as he tries to earn entry into the final round of the Chase. Keselowski seems to thrive with his back against the wall so expect the No. 2 to put on a strong performance come Sunday.
Jeff Gordon – For many of the same reasons as Keselowski, we can expect Jeff Gordon to put his best foot forward come Sunday. Gordon was fifth here in the spring, something that should bode well for him in this one.
Jimmie Johnson – If there is one non-Chaser to pick this week it is Jimmie Johnson. After looking dead for much of the year after a win at Michigan, Johnson dominated the field a week ago in Texas while going to victory lane. He has four top ten runs in the last six races here and last year used this race as his ticket to earning his sixth championship.
Tony Stewart – The former champ has shrugged off that bad stretch posting finishes of fourth at Martinsville and 11th at Texas in his last two races. The No. 14 team will look to continue its strong finish to the season with a good showing at Phoenix.
Three to Avoid
Jamie McMurray – McMurray has not been good here. While he is coming off a fifth place run at Texas do not get comfortable picking him again this week.
Austin Dillon – The rookie has still not shown any reason to pick him. So just don’t. Next year he could be part of a full RCR team that charges out of the gates but for now the emphasis is on the No. 31 of Newman.
Danica Patrick – Her best finish here is a 17th and that came in her first run in the fall of 2012. Since then she has runs of 39th, 33rd and 36th.
