Fantasy Picks 2019 ~ Martinsville 2

Recap and Results
Hollywood Casino 400
Kansas City

Race 33 at Kansas City saw Denny Hamlin win for the sixth time this season, edging Chase Elliott who just snuck into the Field of Eight leaving Brad Keselowski on the outside looking in. The NASCAR Nation and all around it declared it a success and the evidence needed to show that the Playoffs have saved the sport and this race was the pivot point to pull stock car racing out of its decade long nose-dive and finally send it in the right direction.

Over here in RFF we saw Hal Ashburn ride his Denny Hamlin pick to Victory Lane to earn 40 valuable points. This pulls him to within 7 points of third place Vicq Ruiz. Kelly Meiste remains atop of the Leader Board blocking any advance by second place PattyKay Lilley.

The Racers put on an impressive display of prognostication as we had four racers pick top three finishers and all but one of the field finished in the Top 10. To see a full breakdown of the Kansas finishing order and points standings look below-

This Week’s Picks
First Data 500
Martinsville

With four races to go in the season, it’s time for the Traveling Circus to kick off the Round of Eight at Martinsville. Who can forget Joey Logano’s bump and run win over Martin Truex Jr. that proved instrumental in Logano winning his first Cup Championship? Will this year’s race match 2018?

Brad Keselowski had the new HP/Aero Setup figured out as he dominated the 2019 Spring Race. He led 446 laps to Chase Elliott’s 49 and Joey Logano’s 5. They bring the same High Horsepower/No Aero setup to the track Sunday. Can he repeat that performance? There is talk they will be adding PJ-1 Traction into the equation.

It should get interesting.

Past winners who still remain in the Playoffs include Joey Logano, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch (2) and Denny Hamlin (5). Past winners who are eliminated from the Playoffs include Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch (2) and Jimmie Johnson (9). Other contenders include Aric Almirola, Chase Elliott, Paul Menard, Ryan Newman and Ryan Blaney.

So who has the setup and hunger to drive to the front? Will everyone “play nice” so as to not to be “that driver” who messes up a Playoff driver’s day? Or will everyone go for the win? Will they get a full 500 laps in or will they race the weather further ramping up the intensity?

Let’s see who our Fantasy Racers pick to take home the grandfather clock this weekend at Martinsville.

PattyKay Lilley

Martinsville is Mama's track and I know her like the back of my hand. Therefore, with great confidence, I'll be riding in the Deuce this week with Brad Keselowski! Brad knows the way to Victory Lane and so do I. See you there Brad!!!

Frank Buhrman

I pick Ray Hendrick to rise from the grave and drive Jack Tant's '68 Camaro modified past all these Johnny-come-latelys. Oh, I can't do that? OK, then, we'll go with Bad Brad to show 'em what they lost by bumping him from the playoffs - Number 2, it is.

Vivian Simons

Although he did not show it, I am sure Bad Brad is just a bit upset at losing out on the main playoffs...durn them playoffs anyway, ha-ha. I think I will just pick him to win at Martinsville. Go, #2, you are bad...Brad!

Berra Nordin

Martinsville is up this time, and if I got to choose only one track to go to it would be Martinsville and hoping to meet a few of all the good friends I made over the years!! But now it is whatever it is, and my only hope is that we get a good coverage of the weekend from the NBC crew!

Last time we went here I let my wife do the picking and she picked Kurre Buske, so I'm thinking I'm going to go this week on this Bro, #18 Kyle Busch it is!!

Vicq Ruiz

He'll win in the fall
Like he won for me in March
Keep that setup, Kez!

Kelly Meiste

Since we're getting close to the end of the season there's no one I'd love to jinx more than Kyle B.

So please mark me down for the #18 this week (take that Candy Man you're doomed).

Hal Ashburn

Still riding the 11 to the end.

Will Dossett

Staying with the 42.

J. L. Steele

Joey Logano

David Nance

The 19 takes care of unfinished business from last year and cashes his ticket to Miami-Homestead.

So there you have it! Agree? Disagree? Pick your winner and post it in the comments below.
Good luck and hoping for a safe, good race!