Fantasy Picks 2019 ~
Richmond 1

Last Week’s Recap and Results
Food City 500
Bristol

 

We once again saw our Fantasy Racers fan out and go with a different picks this week making pack racing at Bristol the exception rather than the norm. When the 500 laps were over Kelly and Frank came away victorious with their Kyle Busch pick. Kelly used the 40 points to pad his points lead over PattyKay while Frank used it to start his climb back up the point standings.

Vivian and David were the only other top 10 finishers with the Chase Elliott pack of Vicq and Hal just missing with a 11th place finish. Berra took a hard hit when his Aric Almirola was the first car out.

It all resulted in major shakeup in the points below as we head off to another short track-Richmond.

This Week’s Picks
Toyota Owners 400
Richmond

Off to Richmond for back to back short track races. 37 entries have signed up to battle it out in the Series first night race of the season. The setup is the same as Bristol-750 HP and no AeroDucts. New setup... will it mean new results?

Richmond is currently Kyle Busch’s track. He swept both races last season and his six wins make him the winningest driver here. Additionally, he’s finished in the top 10 in 20 of the 27 races here. Plus he’s on a roll this season and Toyota is the race sponsor.

Do we just give him the trophy or race ‘em and see what happens? I say let’s race!

The challengers include three time winners, teammate Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick and Jimmie Johnson. Two-time winners include Kurt Busch, Clint Bowyer and Joey Logano. Other winners include Ryan Newman, Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski. Martin Truex, Jr., Chase Elliott and Aric Almirola are strong contenders.

Will the setup shake things up?

Let’s see what our field of Fantasy Racers think who will be on top when the Checkered Flag falls Saturday night.

PattyKay Lilley

This is my least favorite among our limited short tracks, because it doesn't race like a short track. Loved the half-mile here, but now it races like half of a 1.5-mile track. Oh well, it's on the schedule so we have to pick. I'm sticking with #4. Sooner or later, Stewart-Haas is going to get it right, and Kevin is as right as they have. Mama rides another week in the #4 of Kevin Harvick

Frank Buhrman

It's week three of Frank's Kyle Busch marathon, and what's not to like about having him at Richmond? This year, what's not to like about having him everywhere? Hmmmm.

Vivian Simons

There are quite a few drivers who could win at Richmond. I am hoping someone who does not drive a Toyota will win the Toyota Owners 400. Guess my bias shows in that remark. I am a Chevy person but seems like Ford is doing better this year. I am sticking with #22, Joey Logano again this week. It is time for him to be in Victory Lane!

Berra Nordin

When I first started to think about this week’s race my first thought was about the fastest man on pit road, Hamlin, but I don't like him at all and I just can't pick one I dislike! Then I was thinking about how great NASCAR would think if the son of the legend took the win and maybe he will win, but I think Kevin Harvick and the #4 team is in the mission after last week’s disappointment!!

Vicq Ruiz

Pick sent by FedEx
Denny delivers on time
At my fav'rite track

Kelly Meiste

Geez I hate seeing this guy keep winning week after week, but I'm sure he's still riding high after beating his brother last week.  He hasn't lost his horse shoe, rabbit's foot, or four leaf clover yet and unless he beats himself this week I don't see anyone else beating him either.  So dang, I hate doing it AGAIN but put me down as forecasting the 18 to be in the winner's circle yet again this week.

Hal Ashburn

Well I would pick Denny but they just don't understand pit road.  Guess I'll take Joey just to stop the bleeding.  #22 for the Win.

Will Dossett

Kurt Busch has to win on one of these short tracks.

J. L. Steele

The Joe Gibbs Toyotas are leading the pack this year. Common sense would say to pick Kyle Busch until he shows a reason not to pick him. If nothing else, Denny Hamlin would be a good pick. He has two wins and runs well at Richmond.

The other team giving Gibbs a run for the money is Penske. Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano have wins and Ryan Blaney has been up front of late.

There's another driver that's been lurking though. He really announced his presence last week and he's going to a track where he has a decent record of running well. That's why I'm counting on Chase Elliott to win this weekend at Richmond.

David Nance

I really hate to do this to Ryan Blaney but he’s my pick this week. If he goes to the back y’all know it’s me.

That’s a wrap for this week’s picks for the Toyota Owners 400 from 3/4 miler at Richmond.
Agree? Disagree? Pick your winner and post it in the comments below.
Good luck and hoping for a safe, good race!