Fantasy NASCAR Report: Phoenix Edition

Five drivers to watch at the short track in the Copper State this weekend in the Subway Fresh Fit 500.

Jimmie Johnson

I'm pretty sure Johnson has considered building a house either in or somewhere near victory lane at PIR.

With a worst finish of a mere 15th twice in 2002 and 2005 and a best finish of first three times in the last four races Johnson knows a thing or two about getting around this short track.

Look for him to continue his current trend of consistency at short tracks this weekend.

Jeff Gordon

The first driver in PIR history to win from the pole, a feat only accomplished since by his teammate the aforementioned Johnson.

Gordon is riding a wave that has placed him as the current points leader and will be a contender this weekend for both the pole and the race win.

Denny Hamlin

Hamlin looked very impressive in the first ever Car of Tomorrow race at Phoenix and has had consistent finishes ever since.

With top fives in four of the last five races at PIR look for him to bring home another solid finish under the lights in the desert.

Tony Stewart

Guess becoming a owner/driver was the best idea Stewart ever had, well that and leasing motors from Hendrick.

Phoenix has been kind to Stewart in the past in both Cup cars and open wheel. While he didn't have the best finishes last season he will look to change that this weekend and continue his climb up the point standings with a win in the desert.

Underdog: AJ Allmendinger

Boy has this guy been impressive this season and has definitely earned the schedule extensions he has been given.

Sure his best finish is only 16th but the recent loss of five spots in the points, falling to 20th, will influence Dinger to run up in the top ten to earn some of those spots back and stay in contention for a spot in the Chase.

Texas Results

Not exactly a great day for my picks, with only four of them in the top 20 and those four all in the back half of the top 20.

Unfortunately my underdog pick, Bobby Labonte, had a horrific day and was relegated to a 40th place finish. Luckily for him the no. 66 team was there so he was guaranteed not to finish last.

Carl Edwards 10th

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 20th

Ryan Newman 15th

Kyle Busch 18th

Bobby Labonte 40th