When two cars withdrew from the entry list earlier this week, that meant only one driver would head to the house early. That driver is Tony Raines, with a speed of 181.484 mph.
Our View This is a start and park operation, however, so it has no impact on fantasy players whatsoever.
Joey Logano was notably fast in the first practice session at Michigan – posting the second fastest time of 187.169.
Our View That is good news for the rookie, who needs a strong qualification effort in order to run strong start to finish, but it is even better news for Ryan Newman. The No. 39 has a margin of nearly two miles per hour over the rest of the field.
Ryan Newman posted the fastest single lap in the first practice session for the Carfax 400 with a speed of 189.155 mph.
Our View Newman is in a little bit of a slump with an average finish of 18.0 in his last eight attempts. He needs a boost to get his rhythm back and a pole would fit that criteria.
Kasey Kahne blew an engine early in the first practice session. He will need to change the powerplant and go to the back of the pack for the start of the Carfax 400.
Our View Qualification is important at Michigan, but considering how wide this track is, a fast car can get to the front.
Dan has been handicapping races for fantasy sports publications for more than half a decade. Feel free to contact me directly at dan @ autoracingstats.com