January 13, 2010

So far, so good for Truex

Martin Truex Jr. got his first laps in the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 56 in a Goodyear tire test at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He posted the third fastest lap of 184.744 behind Mark Martin (185.182) and Carl Edwards (185.102).

Our View Speeds from tire tests can be misleading since they are working on whatever the manufacturer directs, but if the team is happy, that means chemistry is being built—and that can only improve his value to fantasy players.

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N'Wide: McDowell to McDonald Motorsports

Michael McDowell will pilot Randy McDonald's No. 81 Nationwide Series Dodge in 2010, according to a Press Release by the team. This team will run full time.

Our View McDonald Motorsports has improved slightly in recent seasons. With McDonald behind the wheel, however, this could be a breakout year.

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Auto Club fall race shortened

Along with the news that the Phoenix spring race will be lengthened, it was announced the fall Auto Club race will be shortened by 100 miles. The new name of the race will be the Pepsi Max 400, according to Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Not all of the news is good, it turns out.

Our View The net effect is that NASCAR fans lost 37 miles of competition, but hopefully the California race will be more entertaining as the middle stages of this race can get a little strung out. This brings this race in line with both Michigan events, so those events will be even better comparatives.

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Phoenix spring race lengthened

The Subway Fresh Fit 500k will become the Subway Fresh Fit 600k this year this spring, adding 63 miles to its distance, according to the Arizona Republic. This will be the longest Cup race in Phoenix's history.

Our View The added distance was made possible by NASCAR moving the start of races up to create a uniform time. In the long run, this will benefit fantasy owners as it gives short, flat track drivers more time to get to the front. Previously, this race was essentially a sprint.

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