Menard notably fast in Kobalt Tools 500 practice 1

There weren't a lot of surprises on the average speed chart, but one name jumped to the forefront: Paul Menard posted the second quickest average speed of 180.614 during 27 laps.

Our View If you are looking for a sleeper this week, give Menard a second glance. Last fall, he was well worth starting in the fall Pep Boys Auto 500 with a 15th-place finish.

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Truex wins Richmond practice 1

Martin Truex Jr. posted the quickest average speed in the first Richmond practice session among drivers working primarily on race trim. His average speed was 119.718 mph during 25 laps.

Our View After dominating early last week at Atlanta and falling off the pace late in the Pep Boys Auto 500, Truex needs redemption, but it's unlikely to come here. He has only one top-five in seven starts with an average of 23.9.

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Crown Royal Russ Friedman 400

Kahne wins seesaw battle over Harvick

The night was filled with comers and goers, but a late-race caution gave the edge to Kasey Kahne. His short run setup was better than Kevin Harvick's and he sprinted out to the lead with a handful of laps remaining.

Our View Three drivers dominated at different times. Harvick led 66 laps compared to Kahne's 60, but Martin Truex Jr. led the most laps at the start of the Pep Boys Auto 500 and headed the field for 68 circuits.

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Yahoo! Qualification Story – Atlanta

Starting position is of critical importance at Atlanta, so the drivers starting on the first five rows should dominate this week's roster. Check out this week's Yahoo! qualification story (.pdf) to see who is hot prior to Sunday's race.

Truex wins third career pole

Martin Truex Jr. utilized cool conditions to win his second pole of the season and the third of his career with a speed of 184.149 mph. He will lead the field to green on Sunday night, with Kasey Kahne on the outside of the front row.

Our View Qualification is extremely important at Atlanta, but the No. 1 team's luck has been abysmal. Outside pole sitter Kahne will be a better bargain this week.

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Elliott out, Gilliland in at Atlanta

According to a tweet from @NateRyan, David Gilliland will replace Bill Elliott in the No. 21 Wood Bros. Ford this week while Elliott heals from back problems.

Our View If you've lost track of the musical chairs, it has gone this way: Erick Darnell is in the No. 96 at Atlanta (and six more races), displacing Bobby Labonte (who is in the No. 71 for those same seven events), displacing David Gilliland who now is in the No. 21. This time of year is not known as the Silly Season without reason.

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Correction: Labonte not guaranteed to start Atlanta

Bobby Labonte will not be able to use his past champion's provisional this week since he was not the original driver entered for the Pep Boys Auto 500, according to Jayski.com.

Our View Jayski quotes the following from the rule book: "If after starting position 1 through 42 are assigned and there remains an eligible car owner whose driver is the current or a former NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion who participated as a driver in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and who was entered in the Event for that owner in that car prior to the entry deadline, a 43rd provisional starting position, the "Champion's Provisional", will be assigned to that car owner."

The entry deadline is Tuesday of each week prior to each event.

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Edwards injured playing Frisbee

Carl Edwards has broken his foot while playing Frisbee, according to a tweet from Jayski. He is still expected to race this weekend, however.

Our View Edwards was a big enough favorite that this does not automatically eliminate him from contention for you roster, but if you were on the fence about starting him in games with rosters that must be decided pre-weekend, this could be the deciding factor.

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Labonte in No. 71 at Atlanta

Bobby Labonte will be behind the wheel of the No. 71 Chevrolet according to FoxSports.com, and as the most recent past champion running for a team outside the top 35 in owner points, he is guaranteed to start. Erik Darnell is taking over the No. 96 in seven of the last 12 races, which left Labonte out of a ride in those events until this deal was struck. Labonte will start those seven races with the Racer's Group.

Our View David Gilliland will sit out the seven races that Labonte starts, so it looks like he was the last man standing when the musical stopped. Until the Labonte/No. 71 gets a race or two under their belt and prove to be more than just a start and park operation, they should be avoided. This week, they enter the event with a sponsor on the hood, so the Racer's Group might actually try to go the distance.

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Yahoo! Atlanta Preview

The Chase contenders will be the ones to watch this week at Atlanta, but fantasy owners know it's not all about who wins. Check out this week's Yahoo! preview (.pdf) for a look at the top marquee drivers and dark horses alike.

Labonte may yet return to Yates in 2010

Yates Racing is still in negotiation with Ask.com to sponsor Bobby Labonte for 2010 and it is likely that their relationship with Roush-Fenway Racing will not comtinue next year, according to SceneDaily.com.

Our View Not sure how that effects Erik Darnell for 2010, so fantasy owners will need to stay tuned for further details.

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Darnell to race No. 96

Erik Darnell will race seven of the last 12 races in the No. 96 Ford beginning this weekend at Atlanta, according to a press release from Yates Racing. Bobby Labonte will fill the seat for the other five races. He also is scheduled to race at New Hampshire, Kansas, Talladega, Texas, Phoenix and Homestead.

Our View The young gun is the first official rookie to toss his hat into next year's ring, but this might also have other implications. It has been rumored that Roush Racing and Yates have been talking about making the smaller entity a satellite team and this could be the first step toward securing a ride for Jamie McMurray in 2010 as well.

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