Fast Forward ~ The FedEx 400 At Dover Fantasy Race Picks And Preview
“The future is like a corridor into which we can see only by the light coming from behind.”
–Edward Weyer, Jr.
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The Track: Dover International Speedway Data Season Race #: 13 of 36 (06-01-14) Track Size: 1-mile Banking/Turn 1 & 2: 24 degrees Banking/Turn 3 & 4: 24 degrees Banking/Frontstretch: 9 degree Banking/Backstretch: 9 degree Frontstretch Length: 1,076 feet Backstretch Length: 1,076 feet Race Length: 400 laps / 400
miles The Race: AAA 400 400 Laps/ 400 Miles Defending Champion: Tony Stewart, 123.172 MPH Most recent winner: Jimmie Johnson, 130.909 MPH Track Record: Mark Martin, 132.719 MPH, September 1997 Race Record: Kyle Busch, 128.790 MPH, June 2010 Qualifying record: Dale Earnhardt Jr., 161.849 MPH,
September 2013 2013 Purse: $5,934,999 TV:FOX, 1:00PM EST 6/1/2014 Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN) Sirius XM 90;
www.MRN.com The Contenders: Top 10 Driver Ratings
at Dover Jimmie Johnson........................ 121.1 Matt Kenseth............................. 107.9 Kyle Busch............................... 106.0 Carl Edwards............................ 101.3 Greg Biffle................................ 101.0 Jeff Gordon................................ 93.7 Kurt Busch.................................. 92.5 Clint Bowyer............................... 91.6 Martin Truex Jr............................ 89.4 Ryan Newman............................. 89.4 The History: July 6, 1969- Richard Petty wins
the first Sprint Cup Series race at Dover May 31, 1992-Harry Gant becomes
the oldest Dover winner at 52 years, 4 months, 21 days. 1995-Dover becomes the first
track to be completely paved with concrete.
The white surface earned the track the nick name of “White
Lightning.” Kyle Petty won the first
race on the new surface. September 21, 1997-Mark Martin
wins the fastest race ever completed at Dover. September 23, 2001-Dover becomes
the first track to hold a Sprint Cup Series race post 9/11. The race was won by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. June 1, 2008-Kyle Busch becomes
the youngest Dover winner to date, at 23 years and 29 days. September 29, 2013-Jimmie
Johnson wins his seventh Dover race, breaking a tie with Bobby Allison and
Richard Petty for most career wins at the track. The Picks: As always, before we get into this week’s picks,
let’s look back and see how we fared last week. Mr. Pole was the big winner last week, but
we had a few of our staff get close with picks of Kenseth and Harvick. |
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Player |
Selection |
Race Pts |
Previous Pts |
Total Pts |
Behind |
Wins |
DNFs |
||
Mr. Seven |
24 |
38 |
487 |
525 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
Mr. Winner |
4 |
43 |
481 |
524 |
-1 |
1 |
1 |
||
Mr. Pole |
48 |
48 |
473 |
521 |
-4 |
3 |
1 |
||
Vivian |
4 |
43 |
447 |
490 |
-35 |
2 |
2 |
||
Jim Fitzgerald |
4 |
43 |
424 |
467 |
-58 |
0 |
1 |
||
PattyKay Lilley |
5 |
30 |
431 |
461 |
-64 |
1 |
0 |
||
Nate |
2 |
35 |
412 |
447 |
-78 |
0 |
1 |
||
Brian Marchetti |
11 |
22 |
413 |
435 |
-90 |
0 |
1 |
||
Darrell |
5 |
30 |
403 |
433 |
-92 |
1 |
2 |
||
Alabama Fitz |
18 |
35 |
391 |
426 |
-99 |
1 |
2 |
||
Kevin Abraham |
1 |
40 |
377 |
417 |
-108 |
0 |
2 |
||
Barbara |
42 |
26 |
388 |
414 |
-111 |
1 |
2 |
||
If Playoff Started Today |
|
||||||||
Player |
Selection |
Race Pts |
Previous Pts |
Total Pts |
Behind |
Wins |
DNFs |
Chase Pts |
|
Mr. Pole |
48 |
48 |
473 |
521 |
-4 |
3 |
1 |
2009 |
|
Vivian |
4 |
43 |
447 |
490 |
-35 |
2 |
2 |
2006 |
|
Mr. Winner |
4 |
43 |
481 |
524 |
-1 |
1 |
1 |
2003 |
|
PattyKay Lilley |
5 |
30 |
431 |
461 |
-64 |
1 |
0 |
2003 |
|
Darrell |
5 |
30 |
403 |
433 |
-92 |
1 |
2 |
2003 |
|
Alabama Fitz |
18 |
35 |
391 |
426 |
-99 |
1 |
2 |
2003 |
|
Barbara |
42 |
26 |
388 |
414 |
-111 |
1 |
2 |
2003 |
|
Mr. Seven |
24 |
38 |
487 |
525 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2000 |
|
Jim Fitzgerald |
4 |
43 |
424 |
467 |
-58 |
0 |
1 |
2000 |
|
Nate |
2 |
35 |
412 |
447 |
-78 |
0 |
1 |
2000 |
|
Brian Marchetti |
11 |
22 |
413 |
435 |
-90 |
0 |
1 |
2000 |
|
Kevin Abraham |
1 |
40 |
377 |
417 |
-108 |
0 |
2 |
2000 |
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Who are our favorites this week? Read on…
KEVIN ABRAHAM: Looking at the past at Dover, the drivers I look for to be strong are Johnson, Kenseth, and Dale Jr. I really wanted to go with an RPM car as they have good luck here, but I need wins and not good finishes. I am getting tired of being in the basement of the Chase point reset. As much as this pick goes against my normal thinking, I cannot in good conscience not pick Jimmie Johnson to win again at Dover.
JIM FITZGERALD: Kevin, I'm with you, bud. I'm all over the place with this one. I was thinking Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as well, but how can you NOT pick old Double J at Dover? I'm still up in the air.
ALABAMA FITZ: What.....is everybody on the same wave length this week? I may have to go with my #2 pick this week just so there will be a difference somewhere...but not committing yet.
PATTYKAY LILLEY: Fitz, they are but two; hardly everybody.
JIM FITZGERALD: So, we have a room full on fence sitters?
ALABAMA FITZ: Two of two and a strong thought almost makes three. Getting close.
PATTYKAY LILLEY: Alright gentlemen, it is now Tuesday and the time for picks is upon us. I must admit there is so much chatter going on in several places, that I am confused as to whether anyone has picked anyone other than JJ for Dover. Pardon the Lady, as she is about to derail that train. While it's hard not to give the nod to Jimmie this week, the game wouldn't be any fun if we all rode the same horse, now would it? Also, I suspect that poor horse would soon tire. Some of you are rather big boys. I came to Dover with full intent of picking a driver that used to run quite well here, that being Carl Edwards. That might have made my heart happy but my head tells me he hasn't run worth a ding-dong here since the COT was put in mothballs. That's a number that some forget to factor in; the difference between the COT and the Gen6. Surprisingly, when you add that number, you arrive at a new leader. The difference is minute, and JJ still has 2 wins in that short time, probably making him the better pick, but in the spirit of the game... and the desire to kick arse and take names... I'll be riding with the other Hendrick twin this week, Jeff Gordon, but I reserve the right to re-pick if back spasms take him out before qualifying. Gotta have a dog in the fight.
JIM FITZGERALD: Well, Mama, I sat on the pit wall at Dover last September and I watched Jimmie Johnson break the record for most wins by any driver at Dover. He scored his eighth Dover win, passing the seven held by Bobby Allison and Richard Petty. It's so hard NO to pick Jimmie Johnson at Dover, but even with a win at Charlotte last week, this does not seem like the Jimmie Johnson of "old." Now, as Johnson crossed the finish line on his way to history last fall, he was being chased by his shop mate in the 488 garage, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. I might be going out on a limb here, but I'm counting on Jimmie Johnson NOT being the usual Jimmie, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. getting just a little bit better than he was last fall, and sacking Miles The Monster like I hope Johnny Manziel gets sacked by every player he ever faces...ever. For me at Dover, it's Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
PATTYKAY LILLEY: An admirable choice Jim, and should Jeff become bedridden and not be able to perform, that is where my vote would go. Perhaps it's wishful thinking, hoping that the dynasty will fail in its bid for perfection, but I agree that all is not right in that corner of Hendrickville this year. It might be just a tiny chink in the armor, but it's there, and about 30 drivers on that track want to help it become a gaping wound.
ALABAMA FITZ: Being very very VERY familiar with back spasms, I stayed away from Gordon last week and will do so again this week...which may cost me, because he did okay last week. Dale's record at Dover steered me away from him. Until he led 89 laps here last year, he had only led a total of four, count 'em, four, laps at Dover, all the way back to 2004! If last year was an indication he has finally gotten Dover figured out, then it may be "you have chosen wisely". Realizing he seems to have a burr twixt his pants and the seat this year, your pick could put you in the finals. I need more than one race. Bon Chance !
JIM FITZGERALD: English, Dude…English.
PATTYKAY LILLEY: As they say, I have the leaders in sight... and quite frankly, only one of those ahead of me depends on oxygen to survive. I don't care about those phantom people. Jeff has not led much at Dover either, but I've heard tell that it's only that one lap at the end that counts. We're not racing last year or the year before. We're racing this coming Sunday, and the reason they run the race is to determine the winner. Paper only holds records. Drivers hold the steering wheels and have a right foot on the gas pedal. Stats won't win ya an ice cream cone.
ALABAMA FITZ: "Stats won't win ya an ice cream cone". Very profound, Lady....kinda cute too. You are, however, right in that little bit of humor. At the same time, you have confused me a little (which isn't hard to do as we all know). Your pick is not the one I expected. "Cousin Carl", aka "Concrete Carl" in some circles, has some decent numbers on this concrete track that I thought might venture a choice from you. Twelve Top 10s, including a win, in 19 races is nothing to sneeze at.... unless of course, you are looking at Johnson. So once again, you have shown your unpredictability....which is good.
JIM FITZGERALD: Uh oh…
PATTYKAY LILLEY: Your problem, dear Fitz, is that you do not listen. Lord, how many times have I said that to a reader? My words, though large in volume, are clear as a bell on a windless day.
"I came to Dover with full intent of picking a driver that used to run quite well here, that being Carl Edwards. That might have made my heart happy but my head tells me he hasn't run worth a ding-dong here since the COT was put in mothballs."
I know that if you were able to rewind this conversation, you'll find that. I have my reasons, and Gen6 is the root of most of them. I recognize that drivers that drove well when COT was King... decidedly a play on words there... do not necessarily do the same with the smaller, sleeker cousin, the Gen6. Complain as you will, Jeff Gordon, if vertical, is my pick for taming the Monster.
ALABAMA FITZ: There are still some winners at Dover that haven't been picked yet, among them: Edwards, and Keselowski, along with two time winners Ky. Busch, and Greg Biffle. My choice this race has Top 10s in 12 of 18 races including seven out of his last eight here a Dover, and four out of his last five here. Except for an engine problem in the spring of 2012, where he finished 29th, he could have a string of eight consecutive Top 10s and five straight Top 5s and maybe even be a three time winner here. Folks, that sounds like points to me. Add to that, the fact he has already won this year, AND, since we now have 10 different winners in 12 races, one win may not get you into the finals. So, the previous winners this year will probably be trying to get their second win in 2014. I'm looking to Kyle Busch in the Toyota 18 car to "toy" with the field and take us both to our second win of the year. My dark horse, based on four straight Dover Top 10s, and his recent tear of really good racing this year, would be Joey Logano. Also remember, that with 10 winners already, there are still drivers like Stewart, Larson, and yes, even Patrick lurking out there.
KEVIN ABRAHAM: I looked at Keselowski, Kurt Busch and Dale Jr. for this weekend, but in the end, I have to take a driver that knows how to win here. My taking long shots put me in the basement, and It's been tough to crawl out of it, as dirt is continually being heaped on me. I also noticed that last year's winner, Tony Stewart has not even been mentioned on here as even a contender. I honestly think that Stewart was banged up more than he is letting on. I still look for Mark Martin to run a couple races in the No. 14 this year.
ALABAMA FITZ: And Yes Mama, I do remember what you said about "Cousin Carl", and I agree. I just thought you still might try to scoop us by picking him. Oh well, that's what I get for "thoughting".
PATTYKAY LILLEY: The way I figure, either way, I win. If Jeff wins, well, I beat y'all. If Carl wins, I'm a happy camper. Simple when you see it through my eyes.
JIM FITZGERALD: Are you guys done yet? Brian has to make his picks still.
BRIAN MARCHETTI: I already knew I was going with Jeff Gordon.....is it odd that Mama has the same pick? Nope, and I get accused of copying her often....not true, but hey, it would make sense to copy a winner! With that said, if Jeff falls out with his back, based on Mama's newly declared rule, I can't copy her choice to go with JR. I like him, and I like when he goes fast. I don't like the stress he gives me on shorter tracks. Matt Kenseth, however, is so smooth, so peaceful and sometimes quiet, that it's his style of driving in rhythm that wins races like Dover.
ALABAMA FITZ: Brian: don't forget, it has been rumored that Matt's smoothness, peacefulness and quietness, is the reason they changed the season Championship and came up with the "Chase" in the first place. I don't and wouldn't worry about being accused of copying anyone. Don't let them bully you. Make your pick, get in, fasten your seat belt, and hang on.
JIM FITZGERALD: For years, it seemed as though every 1 ½ mile track out there was labeled as a “Roush Track,” meaning one of the Cat in the Hat’s drivers would probably win and all of them would run well there. While Dover, at least not to my knowledge, has ever been called a “Hendrick Track,” his success here as a car owner cannot be argued, and our picks reflect that as well. Let’s see if our fans agree!
Barbara: I’m taking Matt Kenseth this week. It’s time for that boy to get his win!
Darrell: Well I am finally pulling out the big guns for Dover. I'm taking Jimmie Johnson for the win.
Nate: I'm going with Kenseth for Dover. He runs strong there. Speaking of Jimmie Johnson, it seemed as if the announcers couldn't go two seconds without mentioning how long it’s been since Johnson won.
Vivian: Since this season there is no real rhyme or reason why we are getting the winners we are, I am just picking the first name that comes to mind this week. I think Brad Keselowski will be in winners circle at Dover. He has won there before and it is time he does it again.
And there you have it for this week at Dover. So, we will see how this all plays out when we come back again next week and prepare for Pocono, but until then, pick wisely, enjoy Dover, and keep the shiny side up!
Our Picks For This Week!
Kevin Abraham |
Alabama Fitz |
Jim Fitzgerald |
PattyKay Lilley |
Brian Marchetti |
Darrell |
Nate |
Who is YOUR pick to win this week?
Correctly choose the winner before the green flag drops on Sunday, and you'll be entered into a drawing to win some racing stuff!