Top 10 guys were 48, 5, 11, 2, 42, 14, 24, 39, 16, 18. Just missing were the 88, 1, 9, 07, and 29. Johnson has to be considered the favorite to win with Martin right behind, big suprise. I like Truex, Jr., and Mears for top 15’s and Hornish Jr. and Allmendinger for top 20’s.

Mark Martin was happy with his car and said he didn’t know how to make it any better. When Mark is happy with his car the other competitors are usually in trouble. Johnson looked to be a touch better though.

Denny Hamlin loves these flat tracks and it appears to be in line to challenge for the win at Phoenix. Set the track record during his Nationwide qualifying effort. While Phoenix hasn’t been as good to Denny as the other flat tracks he’s a lock to make my team this week.

Kurt Busch was a little loose in practice but the team made gains on it as practice came to a close. This is Kurt and Kyle’s home track and i expect both to battle for top 10’s. Brad Keselowski showed up on fastest cars on a 10 lap average but seems to be learning how to get around this 1 mile flat track. Sideways Sam on the other hand absolutely loves this place and is really fast. As odd as it sounds i’m believing that Sam comes through for us this week and challenges for a top 10.

Juan Pablo Montoya did his usual act of not running that many laps. He seems to be fast and should be in the top 10 when the checkered flag flies. His teammate, Martin Truex Jr. was also fast and likes this track. Having that number 1 pit stall won’t hurt either. While a top 10 seems overly optimistic i woudn’t bet against it. He’ll more than likely beat out Dale Jr. for my other B list start.

 Speaking of Dale Earnhardt Jr he didn’t run that many laps but seems to have a good car. If he can stay out of trouble and that’s a big if, he could challenge for a top 10. This team really needs to build momentum for next year and time is running out. Homestead has not been one of his better tracks so this may be the week for that solid run this team desperately needs.

Ryan Newman’s practice speeds were really impressive. It’s a shame he didn’t qualify well or i’d pick him to challenge for a top 5. His times are as good as anyones but hasn’t proven in the past to be able to come deep through the field and get a top 10 finish. His teammate Tony Stewart again didn’t show his hand in practice. Tony has ran more laps on this track than anyone and i’d would suspect he’ll be good for a top 10 and could challenge for the win.

Remember gang, track position will be really important this weeks as the cars look really close on speed. I’m picking Jimmie Johnson to win, way to go out on a limb Wiseman. Truex, Mears and Dale Jr. as B list sleepers and Swingin Sammy Hornish and A.J. Allmendinger to finish solidly in the top 20.

Let’s finish the year on a good note guys, good luck FNPers.

Kyle Wiseman

Back to normal racing guys. Top 10 cars from practices were 14, 48, 99, 88, 2, 5, 18, 42, 11, 24. 24 looked subpar again in practice though. Top 15 cars are 1, 00, 9, 16, 12. 17 just missed top 15.

 Jeff Gordon struggled once again in practice as usual but usually seems to magically find the setup for raceday. With the 5 not looking like a world beater and only having 1 start left with Mark, i’m probably going to start the polesitter.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was 2nd in 10 lap averages and looks as strong as anybody. I think he and Lance McGrew have to end the year on a high note so expect the 88 to be in my lineup. Earnhardt ran  a lot of laps and should be very good on the long runs, which i expect there to be on sunday. The top groove should be brought in by the Nationwide cars and that’s where i expect Jr. to be on sunday. With lap times alone Dale is a top 5 car.

Tony Stewart was very comfortable in his ride and good on long runs. Tony’s my pick to win on sunday. His teammate Ryan Newman was not as happy with the car but seems decent and i look for the 39 to be in the top 20.

Kurt Busch was very strong in the 1st practice saturday. I expect him to be up front all day and to get a top 10 finish as long as he doesn’t run into any bad luck. If you have allocations for Kurt left you almost have to unload him here.

Denny Hamlin starts deep in the pack but should challenge for a top 1o. With only one allocation left i’m saving him for Phoenix. He tends to practice really well and not race as well on the intermediate tracks for whatever reason.

Juan Pablo Montoya wasn’t as happy as he has been in recent weeks. JPM fought a loose race car most of Happy Hour. Still yet his lap times look top 10 and if anyone knows how to drive a loose race car Juan is your man.

David Reutimann was the fastest car in the morning session on saturday. He too worked on long runs on saturday is a top 15 car heading into the race. Reuty likes this place and is my 2nd B list driver as of right now.

Kasey Kahne seemed to be a top 15 to top 20 car, which means Kenny Francis will say they are junk. No word on what engine package they are running but i’m guessing R5 as they just seem to be down on power a little.

Brad Keselowski didn’t get the qualifying effort he wanted but has a very solid race car. I see Brad challenging for a top 15 finish as long as he takes his time coming through traffic. He ran a lot of laps and should excel on the long runs.

Alright so i’m picking Tony Stewart to win. B list sleepers are David Reutimann and Martin Truex Jr. Look for Brad Keselowski to finish top 15 in his first race with Penske and A.J. Allmendinger could suprise with a top 20 finish.

 Good luck FNPers!!!

Kyle Wiseman