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
Thanks, i’m really looking forward to next year. I’ve got better every year so we’ll see if we can keep that going.
Thanks for the hard work on these this year K-Man!