Fantasy Nascar : Northern Route : Fantasy Nascar

Staying in the northern states, Winston Cup trucks over to Michigan this week. This track, which is known as a sister track to California, is 2 miles long with 18 degree banks in the turns. As we start the 14th race of the season, things are starting to heat up in the points rankings and everyone is looking for another win, or for many � their first win of the season.
Michigan isn't necessarily the hardest track on the circuit, and rookies have often flourished at the track. But this weeks race will probably come down to a battle of the wills. It all depends on who wants it more.
Jeff Gordon is definitely a man with winning on his mind. He has had a dismal season, and is going on 22 races without a win. He has hard a tough year, with rumors flying about his marriage and his concentration on the track, and while I am not necessarily a fan, I have no doubt Gordon will get back on track. Despite his no wins, he still sits high in the cup points standings. As for this week, Gordon wants it bad enough, he just may get it. He starts 24 (which seems to be a lucky number for him) but he has placed in the top 10 in four of the last six races. He won this race last year and he seems consistent on this large track. And if we give points for wanting it, that 5 bonus points goes to Gordon.
Also in the wanting it category is Dale Jarrett. This veteran is coming off a win last week at Pocono and he starts on the pole. While its easy to say he is running off adrenaline at the Michigan monster (just made that up) he has the track record to prove he knows this track. He has placed in the top 10 in 4 of the last 6 races here, including a win in 1999. Jarrett is a serious driver who wants to win, and now that he has tasted victory and its still fresh on his tongue, I would guess he would be worth watching.
Ward Burton has drove a quiet game this season, since his win at Daytona. He is drifted into the background, but this is a good track for him. He starts 5th and he has placed in the top 10 in 3 of the last 6 races here. If he can keep his nose clean, and stay out of the walls he might have a good chance to shine this week. Tony Stewart is another man who wants a win, but hasn't seemed to totally catch his stride this year. He is sitting comfortably in the top 10 in points but he has raced several races where he just didn't' seem to have it. Stewart starts 10th this week, which is no feat for this experienced driver. He also has a 3 of 6 top 10s at Michigan.
Others to watch this week include Michael Waltrip, Bill Elliott and Jimmie Johnson. Waltrip is definitely high up there on wanting it. The bridesmaid of so many races he has to feel that he is racing for his security with DEI, regardless of how much DEI denies dumping him. The silly season trash talking, even if you know thats what it is, must affect you. Waltrip wants a win, and he has had a couple legitimate chances to get one this year in the cup. He starts 2nd and I would pick him to end up in the top 10-- I just hope not in 2nd place. Bill Elliott starts fourth this week, and he has proven week after week that he is consistent. He has started in the top 10 so many times this year and stayed here. He is possibly one of the most dignified men in racing on and off the track, but that doesn't effect his quest for wanting to win. Elliott is definitely a safe pick for the top 10. Finally, rookie Jimmie Johnson has amazed us on every track he visits. He won his first cup race at California, a similar track, and he has a momentum that is close to none. He starts 14th this week, but he is a safe 10 ten finisher.
My risky pick this week is young Casey Atwood. This kid has a lot to race for. He is returning to a track where he placed 10th last year, and where his car sponsor is sponsoring the race. He is racing to prove that he deserves to be in the car-- even if its not the car he was in last year. He has been consistently improving since Furr took over his team several races back, and although he starts back in provisional land, I am not going to count him out. He may not win it, but he is damn well going to try.
Thats is for this week, folks.
I will post this column each Friday afternoon. The ideas are strictly mine, with a little bit of help from the statistics and some of my racing enthusiast friends. AND I want to know what you think: If you agree, tell me. If you don't, tell me that as well. Drop me at a line at Theracingirl@yahoo.com