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Fantasy NASCAR: Consumers Energy 400

Can Kyle Larson win here for a third straight year

By Mark Abell
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pure Michigan 400 Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The rules I have implemented for myself are:
1.I will not pick a driver more than 10 times this season.
2.Due to #1 these are “Power Rankings” (in quotations) I’m looking for value here.

My general format for my power rankings:
•Top 2 picks will generally be the favorites, the ones who should be top 5 or top 10 finishes.
• #3 and #4 will be your riskier picks, could be top 5 or bottom 15.
• Pick #5 is the dark horse.

Race Information
Race: Consumers Energy 400
Laps: 200
Date: August 12th
Venue: Michigan International Speedway
2017 Winner: Kyle Larson (2:40:28)
Broadcast: NBSCN (Dale Earnhardt Jr., Steve Letarte, Jeff Burton)
Most Wins: David Pearson (9)

Course:

Michigan International Speedway. Created in 1968, this 2 mile asphalt D-shaped Speedway has 18 degree banked turns and 12 degree banked front stretch and 5 degree back stretch. It serves as a sister track to Texas World Speedway and hosts two NASCAR races (Firekeepers Casino 400 and Pure Michigan 400). It is not a restrictor plate race and is among the faster tracks on the circuit

Power Rankings

Favorites

1) Kyle Larson (5th selection this year). Back to back wins at Michigan in 2016 and 2017 mirred a bit by a 28th place finish at Michigan earlier this year. He has top 15 finishes in three of his last four races.

2) Joey Logano (6th selection this year ) HIs last few years at Michigan have been fruitful with an average finish of 9th place among all races here over the last four years. He finished 7th here earlier this year.

High Risk/High Reward

3) Jimmie Johnson ( ) Top fifteen finishes in two of his last four races but he has finished in the top 20 each of the last six races at Michigan. It’s not flashy but it’s consistent.

4) Ryan Newman (5th selection this year). Over the last four years he averages 12th place finishes here which puts him as the 4th best driver over that time. He has top 10 finishes in two of his last three tournaments.

Dark Horse

5) Austin Dillon (2nd selection this year). He has an average of 14th place here making him the 6th best active driver over that time. He has two top 15 finishes in his last five which creates cause of concern.