[CRMartin]

Fantasy NASCAR

If anyone has ever taken part in a “fantasy” league, then you will know that picking a good fantasy team can be a hit or miss feat. Fantasy NASCAR is no different. If, like me, you have used your points wisely (at least that’s what it first looked like) then you sit back on the weekends and watch your guys rack up the points. But this is where fantasy leagues give you a different perspective on the sport.

There are some people who will pick only their favorite drivers, regardless of how well they are doing and refuse to pick other top drivers just because “I HATE him! CRASH AND BURN!!.” Now, while that may be an appropriate, although somewhat extreme, fan point of view, it can be costly on the fantasy scene. In essence, picking only drivers you like can lead to loss. Plain and simple.

Playing anything fantasy requires you to put aside any prejudices you have and do what’s best for YOUR team, because that’s what they are YOUR team. You are the owner and have to make the decision that gives you the best opportunity to win. You find yourself hoping that your guys will finish high in a race, even if one of your drivers is someone you would normally root against. Take me for example. My team currently sits in third in my fantasy league. If not for the awful performance of Tony Stewart in the first couple of weeks, I would easily be sitting in first.

I currently play in the ESPN NASCAR challenge fantasy league. In our league, you start off with 100 points. Your drivers are given a ranking, mathematically generated from multiple racing stats. What’s great about the system is that you can’t just pick the top five drivers in NASCAR. You actually have to pick strategically so you will not only have some great drivers who are bound to deliver you some points but you also have to balance that with some decent drivers who can add some quality points.

Example: This is my current line-up:

1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Tony Stewart
3. Dale Jarrett
4. Dale Earnhardt JR.
5. Scott Riggs

Of all the drivers, only Tony Stewart has lost his market value. Does that mean I drop him? Nah, I have faith in Stewart. Besides, it’s a long season. That is the problem most fantasy owners have, they don’t know when to stay with a driver or when to dump him. A lesser driver I would say get rid of. A driver like Stewart, you know he’s going to do some damage to opponents this season. You have to hang on through the bumps.

What fantasy site should you choose?

I personally like the ESPN site because all your stats and rankings are easily accessible. But here are a few others:

1. Yahoo! Fantasy Sports-Free sign up
2. Wallbanger Fantasy Racing-Free & Paid versions
3. Fantasy Cup Racing-Paid
4. Fox Sports Racing-Free
5. ESPN Stock Car Challenge-Free

There are quite a few racing leagues out there. Some of them are more for the gambler and others are for the everyday fantasy player (like me). For my fantasy, I would probably stick to ESPN, Yahoo!, or Fox Sports. Remember, these are personal choices. They are good, clean leagues that you can have fun with and don’t have to worry about forking over any money.

Fantasy leagues are made to be fun. Don’t take them too seriously. I think you will find that partaking in a Fantasy NASCAR challenge will give you a different perspective on race day. Good luck with your teams and start your engines!

[Lefty Noob]

What kind of stats are included in the scoring, CR? I imagine finishes, maybe poles and laps led, but what other factors are important to keep an eye on when playing fantasy NASCAR?

[CRMartin]

Actually, There are TWO things to really track. Finishes and Fantasy Value points. Generally, with the points you are given, you have to try and balance your team. As a driver progresses through a season( separated by 2 segments) his value will increase or decrease, allowing you to can someone unworthy or maybe latch on to a driver who was underrated but gets hot. Your drivers finishing standings will, of course, determine your points. The key is usually in that fourth and fifth driver spot. As I said, I'm in the ESPN league. Our teams can only equal 100 points with 5 driver slots to fill(an average of 20 points per driver) Say Jimmie Johnson costs me 27.8 points. That lowers the totals of points you have to spend on other drivers. This prevents teams from having all the best drivers and actually puts you in the roll of owner.

[Lefty Noob]

Okay, sounds cool. Thanks for the info!