Fantasy NASCAR: Five to go – Carfax 400

The NASCAR Sprint Cup series rolls into Michigan International Speedway this week for the Carfax 400. This is the second date on the schedule at MIS. The first race, held in June, came down to fuel mileage. The lead changed hands from Greg Biffle to Jimmie Johnson and then finally Mark Martin as each ran out of fuel on the final lap.

MIS is among the fastest tracks due thanks to wide, sweeping turns and long straightaways. The two-mile, D-shaped oval features modest banking and the wide surface provides three and four grooves of open racing. The configuration is most similar to Texas Motor Speedway which held its first Cup race this season back in April.

Greg Biffle | No. 16 3M Scotch Tough Duct Tape Ford | Roush Fenway Racing

Running out of fuel cost Biffle the checkered flag in the spring race at MIS but he managed to coast in for a fifth-place finish, adding another top-five result to last year�s event in August. On the season, only Biffle and Jeff Gordon have a top-five finish at both MIS and Texas.

Brian Vickers | No. 83 Red Bull Toyota | Red Bull Racing

His odds at making the Chase are getting bleak but Vickers has been performing like he belongs. Over the last six races Vickers is sixth in Cup series points scored. Vickers has also been red hot at MIS, entering with a streak of four consecutive top-10 finishes. Vickers won the pole in two straight attempts at MIS and should be slated in all formats that reward bonus points for top qualifiers.

Elliott Sadler | No. 19 Stanley Tools Dodge | Richard Childress Racing

Over the last five years Sadler has an odd pattern on strong qualifying runs in August MIS races. In those races Sadler’s average qualifying position is a sharp 4.8, a vast contrast from his 28.2 average in June. In the spring MIS race Sadler at finished in the 12th position, after securing ninth place in both events last year.

David Ragan | No. 6 UPS Ford | Roush Fenway Racing

In five career starts, Ragan owns an average finish of 13.0 and has finished better than he started in each run. Earlier this season Ragan started 23rd and finished 15th at MIS. It has been a disappointing season for Ragan but MIS offers a great opportunity to rebound as the Roush stable has a strong track record at MIS.

Bill Elliott | No. 21 Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford | Wood Brothers Racing

Many fantasy owners in allocation leagues are looking to save starts prior to the Chase so here is a deep sleeper this week. At age 53, Elliott is running a part-time schedule in a Woods Brothers car that ain’t too bad. In June, the seven-time MIS winner started 15th and finished 16th. In his last five races, Elliott has an average starting position of 9.25 and an average finish of 21.5. Elliott’s price is dirt cheap in salary cap formats, take the discount and upgrade the rest of the roster.