Fantasy Report: The Dan Lowry 400

With Talladega behind us and everything here at the Star back to normal it's time to look ahead to Virginia for your NASCAR fix this weekend. The second Saturday night race of the season, the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400, is sure to be exciting. Richmond is favored by many of the drivers because the ¾-mile short track is similar to superspeedways due to the speeds and track configuration.

Here are our drivers:

Brandon's picks: Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin✔, Kyle Busch✔, Mark Martin✔, Ryan Newman, David Ragan, Brian Vickers and Michael Waltrip✔.

Erik's picks: Jimmie Johnson✔, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch✔, Kasey Kahne✔, Greg Biffle, Eliott Sadler, Paul Menard✔ and Travis Kvapil.

Heavy hitters: Jimmie Johnson tops the list. You might say, "Brandon, you mention him every week and he's only won one race." I would retort: "While that is true, his season is turning around and he won both Richmond races last year." One of those wins was from the pole as well. He definitely knows his way around this track and barring unforeseen circumstances you can bet he'll be a big factor. Another driver that comes to mind is Denny Hamlin. This kid was built for tracks like these — and he's shown it with an average finish of 4.5 last year. Just the fact that he's a Virginian can guarantee he'll be more than eager to take the checkered flag. If you haven't used Hamlin much this year consider him this weekend. It was tough for me to choose between him and his teammate Tony Stewart (who has 3 wins at Richmond) but I'll know soon enough if I picked the right Toyota. Of course I'll have the gut-wrenching decision of whether to put Johnson or Hamlin in this weekend — I'm leaning toward whoever has the best qualifying time. However, that can be very deceiving. Finally, keep an eye on Kyle Busch. Need I say more?

Sleepers: Mark Martin and Ryan Newman could also be decent picks. Both have set the pole here and while only Newman has a win there Martin has had 6 top 5 finishes. Sometimes you have to know when to not go for the wins every week and put someone in you haven't used much and hope for a decent finish. That is what I have in mind with Martin. It is hard to avoid putting in the really big names each week but you need to save a few of those starts for later in the season.

Note: Don't forget that this is an impound race. They're racing with what they qualify with just as they did last weekend.

"The Big One" during the Aaron's 499

Not quite as big as some in the past but it took out some top contenders including Tony Stewart.

Kyle Busch wins the Aaron's 499; Read the live blog

Read the Star contributor's thoughts on the Aaron's 499

Read about the race:

Kyle Busch wins under caution at Talladega

Dario Franchitti hit hard during the Aaron's 312

Franchitti is lucky to have only suffered a broken ankle during this crash.

Scanner frequencies for Sprint Cup

Chart » Sprint Cup scanner frequencies

Don't forget that if you don't have a scanner you can rent them at the race.

Smoke to leave JGR for Haas?

With the rumors swirling around about Tony Stewart leaving Joe Gibbs Racing, the team released a statement today:

"There has been much speculation regarding the future of our driver, Tony Stewart. Tony is currently here through 2009, and from a Joe Gibbs Racing standpoint, we hope he drives for us slonger than that and retires here. Tony is a great partner and a huge asset to Joe Gibbs Racing. Right now, we are focused on winning races and winning the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships under his current contract."

Jayski.com reported this on Wednesday:

Stewart to leave JGR? UPDATE: Sources tell Sports Illustrated that #20-Tony Stewart is working on the final stages of a deal to move from Joe Gibbs Racing to Haas CNC next season.

Considering the ramifications of such a move, no one's admitting anything quite yet, as you'd expect. When reached for comment, Haas CNC Racing spokesman Ron Mench claims there's been no communication between Stewart and the organization. Stewart's PR spokesman Mike Arning was noncommittal ("I've heard what you've heard," when asked about Haas CNC) but he reminded SI [Sports Illustrated] that Stewart's contract with Gibbs runs through the 2009 season. "He's there this year and he's there next year," claimed Arning. "And I know for a fact that JGR is interested in retaining Tony for '10 and beyond. They'd like him to retire at Joe Gibbs Racing. As Tony's said many times, 'Nothing's broke. Why change it?' Tony's going to have a lot of options in front of him; why wouldn't he? But I don't see [an early out happening] ... everyone is going to live up to the terms of the contract that runs through '09."

However, sources are adamant that not just the talking, but deal-making is already taking place for Stewart to go elsewhere. And, while sometimes a formidable opponent, contracts can be easily bought out, as Jamie McMurray and Kurt Busch have shown us in recent years. (Sports Illustrated - 4-23-2008)

Update:

Audio » Tony Stewart talk about his future

What you can bring to Talladega Superspeedway

Allowed

■ Binoculars, cameras, headsets, etc., worn separately around the neck or belt are allowed, along with seat cushions carries separately.

■ Cell phones, scanners, pagers and radios can be clipped to the belt.

■ One soft-sided bag no larger than 6x6x12 inches. Soft-sided bags include insulated coolers, scanner and camera bags, fanny packs, pursues, diaper bags, etc. They may also contain ice. All soft-sided bags are subject to search.

■ One clear plastic bag no larger than 18x18x4 inches. Clear bags may be used to carry items such as: Scanners, apparel, cameras, snacks and canned beverages. They may not contain ice. All bags are subject to search.

Not allowed

■ Items not allowed include: Hard-sided coolers, backpacks, thermos bottles and insulated cups on any size; strollers, umbrellas, etc.; any bags, or containers larger than the allowable size of 6x6x12 inches. For fans’ safety, any items left unattended in or around the gate area will be removed and disposed of. Talladega Superspeedway assumes no responsibility.

Fantasy Report: Aaron's 499

This week NASCAR rolls into our home state for the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. This track is a 2.66-mile tri-oval with 33 degrees of banking in the corners. They don't call it "NASCAR's Most Competitive Track" for nothing.

Here are our drivers:

Erik's picks: Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart✔, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, Jamie McMurray✔, Greg Biffle, Martin Truex Jr., Brian Vickers✔ and Paul Menard

Brandon's picks: Jimmie Johnson✔, Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, Martin Truex Jr., David Gilliland, Elliott Sadler✔, Brian Vickers✔ and Michael Waltrip.

"The Big One": Picking a driver that can stay out of wrecks is hard anywhere but is even more difficult at Talladega. A single wreck can take out half the field eliminating your fantasy drivers. One bad week can really put you behind in the point standings.

A few drivers to consider: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon for starters. They always seem to be running at the end of this race and often at the front. This will mark Jr.'s 300th Cup start and you can bet that the "Junior Nation" will be amped up. Jeff Gordon, on the other hand, dominated at Talladega last year with 2 wins (one from the pole). Jimmy Johnson has also had success there in the past and his team looks as if they have come alive in the last couple of races. Others to watch for would be Brian Vickers and Kurt Busch. Vickers, who always seems strong at Talladega, won in 2006 after spinning Johnson into Jr. for a dramatic finish. Busch has had 7 top 10 finishes in 8 races.

Things to remember: This is an impound race. That means that the car they qualify with is the car they'll race with ... no switching to race trim after taking time in qualifying trim. This sometimes brings a few of the teams that are farther behind in points to the front. It's a gamble to pick those that qualify well because it often doesn't pay off. Don't be discouraged if your main pick is way back in the field because Gordon started 35th and remained near the back for most of the fall race last year until "The Big One" occurred and then got on the gas to eventually take the checkered flag. Also, don't forget that Gordon won from the pole last spring so nothing is set in stone.

— Brandon Wynn contributed to this post.

Fast Facts

• Last pole sitters — April 2007: Jeff Gordon, 192.069 mph; October 2007: Michael Waltrip, 189.070 mph

• Last winners — April 2007: 24-Jeff Gordon, 154.167 mph; October 2007: Jeff Gordon, 143.438 mph

• Qualifying records — No restrictor plate: Bill Elliott, April 1987, 212.809 mph; Restrictor Plate: Bill Elliott, May 1990, 199.388 15/16th-inch plate

• Most Wins — Active: 6, Jeff Gordon; All time: 10, Dale Earnhardt, Sr.

• Most Poles (All Time): 8, Bill Elliott

• Most Top 5s: 23, Dale Earnhardt

— Source: NASCAR

2008 Aaron's Dream Weekend

EVENT SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, APRIL 22
- Grandstands/Day Parking Lots Closed; ALL Overnight Parks Outside The Track Open At 8 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23
– Grandstands/Day Parking Lots Closed; Staging For Infield Guests Begins In The Evening

THURSDAY, APRIL 24
– Grandstands/Day Parking Lots Closed; Infield Load-In Begins At 6 a.m.; Facilities Open To Credentialed Media Only

6:30 a.m. NNS Garage Opens
3:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. NNS Practice
5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. NNS Final Practice
7:30 p.m. NNS Garage Closes

FRIDAY, APRIL 25
– Grandstands Open At 11:30 a.m./Day Parking Lots Open At 7 a.m.

6:00 a.m. NSCS Garage & Registration Opens
7:00 a.m. NNS Garage & Registration Opens
1:00 p.m. NSCS ** Hot Pass in Effect **
1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. NSCS Practice
2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. FOX Exhibition Run
3:05 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. NSCS Final Practice
4:05 p.m. NNS The Birmingham News Qualifying (Two Laps – All Positions) Impound
7:00 p.m. NSCS Garage Closes
7:00 p.m. NNS Garage & Registration Closes

SATURDAY, APRIL 26
AARON’S 312 NASCAR NATIONWIDE SERIES
– Grandstands Open At 8 a.m./Day Parking Lots Open At 5 a.m.

5:30 a.m. NSCS Garage & Registration Opens
8:00 a.m. NNS Garage Opens
9:45 a.m. NSCS ** Hot Pass in Effect **
10:15 a.m. NSCS The Birmingham News Qualifying (Two Laps – All Positions) Impound
1:30 p.m. NNS Driver Introduction-Security Clears Pit Road
2:00 p.m. NNS Aaron’s 312 (117 Laps)
2:00 p.m. NSCS Garage & Registration Closes

SUNDAY, APRIL 27
AARON’S 499 NASCAR SPRINT CUP SERIES
– Grandstands Open At 9 a.m./Day Parking Lots Open At 5 a.m.

8:00 a.m. NSCS Garage & Registration Opens
12:00 p.m. NSCS ** Hot Pass In Effect ** UNTIL ONE HOUR AFTER RACE
12:30 p.m. NSCS Driver Introduction-Security Clears Pit Road
1:00 p.m. NSCS Aaron’s 499 (188 Laps)

— Information from www.talladegasuperspeedway.com

Press release: AMA Superbike Racing returns to Barber Motorsports Park

Birmingham — America's premier motorcycle road race series, the AMA Superbike Championship, rolls into Barber Motorsports Park April 18-20.

Coming from NASCAR's high banks at Daytona International Speedway, which hosted the series' opening round, this world-renowned circuit, located just outside Birmingham, marks the first traditional road course on the series' 11-event 2008 calendar. It's also the first of eight Superbike-class doubleheader weekends.

Event Details

What: Round 2 of the 2008 AMA Superbike Championship

When: April 18-20, 2008

Where: Barber Motorsports Park
6040 Barber Motorsports Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35094

Web site: www.barbermotorsports.com

Tickets: Charge by phone at 800-240-2300 or order online at www.barbermotorsports.com. Kids 12 and under admitted free with an adult.

Other: On-site attractions include the Barber Motorsports Park Motorcycle Museum, paddock access, fan parade lap, racer autograph session, newly expanded Fan Zone and camping (Please note that some of these on-site attractions include additional fees.)

Fantasy Report: Subway 500

Phoenix International Raceway is the site of the first Saturday night Sprint Cup race of the season.

Our picks:

Brandon's picks: Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards✔, Kyle Busch✔, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ryan Newman✔, Greg Biffle, Paul Menard✔ and Brian Vickers.

Erik's picks: Kevin Harvick✔, Matt Kenseth, Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, Mark Martin✔, Martin Truex Jr., Greg Biffle, Paul Menard and Brian Vickers✔.

Notes: Jeff Burton is currently in the points lead and has had 2 wins on the 1-mile track. It's safe to say that with 9 top 10 finishes in 17 races at Phoenix he will be someone to keep an eye on. Last year it was all Hendrick that took the checkered flags with wins going to Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. With Hendrick's rocky start it will be interesting to see if Johnson can pull off his first win of the season. I don't think Gordon is there just yet. One more thing, Carl Edwards, despite his woes in Atlanta, couldn't be any hotter. He should be a top contender Saturday night.

Michael McDowell crash in qualifying

This is about the most horrendous crash I've ever seen. It really speaks to the safety of the soft walls and COT cars that he is still alive. Believe it or not, he walked away from the crash and never lost consciousness.

You have to see it to believe it:

Fantasy Report: Samsung 500

This week NASCAR moves to Texas Motor Speedway for the Samsung 500. The 1.5 mile paved oval should make for some electrifying racing.

Our picks:

Erik's picks: Matt Kenseth✔, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch✔, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Martin Truex Jr.✔, David Reutimann✔ and Travis Kvapil.

Brandon's picks: Jeff Burton, Denny Hamlin✔, Martin Truex Jr., Dale Earnhardt Jr.✔, Ryan Newman✔, Casey Mears, Paul Menard✔ and Brian Vickers.

Fantasy hint: It will be worthy of note to see how Jeff Burton defends his current Sprint Cup lead. He has had great success at Texas over the past few seasons. Adding Burton to your drivers this week could give you much needed fantasy points.