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.