“We’ve been to a short, flat track already this year a few weeks ago in Martinsville. This week, it is another short(ish), flat track at Phoenix International Raceway.

Similar Track Concept

The theory behind this chart is that there are similar tracks (aka sister tracks) within the NASCAR schedule in terms of banking, distance and shape that a driver may excel at.

Recent Performance is Better Then Career Performance

I do like to see how a driver does at a track through his career. It points to his strengths as a racer. But, I like to base my fantasy picks on how a driver has done recently at a track. I just can’t look at Bobby Labonte’s or Sterling Marlin’s career stats because they are not in the same quality equipment they once were.

So, this table is sorted by 2008/2009 averages rather then over the length of the drivers career. That stat is still in the table though.

The Tracks

This week’s race is at Phoenix International Raceway. It is 1-mile long and has shallow 11° banking. I like to compile stats at this track with the other short and shallow tracks on the NASCAR circuit: New Hampshire. Martinsville and Richmond.

The Similarities

• Phoenix: 1-mile with 11° banking
• New Hampshire: 1.058-mile with 12° banking
• Martinsville: .526-mile with 12° banking
• Richmond: .75-mile with 14° banking