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We turn our attention to Kansas this week! Its difficult to pass here , so expect qualifications to be huge. Its also could be the deciding factor on a late pit stop. Since the repave , we have seen several races decided on pit road. Including last season race in the spring. Honestly I don't expect a lot of caution this week. So picking a few underrated drivers could be pretty beneficial. Don't go too crazy outside the box. Usually decisions like that could come back and bite you.
Below are my potential sleepers and busts for Kansas!
Sleepers -
Paul Menard: I love employing Menard early and often in the season. He kinda my personal favorite go-to guy when I want a solid performance. Don't ever underestimate the value of an top 15 finish. That essentially what Menard does. However recent trends suggests he could be more than that this weekend. His past two Intermediate starts (Fontana and Texas) , he have ran competitively in the top 5 to top 7. That's is really encouraging! Minus Texas and Martinsville , Menard have finished 15th or better in every race since Atlanta. Its also helps that Kansas is Menard best track! In 15 career starts , Menard have an 15.5 average finish and have strung together 9 straight Top 20s. In fact , he have put together 4 Top 10s in his past 5 starts. All after the repave. Before the repave? Only 1 Top 10.
Aric Almirola: How about some respect for Aric Almirola? One of the best surprises of the 2015 season! He should continue his strong start at Kansas. Since the repave , he have shown up with a car capable of running up front in the top 10 every race. The results don't show how good he been. On other Intermediate tracks this season , Aric have managed 16.8 average finish with 17.8 average running position. Minus Las Vegas (worst finish of the season) , he have an 13.8 average finish. Including a pair of 12th place finishes. If you're looking to go deep , then Aric offers the most upside and potential.
Kyle Larson: Kyle Larson was so good in his rookie season , people are saying he is "all hype" after lackluster results. Yes consistency running for top 10s is considered disappointing. Well I have a feel he breaks out before long. Its may happen this weekend at Kansas. Last season he had finishes of 12th and 7th. He have shown great potential this season on other Intermediate tracks. Only scored a top 10 at Vegas. He was inside or close to running top 10 at the other three races (Atlanta , Fontana and Texas) , before finding trouble late. Larson is far from a sure thing , but it undeniable that Larson have the most upside among sleepers this week.
Busts -
Carl Edwards: After 10 races , it clear Edwards isn't settled in at JGR. At this point , it is extremely hard to trust him. His numbers on the Intermediate tracks don't exactly jump off the page either. Only have 19.3 average finish with 12.0 average running position. Those aren't terrible numbers. However Edwards haven't proven he can finish races. To me that is very troublesome in terms of reliability and overall fantasy impact. I cannot blame you , if you decide to trust Edwards at Kansas considering his track. But I wouldn't. Least not until he earns it.
Erik Jones: Jones isn't really a bust , but more of a pre-warning. I like Jones potential , however I wouldn't expect anything other than an top 25 from him. People seem to think he gonna have an similar performance to Chase Elliott did few weeks. There a major difference between Elliott and Jones. Including experience at the lower levels , equipment and abilities. Jones is talented no doubt , but JGR equipment isn't exactly top-notched. Heck his veteran teammates sometimes run in the teens all day. Point being don't expect anything too special from Jones. Or you might be disappointed.
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Twitter - @Garryy12
