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This well be the final preview of the 2015 season! I had a lot of fun doing these previews each week for this blog and I truly hope everyone learned a few things from my posts. But the season not over yet, as we have one more race to go at Homestead! This is only one of two racetracks I have not had the chance to visit yet, so hopefully one day mark it off the list. At Homestead, four drivers will battle it out for the championship and only one will come out championship.When looking at fantasy picks, I think it pretty simple really. The drivers who have been fast all season long, will be fast once again. That have been the common theme on the 1.5 mile racetracks in 2015. Here how they stack up headed into the final race of the season!
1-JMac: JMac have had a very solid season and now seems to be a lock for a top 15 on a weekly basis. I use to consider him one of the most consistent drivers in Nascar, but he have picked up him game in 2015. JMac have been consistent on the 1.5 mile racetracks this season. Minus the Atlanta race (Wrecked), he have compiled 13.4 average finish, 17.3 average start, 16.2 average running position and 80.2 driver rating. Those are pretty solid numbers across the board. His Homestead record reflects similar results as well. He have put together 17.3 average finish, 21.3 average start, 21.0 average running position and 70.8 driver rating since start of the 2011 season (4 races).Those numbers aren't very impressive, but it should be noted that he did finish 30th in the 2012 race. His other three finishes? 5th (last season), 20th and 14th. Those are finish in Jamie's range on the high-speed intermediate racetracks. I say he is a top 15 driver headed into the weekend.
2-Brad Keselowski: Keselowski have been eliminated from the championship hunt as we head to Homestead, but doesn't mean he won't run well though. He been the most consistent driver on this type track on the season. He have compiled 6.9 average finish, 5.5 average start, 8.0 average running position and 108.4 driver rating. He is the only driver in the series to finish every race inside the top 10. It also should be noted that, he have only finished inside the top 5 twice this season on this type track. He been top 10 consistent though. Therefore is a safe, but limited upside fantasy option. He have found a lot of success at Homestead, but not quite as much as some of the competition. Over the past 4 races here, he have put together 11.0 average finish, 4.0 average start with 8.5 average running position and 101.7 driver rating. Over the past two seasons alone, he have finishes of 3rd and 6th. Those remain his lone top 10 finishes in 7 career starts. Even though he had finishes of 15th, 20th, and 13th from 2010 to 2012.
3-Austin Dillon: Dillon have had a up and down season and looking to end it on a high-note. There isn't a lot to say about Austin Dillon really as he have only had one career start at homestead. Even though he have ran well at times on the high-speed intermediate tracks this season. His biggest problem is finishing out races. Like at Phoenix. He ran around 15th for most of the night and finished 20th. He always seems to fade late in races for some reason. That alone with make him a liability as a fantasy option.
4-Kevin Harvick: Harvick is my eyes is the heavy favorite to win the championship and on paper it probably not very close. Last season he won this race and could very well do the same on Sunday. He have ran very well on this type track this season. He have compiled 8.7 average finish, 6.9 average start, 6.6 average running position and 118.9 driver rating. The one race that hurt his numbers would be the Chicagoland race (most similar track). If he would have pitted after getting a potential flat, he would have probably easily finished inside the top 3. Instead he finished 40th-ish after wrecking. He been very strong at Homestead as well. Over the past 4 races, he have put together 6.8 average finish with 10.5 average running position and 102.1 driver rating. He have finishes of 1st and 10th over the past two seasons. I would consider this to be Kevin's best track (not named Phoenix), as he have finished 12 of 14 races inside the top 10. With 4 of the past 7 races inside the top 3 at Homestead. In 14 career starts, he have 7.5 average finish with 6 top 5s and 12 Top 10 finishes. From a career point of view, this is his best track in terms of average finish. Next closest would be Indy (10.2) and Kentucky (10.4).
5-Kasey Kahne: Kasey have been overall a major disappointment for me in 2015. I had higher hopes for him and thought he would have a rebound-like season. Sadly outside of some early season success, he failed to meet my expectations. He started the season off very well on this type track, but since have became inconsistent. On the 1.5 milers this season, he have compiled 18.8 average finish, 13.9 average start, 14.8 average running position and 85.8 driver rating. He started the year off well with top 15 finishes at Vegas, Charlotte, Kansas and Texas. Then we hit July and the 5 car performance dipped way down. He have struggled since on the high-speed intermediate racetracks. With finishes of 27th (Kentucky), 24th (Chicago), 43rd (Charlotte) 4th (Kansas) and 20th (Texas). I don't feel good about his chances to rebound, since 4 of his past 5 races on this type track have ended in 20th or worse. Not to mention, In 3 career starts with HMS at Homestead, he have a best finish of 12th coming last season.
11-Denny Hamlin: Hamlin will try to end the season well at one of his better racetracks. Two season ago, he won this race and could find himself in a similar situation on Sunday. On 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled 15.1 average finish, 11.5 average start, 14.0 average running position and 96.5 driver rating. Like most stats, they can be misleading without digging deeper into them. Denny's stats are no different. The first 5 races (Atlanta, Vegas, Texas, Kansas and Charlotte), he held 20.6 average finish with 11.6 average running position and 93.7 driver rating. With only 2 top 10 finishes in those first 5 races. How about the past 5 races on the 1.5 mile tracks (Kentucky, Chicago, Kansas , Charlotte and Texas)? He have held 9.6 average finish with 16.4 average running position and 99.3 driver rating. He finished 4th or better in 4 of those 5 races. The Texas race (38th) was his worst and most recent effort though. Homestead have been a very good track for Hamlin as well. Over the past 4 races here, he have put together 10.3 average finish with 10.0 average running position and 101.1 driver rating. In 10 career starts at Homestead, he have knocked off 6 Top 10 finishes and 4 Top 5s (2 wins). He have finished 9th or better in 3 of the past 4 races.
18-Kyle Busch: Kyle Busch is one of the 4 drivers who will contend for the championship at Homestead. I wouldn't call this a Kyle Busch racetrack though. He have struggled here throughout his career since getting moved up to the Cup level. In 10 career starts, he only have 3 Top 10 finishes (1 Top 5 finish) and only 5 Top 20 finishes. Overall he have finished 23rd or worse in 3 of the past 5 races. On the positive side, the other two races in that span have ended in 7th and 4th in 2012 and 2013. Don't panic Rowdy fans though. He have been fast all season long and will undoubtedly get the best car out of the JGR garage. On 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled 8.3 average finish, 6.8 average start, 6.0 average running position and 116.5 driver rating. Looking deeper into the numbers, he have been one of the best drivers in his limited (6) races. He had a top 5 car (or close to it) in every race on this type racetrack. Numbers sometimes lie. He had top 5 cars at Charlotte (both times) and got misleading finishes. Also had the car to beat Chicago (in my opinion), but late caution screwed that up. Overall Kyle enters Homestead with 4 Top 5 finishes in his past 5 races. And 5 Top 5 finishes in 9 races during the chase. He leads the series in most top 5 finishes in both categories.
19-Carl Edwards: Homestead is a great racetrack for Carl Edwards, but too bad he isn't racing for the championship though. Over the past 4 races at Homestead, he have had 15.0 average finish, 9.5 average start, 13.3 average running position and 99.4 driver rating. He have struggled here the past few seasons with RFR, but he is in a much better ride now though. In had finishes of 34th and 12th the past two seasons. However before that, he knocked off 8 straight top 12 finishes. Including 7 straight Top 8 finishes from 2005 to 2011 (7 races). Overall Edwards have 10 Top 14 finishes in 11 career starts at this racetrack. His lone finish outside the top 14 was last season when he finished 34th. Edwards struggled early in the season on the 1.5 mile racetracks and didn't score his first top 10 finish until Texas, but didn't score his first top 5 until his Charlotte win. After that race, JGR really took off. The performance have shown with Edwards. On the 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled 11.0 average finish, 10.0 average start, 10.3 average running position and 98.0 driver rating. Since winning at Charlotte, Edwards have not finished worse than 8th on the 1.5 mile high-speed intermediate racetracks. In fact, he have only once finished outside of the top 6.
20-Matt Kenseth: Matt Kenseth is expected to make his return to the track this weekend at Homestead! Yes I know we all are very excited for that. He been fast all season long and should be good enough to be a top 10 driver headed into the weekend. On the 1.5 mile racetracks this season (9 races - missed Texas), he have compiled 12.6 average finish, 13.1 average start, 11.3 average running position and 98.1 driver rating. In those 9 races, he have knocked off 6 Top 10 finishes and 4 Top 5 finishes. The two races he finished outside the top 10 was Texas (first race) and Kansas. At Homestead, he been up and down in his career. However most recently he been on it at this place. He have finished 7 of the past 10 races inside the top 10. Including 3 Top 6 finishes in his past 4 races. 4 of the past 5 races have ended inside the top 10 overall.
22-Joey Logano:Logano was the best driver a good portion of the season, but sometimes the best driver doesn't win the championship. Just like in any other sport. Sadly for Logano, he falls into that group of individuals. He been strong all season long on the 1.5 mile racetracks. He have compiled 8.6 average finish, 3.9 average start, 8.7 average running position and 111.1 driver rating. In those 10 races, he have scored 6 Top 5 finishes and is the only driver one of two drivers with (2 or more) multiple wins. He been just good at Homestead, but only one top 10 finish though. Over the past 4 races here, he have put together 14.3 average finish with 13.3 average running position and 86.5 driver rating. In that 4 race span, he have finished inside the top 20 in every race. However he only have one career top 10 finish in 6 starts. That 8th place finish came in 2013.
24-Jeff Gordon: I know many people would like to see Jeff Gordon go out on top, but I don't know if it will happen to tell you the truth. Gordon will have to beat both Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick who have been consistently two of the fastest guys this season. I wouldn't be shocked either though. On the 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled 13.3 average finish, 13.6 average start, 12.4 average running position and 90.5 driver rating. He have only finished inside the top 5 once this season on 1.5 mile racetracks. That was way back at the first Kansas race. Outside of Martinsville and Talladeaga (1st and 3rd), his best finish of the chase was 6th at Phoenix. Overall this could be a tough task for Jeff Gordon and team 24. On the positive side, he have several things go in his favor though. He had one of the best cars at Chicago (most similar track) and had a shot to win. But he stupidly stayed out late in the race. He dropped like a rock during the final few laps and finished 14th. He have 6-time Championship Jimmie Johnson to give him advice, since it been awhile since Gordon been in position to win a championship. Also he supports a stout track record here. Over the past 4 races, he have put together 6.8 average finish with 5.8 average running position and 118.7 driver rating. In 16 career starts, Gordon have one win, 7 Top 5s and 12 Top 10s.
27-Paul Menard: Menard will look to end the season strong at Homestead! He is coming off a 13th place finish at Phoenix. This season on the 1.5 mile racetracks, he have compiled 19.8 average finish, 17.9 average start, 18.7 average running position and 75.7 driver rating. Menard is having a very fine chase. In 9 races, he have 6 Top 15 finishes. Including 4 straight top 15 finishes. He been good at Homestead since joining RCR back in 2011. He have finishes of 4th, 39th, 11th and 16th with RCR. There not much to say about Menard at this point in the season that you don't already know. He is a top 15 driver with inconsistency tendency at times. Even though I think he have taken a big step this season, he still middle of the road in terms of fantasy potential and overall production.
41-Kurt Busch: Kurt Busch had a strong car at Phoenix and will look to end the season strong. I am not as high on him at Homestead as I was Phoenix, but still a lot to like about him though. Over the past 4 races here, he have put together 18.8 average finish, 8.5 average start, 20.0 average running position and 72.0 driver rating. Those aren't impressive numbers, but he have something positive going in his recent results though. 2 of his past three races have ended in 11th and 9th. 4 of his past 6 races at this track have ended inside the top 18. Including 3 of his of past 6 ending inside the top 11. He been one of the best guys on the 1.5 mile racetracks this season. He have compiled 7.9 average finish, 8.4 average start, 7.8 average running position and 108.8 driver rating. In 8 races, he have 7 Top 10 with 2 top 5 finishes. Most recent top 10 was at Texas (7th).
42-Kyle Larson: Larson have been a huge disappointment this season, he never seemed to click with this race package. At times, he was really good. At other, you would think Juan Pablo Montoya was behind the wheel (no disrespect towards Juan). His biggest problem have been getting out of slumps really. During the 2015 chase, he have been at his worst probably. After starting off the chase with two top 10 in three races. He have since left fantasy relevancy altogether. With 6 straight finishes of 19th or worse and 5 of those finishes have resulted in outside of the top 20. I think it time to put Larson away until the 2016 season.
48-Jimmie Johnson: Johnson isn't battling for the championship anymore, but it seems that have allowed him to can out of his shell though. Since being eliminated from the chase, he have had some of his best races. Most recently he been on it more so than before. Over the past 3 races (dating back to Martinsville), he have finishes of 12th, 1st and 5th. That is his best three-race span of the 2015 season, since Sonoma (6th), Daytona (2nd) and Kentucky (9th) races. He have always ran well at Homestead! So expect him to continue this nice little hot streak to end the season. He have finished 9th in the past two races at Homestead. Overall he have 9 Top 10 finishes in 14 starts. Johnson will least be a top 10 driver headed into the weekend.
78-Martin Truex Jr: I have always considered this to be Truex's best racetrack on the schedule. He have always enjoy a great deal of success here and should be in for another strong day. Over the past 4 races here, he have put together 7.5 average finish with 8.3 average running position and 105.6 driver rating. In 10 career starts, he have finished inside the top 11 in 8 races. Including 5 top 6 finishes in his past 9 starts. He got spun last season's in this race and had to settle for a 17th place finish. Before that, he had a 8-race streak of top 11 finishes at this track. Including 3 straight finishes of 3rd, 4th or 6th. Those stats should tell you little about how much he enjoys racing at this place. Heck with those numbers, I would too! He been fast all season long and I expect that to continue this weekend at Homestead.
88-Dale Jr: Dale Jr is coming off a win at Phoenix and will try to end the season like it started (strong). Homestead haven't always been a good track for Dale Jr, but he have picked up his performance over the past few seasons though. Since the 2011 season, he have finished 14th or better in every race at this track. Dale Jr have been a consistent performer this season and could play spoiler on Sunday! Currently Dale Jr have 4 straight top 6 finishes in the chase and is primed for a 5 straight quality finish. On 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled 10.4 average finish, 13.6 average start, 12.6 average running position and 96.4 driver rating. 5 times he have finished inside the top 5 and 6 times inside the top 10 overall on the 1.5 milers.
***All stats are from FantasyRacingCheatSheet.com and DriverAverages.com
Email - JeffNathan74@yahoo.com
Twitter - @JeffNathans
This well be the final preview of the 2015 season! I had a lot of fun doing these previews each week for this blog and I truly hope everyone learned a few things from my posts. But the season not over yet, as we have one more race to go at Homestead! This is only one of two racetracks I have not had the chance to visit yet, so hopefully one day mark it off the list. At Homestead, four drivers will battle it out for the championship and only one will come out championship.When looking at fantasy picks, I think it pretty simple really. The drivers who have been fast all season long, will be fast once again. That have been the common theme on the 1.5 mile racetracks in 2015. Here how they stack up headed into the final race of the season!
1-JMac: JMac have had a very solid season and now seems to be a lock for a top 15 on a weekly basis. I use to consider him one of the most consistent drivers in Nascar, but he have picked up him game in 2015. JMac have been consistent on the 1.5 mile racetracks this season. Minus the Atlanta race (Wrecked), he have compiled 13.4 average finish, 17.3 average start, 16.2 average running position and 80.2 driver rating. Those are pretty solid numbers across the board. His Homestead record reflects similar results as well. He have put together 17.3 average finish, 21.3 average start, 21.0 average running position and 70.8 driver rating since start of the 2011 season (4 races).Those numbers aren't very impressive, but it should be noted that he did finish 30th in the 2012 race. His other three finishes? 5th (last season), 20th and 14th. Those are finish in Jamie's range on the high-speed intermediate racetracks. I say he is a top 15 driver headed into the weekend.
2-Brad Keselowski: Keselowski have been eliminated from the championship hunt as we head to Homestead, but doesn't mean he won't run well though. He been the most consistent driver on this type track on the season. He have compiled 6.9 average finish, 5.5 average start, 8.0 average running position and 108.4 driver rating. He is the only driver in the series to finish every race inside the top 10. It also should be noted that, he have only finished inside the top 5 twice this season on this type track. He been top 10 consistent though. Therefore is a safe, but limited upside fantasy option. He have found a lot of success at Homestead, but not quite as much as some of the competition. Over the past 4 races here, he have put together 11.0 average finish, 4.0 average start with 8.5 average running position and 101.7 driver rating. Over the past two seasons alone, he have finishes of 3rd and 6th. Those remain his lone top 10 finishes in 7 career starts. Even though he had finishes of 15th, 20th, and 13th from 2010 to 2012.
3-Austin Dillon: Dillon have had a up and down season and looking to end it on a high-note. There isn't a lot to say about Austin Dillon really as he have only had one career start at homestead. Even though he have ran well at times on the high-speed intermediate tracks this season. His biggest problem is finishing out races. Like at Phoenix. He ran around 15th for most of the night and finished 20th. He always seems to fade late in races for some reason. That alone with make him a liability as a fantasy option.
4-Kevin Harvick: Harvick is my eyes is the heavy favorite to win the championship and on paper it probably not very close. Last season he won this race and could very well do the same on Sunday. He have ran very well on this type track this season. He have compiled 8.7 average finish, 6.9 average start, 6.6 average running position and 118.9 driver rating. The one race that hurt his numbers would be the Chicagoland race (most similar track). If he would have pitted after getting a potential flat, he would have probably easily finished inside the top 3. Instead he finished 40th-ish after wrecking. He been very strong at Homestead as well. Over the past 4 races, he have put together 6.8 average finish with 10.5 average running position and 102.1 driver rating. He have finishes of 1st and 10th over the past two seasons. I would consider this to be Kevin's best track (not named Phoenix), as he have finished 12 of 14 races inside the top 10. With 4 of the past 7 races inside the top 3 at Homestead. In 14 career starts, he have 7.5 average finish with 6 top 5s and 12 Top 10 finishes. From a career point of view, this is his best track in terms of average finish. Next closest would be Indy (10.2) and Kentucky (10.4).
5-Kasey Kahne: Kasey have been overall a major disappointment for me in 2015. I had higher hopes for him and thought he would have a rebound-like season. Sadly outside of some early season success, he failed to meet my expectations. He started the season off very well on this type track, but since have became inconsistent. On the 1.5 milers this season, he have compiled 18.8 average finish, 13.9 average start, 14.8 average running position and 85.8 driver rating. He started the year off well with top 15 finishes at Vegas, Charlotte, Kansas and Texas. Then we hit July and the 5 car performance dipped way down. He have struggled since on the high-speed intermediate racetracks. With finishes of 27th (Kentucky), 24th (Chicago), 43rd (Charlotte) 4th (Kansas) and 20th (Texas). I don't feel good about his chances to rebound, since 4 of his past 5 races on this type track have ended in 20th or worse. Not to mention, In 3 career starts with HMS at Homestead, he have a best finish of 12th coming last season.
11-Denny Hamlin: Hamlin will try to end the season well at one of his better racetracks. Two season ago, he won this race and could find himself in a similar situation on Sunday. On 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled 15.1 average finish, 11.5 average start, 14.0 average running position and 96.5 driver rating. Like most stats, they can be misleading without digging deeper into them. Denny's stats are no different. The first 5 races (Atlanta, Vegas, Texas, Kansas and Charlotte), he held 20.6 average finish with 11.6 average running position and 93.7 driver rating. With only 2 top 10 finishes in those first 5 races. How about the past 5 races on the 1.5 mile tracks (Kentucky, Chicago, Kansas , Charlotte and Texas)? He have held 9.6 average finish with 16.4 average running position and 99.3 driver rating. He finished 4th or better in 4 of those 5 races. The Texas race (38th) was his worst and most recent effort though. Homestead have been a very good track for Hamlin as well. Over the past 4 races here, he have put together 10.3 average finish with 10.0 average running position and 101.1 driver rating. In 10 career starts at Homestead, he have knocked off 6 Top 10 finishes and 4 Top 5s (2 wins). He have finished 9th or better in 3 of the past 4 races.
18-Kyle Busch: Kyle Busch is one of the 4 drivers who will contend for the championship at Homestead. I wouldn't call this a Kyle Busch racetrack though. He have struggled here throughout his career since getting moved up to the Cup level. In 10 career starts, he only have 3 Top 10 finishes (1 Top 5 finish) and only 5 Top 20 finishes. Overall he have finished 23rd or worse in 3 of the past 5 races. On the positive side, the other two races in that span have ended in 7th and 4th in 2012 and 2013. Don't panic Rowdy fans though. He have been fast all season long and will undoubtedly get the best car out of the JGR garage. On 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled 8.3 average finish, 6.8 average start, 6.0 average running position and 116.5 driver rating. Looking deeper into the numbers, he have been one of the best drivers in his limited (6) races. He had a top 5 car (or close to it) in every race on this type racetrack. Numbers sometimes lie. He had top 5 cars at Charlotte (both times) and got misleading finishes. Also had the car to beat Chicago (in my opinion), but late caution screwed that up. Overall Kyle enters Homestead with 4 Top 5 finishes in his past 5 races. And 5 Top 5 finishes in 9 races during the chase. He leads the series in most top 5 finishes in both categories.
19-Carl Edwards: Homestead is a great racetrack for Carl Edwards, but too bad he isn't racing for the championship though. Over the past 4 races at Homestead, he have had 15.0 average finish, 9.5 average start, 13.3 average running position and 99.4 driver rating. He have struggled here the past few seasons with RFR, but he is in a much better ride now though. In had finishes of 34th and 12th the past two seasons. However before that, he knocked off 8 straight top 12 finishes. Including 7 straight Top 8 finishes from 2005 to 2011 (7 races). Overall Edwards have 10 Top 14 finishes in 11 career starts at this racetrack. His lone finish outside the top 14 was last season when he finished 34th. Edwards struggled early in the season on the 1.5 mile racetracks and didn't score his first top 10 finish until Texas, but didn't score his first top 5 until his Charlotte win. After that race, JGR really took off. The performance have shown with Edwards. On the 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled 11.0 average finish, 10.0 average start, 10.3 average running position and 98.0 driver rating. Since winning at Charlotte, Edwards have not finished worse than 8th on the 1.5 mile high-speed intermediate racetracks. In fact, he have only once finished outside of the top 6.
20-Matt Kenseth: Matt Kenseth is expected to make his return to the track this weekend at Homestead! Yes I know we all are very excited for that. He been fast all season long and should be good enough to be a top 10 driver headed into the weekend. On the 1.5 mile racetracks this season (9 races - missed Texas), he have compiled 12.6 average finish, 13.1 average start, 11.3 average running position and 98.1 driver rating. In those 9 races, he have knocked off 6 Top 10 finishes and 4 Top 5 finishes. The two races he finished outside the top 10 was Texas (first race) and Kansas. At Homestead, he been up and down in his career. However most recently he been on it at this place. He have finished 7 of the past 10 races inside the top 10. Including 3 Top 6 finishes in his past 4 races. 4 of the past 5 races have ended inside the top 10 overall.
22-Joey Logano:Logano was the best driver a good portion of the season, but sometimes the best driver doesn't win the championship. Just like in any other sport. Sadly for Logano, he falls into that group of individuals. He been strong all season long on the 1.5 mile racetracks. He have compiled 8.6 average finish, 3.9 average start, 8.7 average running position and 111.1 driver rating. In those 10 races, he have scored 6 Top 5 finishes and is the only driver one of two drivers with (2 or more) multiple wins. He been just good at Homestead, but only one top 10 finish though. Over the past 4 races here, he have put together 14.3 average finish with 13.3 average running position and 86.5 driver rating. In that 4 race span, he have finished inside the top 20 in every race. However he only have one career top 10 finish in 6 starts. That 8th place finish came in 2013.
24-Jeff Gordon: I know many people would like to see Jeff Gordon go out on top, but I don't know if it will happen to tell you the truth. Gordon will have to beat both Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick who have been consistently two of the fastest guys this season. I wouldn't be shocked either though. On the 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled 13.3 average finish, 13.6 average start, 12.4 average running position and 90.5 driver rating. He have only finished inside the top 5 once this season on 1.5 mile racetracks. That was way back at the first Kansas race. Outside of Martinsville and Talladeaga (1st and 3rd), his best finish of the chase was 6th at Phoenix. Overall this could be a tough task for Jeff Gordon and team 24. On the positive side, he have several things go in his favor though. He had one of the best cars at Chicago (most similar track) and had a shot to win. But he stupidly stayed out late in the race. He dropped like a rock during the final few laps and finished 14th. He have 6-time Championship Jimmie Johnson to give him advice, since it been awhile since Gordon been in position to win a championship. Also he supports a stout track record here. Over the past 4 races, he have put together 6.8 average finish with 5.8 average running position and 118.7 driver rating. In 16 career starts, Gordon have one win, 7 Top 5s and 12 Top 10s.
27-Paul Menard: Menard will look to end the season strong at Homestead! He is coming off a 13th place finish at Phoenix. This season on the 1.5 mile racetracks, he have compiled 19.8 average finish, 17.9 average start, 18.7 average running position and 75.7 driver rating. Menard is having a very fine chase. In 9 races, he have 6 Top 15 finishes. Including 4 straight top 15 finishes. He been good at Homestead since joining RCR back in 2011. He have finishes of 4th, 39th, 11th and 16th with RCR. There not much to say about Menard at this point in the season that you don't already know. He is a top 15 driver with inconsistency tendency at times. Even though I think he have taken a big step this season, he still middle of the road in terms of fantasy potential and overall production.
41-Kurt Busch: Kurt Busch had a strong car at Phoenix and will look to end the season strong. I am not as high on him at Homestead as I was Phoenix, but still a lot to like about him though. Over the past 4 races here, he have put together 18.8 average finish, 8.5 average start, 20.0 average running position and 72.0 driver rating. Those aren't impressive numbers, but he have something positive going in his recent results though. 2 of his past three races have ended in 11th and 9th. 4 of his past 6 races at this track have ended inside the top 18. Including 3 of his of past 6 ending inside the top 11. He been one of the best guys on the 1.5 mile racetracks this season. He have compiled 7.9 average finish, 8.4 average start, 7.8 average running position and 108.8 driver rating. In 8 races, he have 7 Top 10 with 2 top 5 finishes. Most recent top 10 was at Texas (7th).
42-Kyle Larson: Larson have been a huge disappointment this season, he never seemed to click with this race package. At times, he was really good. At other, you would think Juan Pablo Montoya was behind the wheel (no disrespect towards Juan). His biggest problem have been getting out of slumps really. During the 2015 chase, he have been at his worst probably. After starting off the chase with two top 10 in three races. He have since left fantasy relevancy altogether. With 6 straight finishes of 19th or worse and 5 of those finishes have resulted in outside of the top 20. I think it time to put Larson away until the 2016 season.
48-Jimmie Johnson: Johnson isn't battling for the championship anymore, but it seems that have allowed him to can out of his shell though. Since being eliminated from the chase, he have had some of his best races. Most recently he been on it more so than before. Over the past 3 races (dating back to Martinsville), he have finishes of 12th, 1st and 5th. That is his best three-race span of the 2015 season, since Sonoma (6th), Daytona (2nd) and Kentucky (9th) races. He have always ran well at Homestead! So expect him to continue this nice little hot streak to end the season. He have finished 9th in the past two races at Homestead. Overall he have 9 Top 10 finishes in 14 starts. Johnson will least be a top 10 driver headed into the weekend.
78-Martin Truex Jr: I have always considered this to be Truex's best racetrack on the schedule. He have always enjoy a great deal of success here and should be in for another strong day. Over the past 4 races here, he have put together 7.5 average finish with 8.3 average running position and 105.6 driver rating. In 10 career starts, he have finished inside the top 11 in 8 races. Including 5 top 6 finishes in his past 9 starts. He got spun last season's in this race and had to settle for a 17th place finish. Before that, he had a 8-race streak of top 11 finishes at this track. Including 3 straight finishes of 3rd, 4th or 6th. Those stats should tell you little about how much he enjoys racing at this place. Heck with those numbers, I would too! He been fast all season long and I expect that to continue this weekend at Homestead.
88-Dale Jr: Dale Jr is coming off a win at Phoenix and will try to end the season like it started (strong). Homestead haven't always been a good track for Dale Jr, but he have picked up his performance over the past few seasons though. Since the 2011 season, he have finished 14th or better in every race at this track. Dale Jr have been a consistent performer this season and could play spoiler on Sunday! Currently Dale Jr have 4 straight top 6 finishes in the chase and is primed for a 5 straight quality finish. On 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled 10.4 average finish, 13.6 average start, 12.6 average running position and 96.4 driver rating. 5 times he have finished inside the top 5 and 6 times inside the top 10 overall on the 1.5 milers.
***All stats are from FantasyRacingCheatSheet.com and DriverAverages.com
Email - JeffNathan74@yahoo.com
Twitter - @JeffNathans
