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Over the past couple seasons, it is no secret that night races are becoming a norm for us race fans. Nascar seem to want to add more of these races to the schedule, as it is deemed different. I agree that it is different, but I am not a fan of these races. They use to be a rare treat for us to see night races. They were cool, because we only saw a couple per year. Now, they are becoming a pain in my ass! My biggest issue with these races are when practice is set for. We are practing in day time hours and not racing until the night time. That's a problem. The track and the cars change so much with the different track conditions. Which means practice becomes less important. What's the point of closely watching practice, if you know there could be a 180 turn around during the race. As a fantasy nascar fan, it really does drive me crazy.
Alright, I got what I wanted to say out there. Let's dig in!
1. Kyle Busch - Rowdy has dominated this place in the past and I wouldn't be shocked if he does again on Saturday night. He looked like his usual self on Friday and could easily win his first race of the season. The ##18 car been very strong over the past couple months and shouldn't suprise anyone that he is fast again. Rowdy always a threat at Kentucky, as this is one of his best tracks on the schedule. Between now and the playoffs, I don't know if there is a better track for him to score his first win on. And that's saying something, too. Since, we have New Hampshire, Watkins Glenn, Bristol and Richmond still to go to. I honestly would be shocked, if Rowdy doesn't lead some laps on Saturday's night and contend for the win!
2. Martin Truex Jr - The only driver that has flashed more speed than Kyle Busch over the past couple months has been Martin Truex Jr. The driver of the #78 car been stupid fast at every track that we go to. This weekend will be different. Truex Jr has been at his best on the 1.5 mile tracks and has 4.2 average finish on the season. Last year, he was a contender in this race until a penalty took him out of him. Trust me, Truex Jr will be tough to beat. If you are going to win, you will have to beat the 78 car. He will roll off 2nd and starting in the top 3 this season has led to very good things for him. He has started in the top 3 nine (9) times this season. Seven (7) times, he has finished in the top 10. When starting from 2nd place (4 times this season), he has never finished worse than 6th. The last time he started 2nd on a 1.5 mile track? Earlier this season at Las Vegas. he led 150 laps on his way to victory. In his past two 1.5 mile tracks races (in general - Kansas and Charlotte), he has led at least 100 laps in each event. Finished 1st and 3rd.
3. Brad Keselowski - Keselowski has been getting a lot of love this week, and rightfully so. Kentucky has been a great track for him, since he entered the Cup series. Him and Kyle Busch are usually the two most popular drivers when it comes to this place. They are at the moment assoicated with Kentucky speedway. Again, rightfully so. It is no suprise that the driver of the #2 car been talked about a lot. Personally, I really like him this weekend. He has a great starting position and been rock solid on the 1.5 mile tracks in 2017. In five (5) races, he has finished 6th or better. Including three top 5 finishes in those five races. In his previous two Knetucky races, he has finished of 1st and 6th. He won this race last year. And had the best car here in 2015, but he kept speeding on pit road. Whenever, he would catch Busch, they had to pit. He never was able to get to Busch in second half of the race. Despite having one of the best cars or if not the best car (in my opinion). I really do like Keselowski for Saturday night (like many other people) and think he will be a major factor in the outcome.
4. Kevin Harvick - Harvick will roll off from inside the top 10 on Saturday night and be a legit contender for a top 5 finish. I don't know if he is ready to contend for a win on this type of track, but he is getting closer and closer. I kinda was hoping he would had qualified a little better, but I was okay with him qualifying 7th though. He can get into the top 5 from there. The 4 car has been a consistent top 7 performer on this type of track all season long. In his past three starts on the 1.5 mile tracks, he has finishes of 3rd, 4th and 8th. That's very solid. He ran very good here last year, too. Not much else to say about him honestly. He's a pretty bet overall!
5. Matt Kenseth - Kenseth isn't having a great season by any means, but he is getting better each week. He has a fast car this weekend at Kentucky speedway. He looked really good on Friday afternoon. When Kenseth looks fast on Friday, it is usually a great sign for things to come. As Kenseth rarely ever shows his hand early in the race weekend. When he does, it is a good indication for his potential result. Not always, but remember it is all about the potential. And he has a great track record here. As he has never finished worse than 12th place at this track. I love that. And personally, I have high hopes for him to breakout at Kentucky. I think the Gibbs cars has caught up with the competition n this type of track! That will definitely help out, too.
6. Jimmie Johnson - Johnson is a interesting fantasy option this weekend. He has been pretty up and down all season long, with mix of strong ones and poor ones. So it is hard to say how good the 48 car will be this weekend. And his track record is nothing to brag about, but it is not bad , either. Overall, I would say that Johnson is a wildcard. But something that I have learn is to never doubt this 48 team. They might not have the car to beat, but Chad will fix him up. And by end of the race, he will be in the top 10 and contending for a top 5 finish. And don't think the 48 team isn't motivated to check Kentucky off their list, either. He showed good speed in practice, too.
7. Kyle Larson - Kyle Larson is starting in the back, but that is not a death sentence by any means though. Larson had a quick car on Friday, but never was able to qualify his car. That obviously was disappointing on his end, no doubt. I think he is gonna be strong on Saturday night. He has 3 second-place finishes this season in five (5) 1.5 mile races this season. Including earlier this season at Texas. He missed qualifying for that race, too. He's finished 2nd in that race. Like Kentucky, it also had a repave done recently. Again, it is not a death sentence. He has a car capable of making it his way to the front. Barring any problems, he should easily make his way through the field.
8. Chase Elliott - Elliott is having a rough season, but he is starting to turn it around though. Since Dover, the driver of the No.24 car is starting to come around. He's finished 7th at Dover. Then followed up by finishing 2nd at Michigan and 8th at Sonoma. He also finished 8th back at Pocono. Of course, he did finish 22nd at Daytona. However, that is his lone non top 10 finish since the start of June. He is coming on strong as we get closer to the playoffs. This weekend, he looked strong on Friday. The 24 car displayed really good speed. He will start from 12th, but I think he will be a contender for at least a top 10 finish with obvious upside to contend for a top 5 finish. I would say that it is unlikely that he finishes in the top 5. But, he definitely has the potential. And that what it is all about.
9. Ryan Blaney - Blaney has shown a lot of speed on Friday and it is not shocking that the 21 car is fast. He has been awesome all season long on the 1.5 mile tracks. His best performance this season has been on this type of track. His best three races this season been at Pocono, Kansas and Texas. You notice that two of those three were night races and were 1.5 mile intermediate tracks? I sure do. And he is showing similar speed in his car for Kentucky. Downside to Blaney? In his past 10 races this season, he has finished 24th or worse seven (7) times. Not good. But I think his poential (and upside) is too good to be held back by his recent finishes. Because remember that, he's won at Pocono. That's the risk you have to take.
10. Joey Logano - Logano has been on my shit list (yes laugh at that - it was a joke) for awhile, but he is starting to get back on my good side. Much like during a stench last year, the 22 team went through a rough patch. He is starting to get back on track and is showing good speed again. I don't think he is anywhere near contending for top 5 finishes, but he is starting to return to top 10 status. If you are looking for a solid top 10 finisher, then Lognao is a good bet to go with. If you are looking for a race-winning contender, then you better be looking somewhere else.
Just missed on -
Denny Hamlin
Jamie Mac
Kurt Busch
Ricky Stenhouse Jr
Erik Jones
Daniel Suarez
***Stats are from DriverAverages.com and FantasyRacingCheatSheet.com
Twitter - @JeffNathans18
Over the past couple seasons, it is no secret that night races are becoming a norm for us race fans. Nascar seem to want to add more of these races to the schedule, as it is deemed different. I agree that it is different, but I am not a fan of these races. They use to be a rare treat for us to see night races. They were cool, because we only saw a couple per year. Now, they are becoming a pain in my ass! My biggest issue with these races are when practice is set for. We are practing in day time hours and not racing until the night time. That's a problem. The track and the cars change so much with the different track conditions. Which means practice becomes less important. What's the point of closely watching practice, if you know there could be a 180 turn around during the race. As a fantasy nascar fan, it really does drive me crazy.
Alright, I got what I wanted to say out there. Let's dig in!
1. Kyle Busch - Rowdy has dominated this place in the past and I wouldn't be shocked if he does again on Saturday night. He looked like his usual self on Friday and could easily win his first race of the season. The ##18 car been very strong over the past couple months and shouldn't suprise anyone that he is fast again. Rowdy always a threat at Kentucky, as this is one of his best tracks on the schedule. Between now and the playoffs, I don't know if there is a better track for him to score his first win on. And that's saying something, too. Since, we have New Hampshire, Watkins Glenn, Bristol and Richmond still to go to. I honestly would be shocked, if Rowdy doesn't lead some laps on Saturday's night and contend for the win!
2. Martin Truex Jr - The only driver that has flashed more speed than Kyle Busch over the past couple months has been Martin Truex Jr. The driver of the #78 car been stupid fast at every track that we go to. This weekend will be different. Truex Jr has been at his best on the 1.5 mile tracks and has 4.2 average finish on the season. Last year, he was a contender in this race until a penalty took him out of him. Trust me, Truex Jr will be tough to beat. If you are going to win, you will have to beat the 78 car. He will roll off 2nd and starting in the top 3 this season has led to very good things for him. He has started in the top 3 nine (9) times this season. Seven (7) times, he has finished in the top 10. When starting from 2nd place (4 times this season), he has never finished worse than 6th. The last time he started 2nd on a 1.5 mile track? Earlier this season at Las Vegas. he led 150 laps on his way to victory. In his past two 1.5 mile tracks races (in general - Kansas and Charlotte), he has led at least 100 laps in each event. Finished 1st and 3rd.
3. Brad Keselowski - Keselowski has been getting a lot of love this week, and rightfully so. Kentucky has been a great track for him, since he entered the Cup series. Him and Kyle Busch are usually the two most popular drivers when it comes to this place. They are at the moment assoicated with Kentucky speedway. Again, rightfully so. It is no suprise that the driver of the #2 car been talked about a lot. Personally, I really like him this weekend. He has a great starting position and been rock solid on the 1.5 mile tracks in 2017. In five (5) races, he has finished 6th or better. Including three top 5 finishes in those five races. In his previous two Knetucky races, he has finished of 1st and 6th. He won this race last year. And had the best car here in 2015, but he kept speeding on pit road. Whenever, he would catch Busch, they had to pit. He never was able to get to Busch in second half of the race. Despite having one of the best cars or if not the best car (in my opinion). I really do like Keselowski for Saturday night (like many other people) and think he will be a major factor in the outcome.
4. Kevin Harvick - Harvick will roll off from inside the top 10 on Saturday night and be a legit contender for a top 5 finish. I don't know if he is ready to contend for a win on this type of track, but he is getting closer and closer. I kinda was hoping he would had qualified a little better, but I was okay with him qualifying 7th though. He can get into the top 5 from there. The 4 car has been a consistent top 7 performer on this type of track all season long. In his past three starts on the 1.5 mile tracks, he has finishes of 3rd, 4th and 8th. That's very solid. He ran very good here last year, too. Not much else to say about him honestly. He's a pretty bet overall!
5. Matt Kenseth - Kenseth isn't having a great season by any means, but he is getting better each week. He has a fast car this weekend at Kentucky speedway. He looked really good on Friday afternoon. When Kenseth looks fast on Friday, it is usually a great sign for things to come. As Kenseth rarely ever shows his hand early in the race weekend. When he does, it is a good indication for his potential result. Not always, but remember it is all about the potential. And he has a great track record here. As he has never finished worse than 12th place at this track. I love that. And personally, I have high hopes for him to breakout at Kentucky. I think the Gibbs cars has caught up with the competition n this type of track! That will definitely help out, too.
6. Jimmie Johnson - Johnson is a interesting fantasy option this weekend. He has been pretty up and down all season long, with mix of strong ones and poor ones. So it is hard to say how good the 48 car will be this weekend. And his track record is nothing to brag about, but it is not bad , either. Overall, I would say that Johnson is a wildcard. But something that I have learn is to never doubt this 48 team. They might not have the car to beat, but Chad will fix him up. And by end of the race, he will be in the top 10 and contending for a top 5 finish. And don't think the 48 team isn't motivated to check Kentucky off their list, either. He showed good speed in practice, too.
7. Kyle Larson - Kyle Larson is starting in the back, but that is not a death sentence by any means though. Larson had a quick car on Friday, but never was able to qualify his car. That obviously was disappointing on his end, no doubt. I think he is gonna be strong on Saturday night. He has 3 second-place finishes this season in five (5) 1.5 mile races this season. Including earlier this season at Texas. He missed qualifying for that race, too. He's finished 2nd in that race. Like Kentucky, it also had a repave done recently. Again, it is not a death sentence. He has a car capable of making it his way to the front. Barring any problems, he should easily make his way through the field.
8. Chase Elliott - Elliott is having a rough season, but he is starting to turn it around though. Since Dover, the driver of the No.24 car is starting to come around. He's finished 7th at Dover. Then followed up by finishing 2nd at Michigan and 8th at Sonoma. He also finished 8th back at Pocono. Of course, he did finish 22nd at Daytona. However, that is his lone non top 10 finish since the start of June. He is coming on strong as we get closer to the playoffs. This weekend, he looked strong on Friday. The 24 car displayed really good speed. He will start from 12th, but I think he will be a contender for at least a top 10 finish with obvious upside to contend for a top 5 finish. I would say that it is unlikely that he finishes in the top 5. But, he definitely has the potential. And that what it is all about.
9. Ryan Blaney - Blaney has shown a lot of speed on Friday and it is not shocking that the 21 car is fast. He has been awesome all season long on the 1.5 mile tracks. His best performance this season has been on this type of track. His best three races this season been at Pocono, Kansas and Texas. You notice that two of those three were night races and were 1.5 mile intermediate tracks? I sure do. And he is showing similar speed in his car for Kentucky. Downside to Blaney? In his past 10 races this season, he has finished 24th or worse seven (7) times. Not good. But I think his poential (and upside) is too good to be held back by his recent finishes. Because remember that, he's won at Pocono. That's the risk you have to take.
10. Joey Logano - Logano has been on my shit list (yes laugh at that - it was a joke) for awhile, but he is starting to get back on my good side. Much like during a stench last year, the 22 team went through a rough patch. He is starting to get back on track and is showing good speed again. I don't think he is anywhere near contending for top 5 finishes, but he is starting to return to top 10 status. If you are looking for a solid top 10 finisher, then Lognao is a good bet to go with. If you are looking for a race-winning contender, then you better be looking somewhere else.
Just missed on -
Denny Hamlin
Jamie Mac
Kurt Busch
Ricky Stenhouse Jr
Erik Jones
Daniel Suarez
***Stats are from DriverAverages.com and FantasyRacingCheatSheet.com
Twitter - @JeffNathans18
