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I don't have a lot of time for this week's update and quite frankly I don't know if really matters for Kentucky. There were two test sessions scheduled for Wednesday, however they were both cancelled. As was qualifying and half of the first practice on Friday. On the plus side, we did get to see some action on the track on Friday's morning/afternoon. So it not like we are headed into the race blind, but personally I still think there a lot of unanswered questions for the teams and drivers.
A:
1. Jimmie Johnson - Honestly there probably 2 or maybe 3 who could named the number 1 guy in this tier. However I am going Jimmie Johnson. Why? Well for starters Johnson is usually one of the first ones to catch on to changes made by Nascar. It doesn't hurt that he have a very strong Kentucky record. He qualified 6th and looked solid in practice on Friday. He posted the 7th best 10-lap average in the late-afternoon practice. He may not lead the most laps or have the car to beat, but I am willing to bet he finishes up front.
My Overall Ranking: 1st
2. Brad Keselowski - I considered Keselowski for the top spot over Johnson, but he been little inconsistent this season which makes him more of a liability than asset. Even though he arguably have one of the best cars in this weekend race. I was pretty impressive by him on Friday. Honestly I am not sure if it the aero package or Kentucky itself, but both Penske Cars are hooked up this weekend. I wouldn't be shocked to see one of them in victory lane on Saturday night.
My Overall Ranking: 2nd
3. Joey Logano - Logano will roll off from 4th on Saturday night and looked very good practice. Before finishing poorly at Daytona, he had knocked 3 straight top 5 finishes after struggling at Charlotte and Dover. In practice, Logano like teammate Brad Keselowski he could find himself in victory lane . Logano have been strong all season long on the 1.5 mile racetracks and it look like he will be strong once again on Saturday night.
My Overall Ranking: 3rd
4. Kevin Harvick - Harvick just haven't looked as good as I was expecting him to.However he is bad fast on the long run. Don't be fooled by his practice results on the speed charts. He will be at the front when it all said and done. Does he have a dominating car? Nope. But he doesn't need to be. Expect Harvick to finish inside the top 5 though. I have him across the line in 4th in my overall rankings.
My Overall Ranking: 4th
5. Kyle Busch - I debated what JGR car should be given the final spot in my rankings and in the end I went with the guy with the most to gain from this weekend in Kyle Busch. Rowdy have everything to race for and really nothing to lose. He is currently over 100 points outside of the top 30 in points. So gambling to win a race isn't out of the question for the 18 team. Truthfully I thought he was easily an top 10 car. Now I don't think he will win, but if a JGR does then it will probably be Busch. Even though his JGR teammates were pretty close to him speed wise.
My Overall Ranking: 5th
Other Options - Kenseth (6th), Gordon (7th) , Dale Jr (10th), Hamlin (11th) and Newman (14th)
B:
1. Kyle Larson - Truthfully I wanted to rank Larson lower as I enjoy giving him a higher ceiling. However I wasn't blown away by everyone. Not to say everyone else is terrible, but Larson is in my opinion was just better. He will start from 1st and looked solid all day long. Larson overall seems happy with his car and posted a lot of laps in the late afternoon session which is very encouraging. However don't go out on the limb and put all your stock into Larson. As I don't think he will back up his practice results and starting position. Even though I am probably higher than most on him.
My Overall Ranking: 8th
2. Kurt Busch - Busch finished final practice in 5th on the speed charts, but I get the sense he isn't exactly 100% happy with his car. Towards end of final practice, he said his car was going the wrong direction on the long run and complained about his balance throughout the session. Honestly I don't think there was a driver who was 100% happy with their car. Other words don't look for one car to dominate up front from start to finish. Busch should contend for a top 10 finish, but hard to say weather he can contend for a top 5. Even though his upside gives him the potential to do so.
My Overall Ranking: 9th
3. Martin Truex Jr - Truex was pretty good overall. He said his car was competitive after the shorten morning session. Hard to say how good he was in the afternoon as he didn't post many long runs, but I am willing to bet he will be strong in the race. The 78 been strong all season and I would be surprised if that changed at Kentucky. Really not sure where to rank either. Kinda wanted to rank him inside the top 10, but after back-to-back poor results. I decided to give him some room for error!
My Overall Ranking: 12th
4. Kasey Kahne -I am really mixed on Kahne this week. Part of me thinks he will have one of his best races of the season and the other half screams to avoid him as he will be a big old busted. He seemed to have a pretty good car by end of happy hour. But his speed didn't exactly standout either. Honestly I think there better tracks to use him, but we only have 18 races left. So why not take a shot with the 5 this week? Honestly I think his big issue will be finding his way to the front.
My Overall Ranking: 13th
5. Carl Edwards -Edwards is like a tainted candy bar. You know it bad for you, but you open it up and eat always. Even though you know you will feel the effects later. Trust me we all have eaten the Edwards bar at some point or another this season. However he looked like the worst Gibbs car this weekend, so that tainted Edwards bar might deliver you to the promise land (remember Charlotte). Or my personal favorite the crapper. Based on his performance this season, I am willing to bet he finishes somewhere inside the top 15. Even though he will probably hover in the top 10 before fading down the ladder. Because that is your typical Carl Edwards race.
My Overall Ranking: 15th
Other Options - Jamie Mac (16th) , Paul Menard (17th) , Austin Dillon (18th) , Greg Biffle (19th) and Aric Almirola (20th)
C:
1. Danica Patrick - Yeah I have absolutely no faith in this tier. This is probably the thinnest group drivers we have dealt with all season long , so no surprise Danica Patrick is miles ahead of everyone. She was pretty good all day long and is probably good enough to finish around 20th. If she plays her hand right, then she might sneak away with a finish closer to the top 15. But I think that is unlikely though. Expect a finish from 18th-24th place range.
My Overall Ranking: 21st
2. David Ragan - Ragan isn't anything special, but he should good enough for 2nd best in this tier of drivers. Truthfully both the MWR cars sucks. I was expecting more out of both of them, but I am not really expecting anything more than top 25 finishes. Some weeks Ragan will look really good and other he will look like he still at Front Row. Either way I wasn't super high on him as he been a test crash dummy this season on this type track.
My Overall Ranking: 25th
3. Justin Allaiger - Yeah I am not real sure if Justin deserves a spot on my rankings, but there really nobody else that is even close to relevant. He struggled for the most part and ran around 30th in practice. I think he can run better than that, but I doubt it much better though. If I had to guess it would be 25th is his ceiling. If he can finish 25th, then you stole some fantasy value. Realistically I think he finishes around 27th or 28th been all said and done. The 51 team will be much better on the shorter and slower tracks.
My Overall Ranking: 28th
Email - JeffNathan74@yahoo.com
Twitter - @JeffNathans
Friday, July 10, 2015
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
Fantasy Nascar Sleepers & Busts (Kentucky)
Welcome to TimersSports
Sleepers -
Ryan Newman: Newman isn't the top driver on anyone radar, but Newman have been a pretty effect fantasy option this season. On the 5 races on 1.5 mile racetracks, he have finished 12th or better in every race this season. Altogether he have an 8.2 average finish with 4 Top 10 finishes. How does that compare to the competition in 2015? His 8.2 average finish ranks him 6th in the series. Newman haven't been anything special at Kentucky, but he haven't been terrible either. In 4 races, he have put together 13.8 average finish (12th-best) with 2 Top 10s and 13.0 average running position. I am willing to bet Newman finishes inside the top 12 this weekend. However he doesn't have much upside which limits his fantasy value and potential.
Kyle Larson: Not a lot of people are very high on the 2nd-year driver, but I have a feeling he will be a great fantasy option at Kentucky. He have ran very well this season and have proven he can run inside the top 10 on any given weekend. Before Sonoma and Daytona, I thought Larson was onto something. In fact I still do. Last season he finished 40th, but don't fooled. He was running around 5th before blowing a tire. With tracks such as New Hampshire and Pocono coming up, it might be a good idea to get the jump on the Larson value.
Casey Mears: Believe it or not, Mears have been one of the best value plays at Kentucky over the first 4 races in the Cup Series. In those races, he have put together 20.3 average finish with 3 Top 20 finishes. On similar length tracks this season, he have strung together 21.8 average finish with 2 top 20 finishes. On a normal weekend, you can expect Mears to finish somewhere from 20th to 25th. Now that is far from impressive, but it pretty good considering level of equipment he is in. He will be more valuable in some leagues than others though.
Busts -
Denny Hamlin: Hamlin have been pretty inconsistent this season and will most likely finish outside the top 10. Only thing predictable about Hamlin is he never get back-to-back top 10s. That's right. This season, Denny Hamlin haven't put together back to back top 10 finishes yet. Even though he have came close a few times. Kentucky isn't exactly a great track for him. He have performed well here, but haven't gotten the results though. Truth be told, he just too inconsistent to be trusted at this point of the season. On 1.5 mile racetracks this season, Hamlin have 20.6 average finish 2 Top 10 finishes. There are better places to use him. Especially places like New Hampshire, Pocono, Bristol and Richmond coming over the next 10 races.
Jeff Gordon: I think Gordon will have the potential to do well, but in the end I think he will finish somewhere in the teens. It tough to say Gordon is a bust as this is his final shot at winning at Kentucky. However everything points to Gordon being disappointment. Last season here, he finished 6th, had 9.0 average running position (T-6th best), and 106.6 driver rating (6th-best). So not like he was superman last season at Kentucky. This season he been far from impressive on the 1.5 milers. In 5 races, he have held 17.0 average with 2 Top 10 finishes and 13.8 average running position. It been tough for Gordon to run well this season. Honestly I am not too sure if this new package will be favorable for him or not.
Twitter - @Garryy12
Sleepers -
Ryan Newman: Newman isn't the top driver on anyone radar, but Newman have been a pretty effect fantasy option this season. On the 5 races on 1.5 mile racetracks, he have finished 12th or better in every race this season. Altogether he have an 8.2 average finish with 4 Top 10 finishes. How does that compare to the competition in 2015? His 8.2 average finish ranks him 6th in the series. Newman haven't been anything special at Kentucky, but he haven't been terrible either. In 4 races, he have put together 13.8 average finish (12th-best) with 2 Top 10s and 13.0 average running position. I am willing to bet Newman finishes inside the top 12 this weekend. However he doesn't have much upside which limits his fantasy value and potential.
Kyle Larson: Not a lot of people are very high on the 2nd-year driver, but I have a feeling he will be a great fantasy option at Kentucky. He have ran very well this season and have proven he can run inside the top 10 on any given weekend. Before Sonoma and Daytona, I thought Larson was onto something. In fact I still do. Last season he finished 40th, but don't fooled. He was running around 5th before blowing a tire. With tracks such as New Hampshire and Pocono coming up, it might be a good idea to get the jump on the Larson value.
Casey Mears: Believe it or not, Mears have been one of the best value plays at Kentucky over the first 4 races in the Cup Series. In those races, he have put together 20.3 average finish with 3 Top 20 finishes. On similar length tracks this season, he have strung together 21.8 average finish with 2 top 20 finishes. On a normal weekend, you can expect Mears to finish somewhere from 20th to 25th. Now that is far from impressive, but it pretty good considering level of equipment he is in. He will be more valuable in some leagues than others though.
Busts -
Denny Hamlin: Hamlin have been pretty inconsistent this season and will most likely finish outside the top 10. Only thing predictable about Hamlin is he never get back-to-back top 10s. That's right. This season, Denny Hamlin haven't put together back to back top 10 finishes yet. Even though he have came close a few times. Kentucky isn't exactly a great track for him. He have performed well here, but haven't gotten the results though. Truth be told, he just too inconsistent to be trusted at this point of the season. On 1.5 mile racetracks this season, Hamlin have 20.6 average finish 2 Top 10 finishes. There are better places to use him. Especially places like New Hampshire, Pocono, Bristol and Richmond coming over the next 10 races.
Jeff Gordon: I think Gordon will have the potential to do well, but in the end I think he will finish somewhere in the teens. It tough to say Gordon is a bust as this is his final shot at winning at Kentucky. However everything points to Gordon being disappointment. Last season here, he finished 6th, had 9.0 average running position (T-6th best), and 106.6 driver rating (6th-best). So not like he was superman last season at Kentucky. This season he been far from impressive on the 1.5 milers. In 5 races, he have held 17.0 average with 2 Top 10 finishes and 13.8 average running position. It been tough for Gordon to run well this season. Honestly I am not too sure if this new package will be favorable for him or not.
Twitter - @Garryy12
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Fantasy Nascar Early Rankings (Kentucky)
Welcome to TimersSports
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Kevin Harvick
3. Kurt Busch
4. Martin Truex Jr
5. Kyle Busch
6. Matt Kenseth
7. Dale Jr
8. Kasey Kahne
9. Brad Keselowski
10. Jeff Gordon
11. Joey Logano
12. Carl Edwards
13. Kyle Larson
14. Jamie McMurray
15. Paul Menard
16. Denny Hamlin
17. Ryan Newman
18. Greg Biffle
19. Austin Dillon
20. Tony Stewart
21. Clint Bowyer
22. Aric Almirola
23. AJ Dinger
24. David Ragan
25. Danica Patrick
26. Ryan Balney
27. Justin Allagier
28. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
29. Casey Mears
30. Sam Hornish Jr
1. Jimmie Johnson
2. Kevin Harvick
3. Kurt Busch
4. Martin Truex Jr
5. Kyle Busch
6. Matt Kenseth
7. Dale Jr
8. Kasey Kahne
9. Brad Keselowski
10. Jeff Gordon
11. Joey Logano
12. Carl Edwards
13. Kyle Larson
14. Jamie McMurray
15. Paul Menard
16. Denny Hamlin
17. Ryan Newman
18. Greg Biffle
19. Austin Dillon
20. Tony Stewart
21. Clint Bowyer
22. Aric Almirola
23. AJ Dinger
24. David Ragan
25. Danica Patrick
26. Ryan Balney
27. Justin Allagier
28. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
29. Casey Mears
30. Sam Hornish Jr
Monday, July 06, 2015
Fantasy Nascar Preview (Kentucky)
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After back to back crazy races at Daytona and Sonoma, we now head to one of the newest races on the schedule at Kenetucky Speedway. Nascar will debut their new race package this weekend. Personally I am not sure this is the best place to display the new package. Kentucky is a difficult place to make passes at, so I am not sure how effective it will be. Especially since Nascar is trying to make for more passing. Even though I understand why it make sense to deploy it here too.
From a fantasy vantage point, I am very interested how Wednesday's testing will turn out. Mainly because it pretty much a cheat sheet on who could potentially be fast come Sunday. Honestly I am not too sure what to expect from it. However I do believe a lot of the same guys will still be able to run up front like they have all season.
If you wanting to look at season data, then you should probably study the 1.5 milers racetracks. Kentucky is much more bumpier than any track that we have visited, but Kansas is probably the most similar (shape wise). However Kentucky racing surface is far older than Kansas.
Here is today preview for Kentucky:
1-Jamie Mac: JMac is having a career season! He keep on knocking off top 15 finishes and that is called consistency. Something I have never used to described JMac. However he just been that damn good this season. He is like the Ryan Newman of 2014. He been pretty decent on the 1.5 mile cookie cutters in 2015 too. In 4 races (Minus the Atlanta wreck), he have compiled 12.3 average finish, 12.8 average start, 14.5 average running position, 9 laps led and 83.4 driver rating. In terms of scoring, he have scored the 12th most fantasy points in those 4 races with 3 Top 15 finishes. However he also only have one top 10 finish. Jamie doesn't have a impressive Kentucky record, but there only have been 4 races held in Cup. So I will give him a pass on that. Overall he should make a fine top 15 fantasy option.
2-Brad Keselowski: Keselowski absolutely dominated last season's event on his way to his first career Cup win at Kentucky. He was in another zip code in that race, however in 2015 he have struggled to finish inside the top 5. So far this season, he have only 3 top 5 finishes which is pretty low considering he had multiple wins already by this time last season. This season on the 1.5 mile racetracks, he have compiled 7.0 average finish , 7.0 average start, 8.4 average running position, 84 laps led and 107.4 driver rating. While those are some impressive numbers across the board, he have only 1 Top 5 finish. That becomes a problem since most formats depends heavily the finishing order. Since he is unlikely to grab a top 5, so his value will decrease which makes him less attractive fantasy option. Even though his track record at Kentucky is pretty darn impressive. In 4 races, he have held 10.5 average finish with 2 Top 5s and 3 Top 10 finishes in those races. He only really had one bad race here on the Cup side. He should be a solid option to roll with.
3-Austin Dillion: Dillon have not progressed like most would have liked, but he is starting to show potential at the Cup level. However he is still probably few seasons away from being relevant in fantasy land. Big reasons are he isn't consistent enough with favorable upside. He have the consistency down, but still need to developed as a racer. There isn't a lot you can say about Dillon regarding fantasy value. He been pretty average this season on the 1.5 mile racetracks. Especially with 23.4 average finish, 18.6 average start, 22.6 average running position and 66.6 driver rating. Those aren't stats that are exactly what I want in a fantasy pick. Even though he have shown promise by looking back at Kansas and Charlotte races.
4-Kevin Harvick: Harvick have been the man to beat on the 1.5 mile racetracks. While he only have win in 5 races, he have the best stats in the entire sport. In 5 races on the 1.5 mile racetracks, Harvick have compiled 3.2 average finish , 7.2 average start, 3.8 average running position, 433 laps led and 129.8 driver rating. Those are unbelievable stats! 4 of those races he finished either 1st or 2nd. He also had a top 5 car at Charlotte, but late pit strategy cost him great finish. He also support a solid track record at Kentucky too. In 4 races, he have held an average finish of 11.0 average finish with 2 top 10s and 4 Top 20s. In those 4 races his lowest finish have been 16th. However he haven't finished any higher than 7th.
5-Kasey Kahne: Kahne is coming off a poor effort at Daytona, but I have feeling he is due for a great finish at Kentucky. He been solid this season on the 1.5 mile racetrack which makes him a very useable fantasy option in my opinion. In 5 races on the 1.5 mile racetracks, he have compiled 13.6 average finish, 10.4 average start, 9.4 average running position, 6 laps led and 100.1 driver rating. Thinking back to Las Vegas and Kansas, Kahne easily had a top 10 car most of those races. However late race drama caused him to finish 17th in both races. Same thing with Charlotte. So not like he doesn't run well, but he never seem to get the right finishes.On the plus side, Kahne have found some success at Kentucky so far. In 4 races, he have had an 8.5 average finish with 2 Top 10s and 4 Top 13s. In fact, he finished 11th or better in 3 races since joining HMS.
10-Danica Patrick: Patrick is coming off a bad race at Daytona. I wasn't very high on her in the first place at Daytona anyhow. However I do like Patrick a lot at Kentucky though. She have been decent this season on the 1.5 mile racetracks this season. In 5 races, she have compiled an 21.6 average finish, 21.4 average start, 22.6 average running position and 63.7 driver rating. Kinda interesting how she have finished this season on the 1.5 milers. She have finished 16th , 22nd or 27th in all 5 races. With 3 of those 5 races ending either 22nd or 27th. At Kansas earlier this season , she finished 27th. If I remember right, she was overhyped that week. I pinpoint Kansas because it probably the most similar shaped racetrack. She finished 21st and 23rd in her two career starts at Kentucky.
11-Denny Hamlin: I am not super high on Hamlin this week at Kentucky. He finished 3rd at Daytona, but that been his only top 10 finish since Pocono. In fact, Hamlin have not scored back to back top 10 finishes this season. I find that very surprising. Especially since he have finished 11th or better in 4 of his past 6 races. It doesn't help that Hamlin have struggled to find conisistency on this type track in 2015. In 5 races on the 1.5 mile racetracks, he have compiled 20.6 average finish , 11.8 average start, 11.6 average running position, 67 laps led and 93.7 driver rating. Two things stand out about those stats: 11.8 average running position and 93.7 driver rating. Those two things tells me he have ran very well, but have been unlucky. His Kentucky isn't very good either. He have finished poorly the past two seasons here.
16-Greg Biffle: The Biff have struggled this season, but he have gotten respectable finishes this season for the most part. Biffle actually have some decent results on other 1.5 mile racetracks. In 5 races, he have compiled an 14.0 average finish , 13.0 average start, 17.8 average running position and 76.7 driver rating. 3 of those 5 races have ended in 14th-17th place finish. His other two results were 2nd or 25th. I think it very important to realize he will likely be nothing more than teen driver. Biff doesn't have a great track record at Kentucky though. In 4 races, he have an 22.5 average finish with only 1 top 15 finish and 3 Top 25 finishes. I think there better fantasy options out there at the moment.
18-Kyle Busch: Busch escaped Daytona will little damage to his chase hopes and now go to one of his best racetracks on the 2015 schedule. This is one of the places I circled where he could win at. Truth be told, I think he will gain a lot from the new race package. He could win this race and personally I think he just might. Don't overlook Kyle Busch. I think he is the best driver at JGR right now. The other three drivers haven't produced the performances Busch have this season. Even though he haven't always gotten the results he wanted. He have only raced once this season on the cookie cutters. That was back at Charlotte. If I remember right he finished 11th in that event. However that was very misleading though. He had a top 5 car in that race, but late race pit strategy screwed him over in the end. His Kentucky record is pretty impressive overall. In 4 races, Busch have had an 4.5 average finish with 1 win and 3 Top 5 finishes. His only finish outside the top 5 was 10th in 2012. His past two efforts have ended in 5th and 2nd at Kentucky.
19-Carl Edwards: Carl Edwards have finished twice this season inside the top 10. I think it time to re-adjust our expectation for Edwards. Of course I also said that at Charlotte and he went out and won. So he will probably win at Kentucky now. Anyhow he been okay on the similar tracks this season. In 5 races, he have compiled an 17.0 average finish, 8.6 average start, 11.4 average running position, 39 laps led and 93.7 driver rating. His 11.4 average running position tells me a lot about his overall performance though. It a strong indication that he have been a better performer than his finishes shows. He been pretty so-and-so at Kentucky with 3 top 15 finishes in 4 starts at Kentucky.
20-Matt Kenseth: Kenseth have been a strong performer this season at 1.5 mile venues. He been the best among the JGR cars in 5 races. In those races, he have compiled an 9.4 average finish, 15.6 average start, 11.6 average running position, 38 laps led and 92.5 driver rating. His Kentucky record is very impressive as well. In 4 races, he have compiled an 4.5 average finish with 1 win and 4 Top 7 finishes. He went to victory lane in 2013. However I think last season race is a better judge of how could do this weekend. Last season he finished 4th in this race. I have high hopes for Matt Kenseth and the 20 team. In fact I think JGR as whole will be bad fast. Especially since they seems to have found more speed lately on the intermediate racetracks.
22-Joey Logano: Logano may be the best kept secret this week. Guys like Busch, Harvick and Johnson will likely take the spotlight. However Logano is someone you could depend to deliver a solid points weekend for your team. If you are lucky, he just may be more than that. This season on other 1.5 mile tracks, he have compiled an 7.2 average finish, 2.4 average start, 6.8 average running position, 196 laps led and 111.1 driver rating. A key to Logano's success this season have been qualifying well. For awhile I thought Logano and Team Penske was off their game. However it look like Logano is back on track with 3 top 5 in his past 4 races, after finishing outside the top 10 at Charlotte and Dover. Logano big advantage over most drivers this week will be his strong qualifying efforts this season. His Kentucky record isn't nothing special, but he did look pretty solid here last season. He finished 9th, but he had the second-best car in that event behind teammate Brad Keselowski. In his debut with Penske, he finished 4th for those that are wondering.
24-Jeff Gordon: Gordon finished 6th at Daytona, but he still doesn't have a win to his name. I could see Gordon winning at Kentucky, but I think it likely. Most of this season, he have found ways into trouble or something that caused him to get misleading finish. Honestly I find it very hard to trust him at the moment. In 5 races on the 1.5 mile tracks, he have compiled an 17.0 average finish, 15.4 average start, 13.8 average running position, 3 laps led and 85.4 driver rating. Looking at his races this season, he haven't been terrible overall. Really his only bad race was Atlanta. However none of those races were great either. Least not enough to be consider as a legit fantasy option at Kentucky. Hard saying how Gordon will finish here. Really he been a guessing game all season long.
27-Paul Menard: Menard is having his best season of his career. He started off very well, but unlike most season he haven't matter declined in production though. Sure he have had a few bad races here and there, but every driver will have that from time to time. In his past 6 races, he have finished 8th-16th in 5 of those races. On 1.5 mile racetracks (minus Texas wreck), Paul have compiled 14.3 average finish, 20.5 average start, 14.5 average running position and 83.9 driver rating. Back at Kansas, Menard had a top 10 car and was running in 4th before a late caution killed him. I believe he was caught for speeding on pit road late. If that didn't happen, then he would have easily finished inside the top 10. If not better.
41-Kurt Busch: Busch is someone to be watching this week. He have been very strong all season long and that should be the case once again this weekend. He been one of the strongest drivers on this type track this season. On similar 1.5 mile racetracks, he have compiled an 10.7 average finish , 7.7 average start, 7.0 average running position, 183 laps led and 112.0 driver rating. Remember he missed Las Vegas and Atlanta, so he only have raced 3 times on the 1.5 milers. I think it only matter of time before he wins another race and I wouldn't be shocked if it was on Saturday night. His Kentucky stats are not very good, but I don't it matter very much this season.
42-Kyle Larson: Larson is having a down year, but I think there a lot to like going forward with the 2nd year driver. He almost went to victory lane at Michigan and finished inside the top 10 at Dover and Pocono. He had a tough outing at Daytona, but I think Larson could make a solid fantasy option this week. He was running top 5 last season here before having a tire going down that sent him into the wall. Not to many people will take a chance with Larson. However I think he worth considering. Especially if he looks good in Wednesday's testing.
48-Jimmie Johnson: Johnson is someone you could easily depend on this weekend at Kentucky. This season on 1.5 mile racetracks, he have won 3 times in 5 races. The two races , he didn't? Atlanta and Charlotte. In those races, he wrecked out for those that don't remember. He probably would have won both of those races as well. In those 5 races, he have compiled 16.8 average finish, 16.6 average start, 13.4 average running position, 275 laps led and 106.4 driver rating. I am willing to bet he either wins or wrecks out again. In fact I would bet on that too. Even Jimmie Johnson himself admits the 48 team is being more aggressive with going for wins. Something we all knew already though. In 4 races at Kentucky, he have had an 7.0 average finish with 1 top 5 and 4 Top 10 finishes.
78-Martin Truex Jr: Truex started the season with 14 top 10 finishes in the first 15 races. However all of suddenly he have finished poorly. I am sure it just bad luck though. He will likely get back on track at Kentucky. In 5 races on the 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled an 6.2 average finish, 10.2 average start, 6.0 average running position, 229 laps led and 117.2 driver rating. I am very interested how testing goes Wednesday for him and the 78 team. I have some high hopes for Truex this weekend.
88-Dale Jr: Dale Jr is coming off a big win at Daytona and look for more of the same at Kentucky. Same Junior Nation, but I don't see that happening. Even though he holds the best average finish in the series since Kansas (7 races ago). In those 7 races, he have held an impressive series-best 7.9 average finish, 14.7 average start, 9.7 average running position and 105.6 driver rating. He been very strong all season long on this type track. He have compiled 3.2 average finish, 14.0 average start, 7.4 average running position, 5 laps led and 111.3 driver rating. Those are some very good stats to back up the most recent race winner. While he doesn't have the best Kentucky record, but I wouldn't worry about that. He will be fast and he will be a contender on Saturday night.
***All stats are from DriverAverages.com and FantasyRacingCheatSheet
Email - JeffNathan74@yahoo.com
Twitter - @JeffNathans
After back to back crazy races at Daytona and Sonoma, we now head to one of the newest races on the schedule at Kenetucky Speedway. Nascar will debut their new race package this weekend. Personally I am not sure this is the best place to display the new package. Kentucky is a difficult place to make passes at, so I am not sure how effective it will be. Especially since Nascar is trying to make for more passing. Even though I understand why it make sense to deploy it here too.
From a fantasy vantage point, I am very interested how Wednesday's testing will turn out. Mainly because it pretty much a cheat sheet on who could potentially be fast come Sunday. Honestly I am not too sure what to expect from it. However I do believe a lot of the same guys will still be able to run up front like they have all season.
If you wanting to look at season data, then you should probably study the 1.5 milers racetracks. Kentucky is much more bumpier than any track that we have visited, but Kansas is probably the most similar (shape wise). However Kentucky racing surface is far older than Kansas.
Here is today preview for Kentucky:
1-Jamie Mac: JMac is having a career season! He keep on knocking off top 15 finishes and that is called consistency. Something I have never used to described JMac. However he just been that damn good this season. He is like the Ryan Newman of 2014. He been pretty decent on the 1.5 mile cookie cutters in 2015 too. In 4 races (Minus the Atlanta wreck), he have compiled 12.3 average finish, 12.8 average start, 14.5 average running position, 9 laps led and 83.4 driver rating. In terms of scoring, he have scored the 12th most fantasy points in those 4 races with 3 Top 15 finishes. However he also only have one top 10 finish. Jamie doesn't have a impressive Kentucky record, but there only have been 4 races held in Cup. So I will give him a pass on that. Overall he should make a fine top 15 fantasy option.
2-Brad Keselowski: Keselowski absolutely dominated last season's event on his way to his first career Cup win at Kentucky. He was in another zip code in that race, however in 2015 he have struggled to finish inside the top 5. So far this season, he have only 3 top 5 finishes which is pretty low considering he had multiple wins already by this time last season. This season on the 1.5 mile racetracks, he have compiled 7.0 average finish , 7.0 average start, 8.4 average running position, 84 laps led and 107.4 driver rating. While those are some impressive numbers across the board, he have only 1 Top 5 finish. That becomes a problem since most formats depends heavily the finishing order. Since he is unlikely to grab a top 5, so his value will decrease which makes him less attractive fantasy option. Even though his track record at Kentucky is pretty darn impressive. In 4 races, he have held 10.5 average finish with 2 Top 5s and 3 Top 10 finishes in those races. He only really had one bad race here on the Cup side. He should be a solid option to roll with.
3-Austin Dillion: Dillon have not progressed like most would have liked, but he is starting to show potential at the Cup level. However he is still probably few seasons away from being relevant in fantasy land. Big reasons are he isn't consistent enough with favorable upside. He have the consistency down, but still need to developed as a racer. There isn't a lot you can say about Dillon regarding fantasy value. He been pretty average this season on the 1.5 mile racetracks. Especially with 23.4 average finish, 18.6 average start, 22.6 average running position and 66.6 driver rating. Those aren't stats that are exactly what I want in a fantasy pick. Even though he have shown promise by looking back at Kansas and Charlotte races.
4-Kevin Harvick: Harvick have been the man to beat on the 1.5 mile racetracks. While he only have win in 5 races, he have the best stats in the entire sport. In 5 races on the 1.5 mile racetracks, Harvick have compiled 3.2 average finish , 7.2 average start, 3.8 average running position, 433 laps led and 129.8 driver rating. Those are unbelievable stats! 4 of those races he finished either 1st or 2nd. He also had a top 5 car at Charlotte, but late pit strategy cost him great finish. He also support a solid track record at Kentucky too. In 4 races, he have held an average finish of 11.0 average finish with 2 top 10s and 4 Top 20s. In those 4 races his lowest finish have been 16th. However he haven't finished any higher than 7th.
5-Kasey Kahne: Kahne is coming off a poor effort at Daytona, but I have feeling he is due for a great finish at Kentucky. He been solid this season on the 1.5 mile racetrack which makes him a very useable fantasy option in my opinion. In 5 races on the 1.5 mile racetracks, he have compiled 13.6 average finish, 10.4 average start, 9.4 average running position, 6 laps led and 100.1 driver rating. Thinking back to Las Vegas and Kansas, Kahne easily had a top 10 car most of those races. However late race drama caused him to finish 17th in both races. Same thing with Charlotte. So not like he doesn't run well, but he never seem to get the right finishes.On the plus side, Kahne have found some success at Kentucky so far. In 4 races, he have had an 8.5 average finish with 2 Top 10s and 4 Top 13s. In fact, he finished 11th or better in 3 races since joining HMS.
10-Danica Patrick: Patrick is coming off a bad race at Daytona. I wasn't very high on her in the first place at Daytona anyhow. However I do like Patrick a lot at Kentucky though. She have been decent this season on the 1.5 mile racetracks this season. In 5 races, she have compiled an 21.6 average finish, 21.4 average start, 22.6 average running position and 63.7 driver rating. Kinda interesting how she have finished this season on the 1.5 milers. She have finished 16th , 22nd or 27th in all 5 races. With 3 of those 5 races ending either 22nd or 27th. At Kansas earlier this season , she finished 27th. If I remember right, she was overhyped that week. I pinpoint Kansas because it probably the most similar shaped racetrack. She finished 21st and 23rd in her two career starts at Kentucky.
11-Denny Hamlin: I am not super high on Hamlin this week at Kentucky. He finished 3rd at Daytona, but that been his only top 10 finish since Pocono. In fact, Hamlin have not scored back to back top 10 finishes this season. I find that very surprising. Especially since he have finished 11th or better in 4 of his past 6 races. It doesn't help that Hamlin have struggled to find conisistency on this type track in 2015. In 5 races on the 1.5 mile racetracks, he have compiled 20.6 average finish , 11.8 average start, 11.6 average running position, 67 laps led and 93.7 driver rating. Two things stand out about those stats: 11.8 average running position and 93.7 driver rating. Those two things tells me he have ran very well, but have been unlucky. His Kentucky isn't very good either. He have finished poorly the past two seasons here.
16-Greg Biffle: The Biff have struggled this season, but he have gotten respectable finishes this season for the most part. Biffle actually have some decent results on other 1.5 mile racetracks. In 5 races, he have compiled an 14.0 average finish , 13.0 average start, 17.8 average running position and 76.7 driver rating. 3 of those 5 races have ended in 14th-17th place finish. His other two results were 2nd or 25th. I think it very important to realize he will likely be nothing more than teen driver. Biff doesn't have a great track record at Kentucky though. In 4 races, he have an 22.5 average finish with only 1 top 15 finish and 3 Top 25 finishes. I think there better fantasy options out there at the moment.
18-Kyle Busch: Busch escaped Daytona will little damage to his chase hopes and now go to one of his best racetracks on the 2015 schedule. This is one of the places I circled where he could win at. Truth be told, I think he will gain a lot from the new race package. He could win this race and personally I think he just might. Don't overlook Kyle Busch. I think he is the best driver at JGR right now. The other three drivers haven't produced the performances Busch have this season. Even though he haven't always gotten the results he wanted. He have only raced once this season on the cookie cutters. That was back at Charlotte. If I remember right he finished 11th in that event. However that was very misleading though. He had a top 5 car in that race, but late race pit strategy screwed him over in the end. His Kentucky record is pretty impressive overall. In 4 races, Busch have had an 4.5 average finish with 1 win and 3 Top 5 finishes. His only finish outside the top 5 was 10th in 2012. His past two efforts have ended in 5th and 2nd at Kentucky.
19-Carl Edwards: Carl Edwards have finished twice this season inside the top 10. I think it time to re-adjust our expectation for Edwards. Of course I also said that at Charlotte and he went out and won. So he will probably win at Kentucky now. Anyhow he been okay on the similar tracks this season. In 5 races, he have compiled an 17.0 average finish, 8.6 average start, 11.4 average running position, 39 laps led and 93.7 driver rating. His 11.4 average running position tells me a lot about his overall performance though. It a strong indication that he have been a better performer than his finishes shows. He been pretty so-and-so at Kentucky with 3 top 15 finishes in 4 starts at Kentucky.
20-Matt Kenseth: Kenseth have been a strong performer this season at 1.5 mile venues. He been the best among the JGR cars in 5 races. In those races, he have compiled an 9.4 average finish, 15.6 average start, 11.6 average running position, 38 laps led and 92.5 driver rating. His Kentucky record is very impressive as well. In 4 races, he have compiled an 4.5 average finish with 1 win and 4 Top 7 finishes. He went to victory lane in 2013. However I think last season race is a better judge of how could do this weekend. Last season he finished 4th in this race. I have high hopes for Matt Kenseth and the 20 team. In fact I think JGR as whole will be bad fast. Especially since they seems to have found more speed lately on the intermediate racetracks.
22-Joey Logano: Logano may be the best kept secret this week. Guys like Busch, Harvick and Johnson will likely take the spotlight. However Logano is someone you could depend to deliver a solid points weekend for your team. If you are lucky, he just may be more than that. This season on other 1.5 mile tracks, he have compiled an 7.2 average finish, 2.4 average start, 6.8 average running position, 196 laps led and 111.1 driver rating. A key to Logano's success this season have been qualifying well. For awhile I thought Logano and Team Penske was off their game. However it look like Logano is back on track with 3 top 5 in his past 4 races, after finishing outside the top 10 at Charlotte and Dover. Logano big advantage over most drivers this week will be his strong qualifying efforts this season. His Kentucky record isn't nothing special, but he did look pretty solid here last season. He finished 9th, but he had the second-best car in that event behind teammate Brad Keselowski. In his debut with Penske, he finished 4th for those that are wondering.
24-Jeff Gordon: Gordon finished 6th at Daytona, but he still doesn't have a win to his name. I could see Gordon winning at Kentucky, but I think it likely. Most of this season, he have found ways into trouble or something that caused him to get misleading finish. Honestly I find it very hard to trust him at the moment. In 5 races on the 1.5 mile tracks, he have compiled an 17.0 average finish, 15.4 average start, 13.8 average running position, 3 laps led and 85.4 driver rating. Looking at his races this season, he haven't been terrible overall. Really his only bad race was Atlanta. However none of those races were great either. Least not enough to be consider as a legit fantasy option at Kentucky. Hard saying how Gordon will finish here. Really he been a guessing game all season long.
27-Paul Menard: Menard is having his best season of his career. He started off very well, but unlike most season he haven't matter declined in production though. Sure he have had a few bad races here and there, but every driver will have that from time to time. In his past 6 races, he have finished 8th-16th in 5 of those races. On 1.5 mile racetracks (minus Texas wreck), Paul have compiled 14.3 average finish, 20.5 average start, 14.5 average running position and 83.9 driver rating. Back at Kansas, Menard had a top 10 car and was running in 4th before a late caution killed him. I believe he was caught for speeding on pit road late. If that didn't happen, then he would have easily finished inside the top 10. If not better.
41-Kurt Busch: Busch is someone to be watching this week. He have been very strong all season long and that should be the case once again this weekend. He been one of the strongest drivers on this type track this season. On similar 1.5 mile racetracks, he have compiled an 10.7 average finish , 7.7 average start, 7.0 average running position, 183 laps led and 112.0 driver rating. Remember he missed Las Vegas and Atlanta, so he only have raced 3 times on the 1.5 milers. I think it only matter of time before he wins another race and I wouldn't be shocked if it was on Saturday night. His Kentucky stats are not very good, but I don't it matter very much this season.
42-Kyle Larson: Larson is having a down year, but I think there a lot to like going forward with the 2nd year driver. He almost went to victory lane at Michigan and finished inside the top 10 at Dover and Pocono. He had a tough outing at Daytona, but I think Larson could make a solid fantasy option this week. He was running top 5 last season here before having a tire going down that sent him into the wall. Not to many people will take a chance with Larson. However I think he worth considering. Especially if he looks good in Wednesday's testing.
48-Jimmie Johnson: Johnson is someone you could easily depend on this weekend at Kentucky. This season on 1.5 mile racetracks, he have won 3 times in 5 races. The two races , he didn't? Atlanta and Charlotte. In those races, he wrecked out for those that don't remember. He probably would have won both of those races as well. In those 5 races, he have compiled 16.8 average finish, 16.6 average start, 13.4 average running position, 275 laps led and 106.4 driver rating. I am willing to bet he either wins or wrecks out again. In fact I would bet on that too. Even Jimmie Johnson himself admits the 48 team is being more aggressive with going for wins. Something we all knew already though. In 4 races at Kentucky, he have had an 7.0 average finish with 1 top 5 and 4 Top 10 finishes.
78-Martin Truex Jr: Truex started the season with 14 top 10 finishes in the first 15 races. However all of suddenly he have finished poorly. I am sure it just bad luck though. He will likely get back on track at Kentucky. In 5 races on the 1.5 mile racetracks this season, he have compiled an 6.2 average finish, 10.2 average start, 6.0 average running position, 229 laps led and 117.2 driver rating. I am very interested how testing goes Wednesday for him and the 78 team. I have some high hopes for Truex this weekend.
88-Dale Jr: Dale Jr is coming off a big win at Daytona and look for more of the same at Kentucky. Same Junior Nation, but I don't see that happening. Even though he holds the best average finish in the series since Kansas (7 races ago). In those 7 races, he have held an impressive series-best 7.9 average finish, 14.7 average start, 9.7 average running position and 105.6 driver rating. He been very strong all season long on this type track. He have compiled 3.2 average finish, 14.0 average start, 7.4 average running position, 5 laps led and 111.3 driver rating. Those are some very good stats to back up the most recent race winner. While he doesn't have the best Kentucky record, but I wouldn't worry about that. He will be fast and he will be a contender on Saturday night.
***All stats are from DriverAverages.com and FantasyRacingCheatSheet
Email - JeffNathan74@yahoo.com
Twitter - @JeffNathans
Sunday, July 05, 2015
Fantasy Nascar RaceDay Thoughts (Daytona)
Welcome to TimersSports
Happy Raceday. Setting your fantasy team can be difficult , especially with everything being factored in. Below our group of experts give their thoughts on today race (Including their final
picks).
Kate Roswell (@CrazyKateNascar):
- You can start any driver in the field and still have a shot at a decent finish. Something everyone should think about. Your picks don't need to be up front all day long , only for the last lap.
- Will the big one get you or not? That the question on everyone minds. We will find out.
- Dale Jr is closest to the sure thing as it will get this weekend.
- The Hendrick powered cars seems awfully fast this weekend. I would be shocked if they don't lead a lot.
Garry Briggs (@Garryy12):
- All I have heard this week is how Dale Jr will win at Daytona. For some reason, I think he may disappoint. If we look at the latest trends, Dale Jr haven't finished higher than 8th in the July race at Daytona since 2010. Trends don't automatically means future outcomes, but it something to consider.
- Will JGR finally return to Victory lane at Daytona? I don't know, but I hope they do very soon.
-Jamie McMurray is probably the most overrated driver at Daytona. He will either finish well or finish poorly. Sorry, but not jumping on that bandwagon. He been crazy consistent this season. However I am not lovin him. JMO. There some great tracks coming up that people will overlook him at. Grab him there folks.
- I think Bowyer is due for back-to-back top 5 finishes.
Matt Aleza (@MattAleza):
- Be aggressive with your fantasy lineups if you need to. This is a perfect place to throw together a hail mary type lineup. Who knows it might turn out well, right?
- Jimmie Johnson is quite possibly the most underrated driver in the field. The dude doesn't get enough credit at Daytona!
- Dale Jr will probably be in everyone lineups. Question is who is willing to go against the majority? It might pay off or it might be a very terrible decision.
- Have fun while watching the race. Set your lineup and just forget out it people. You will drive yourself crazy if you don't.
Yahoo Lineups:
Kate's Lineup - 88,15,3,10
Garry's Lineup - 11,13,9,7
Matt's Lineup - 88,15,1,10
Sleepers:
Kate's Pick - Austin Dillon
Garry's Pick - Austin Dillon
Matt's Pick - Austin Dillon
Winner:
Kate's Pick - Dale Jr
Garry's Pick - Jimmie Johnson
Matt's Pick - Dale Jr
Happy Raceday. Setting your fantasy team can be difficult , especially with everything being factored in. Below our group of experts give their thoughts on today race (Including their final
picks).
Kate Roswell (@CrazyKateNascar):
- You can start any driver in the field and still have a shot at a decent finish. Something everyone should think about. Your picks don't need to be up front all day long , only for the last lap.
- Will the big one get you or not? That the question on everyone minds. We will find out.
- Dale Jr is closest to the sure thing as it will get this weekend.
- The Hendrick powered cars seems awfully fast this weekend. I would be shocked if they don't lead a lot.
Garry Briggs (@Garryy12):
- All I have heard this week is how Dale Jr will win at Daytona. For some reason, I think he may disappoint. If we look at the latest trends, Dale Jr haven't finished higher than 8th in the July race at Daytona since 2010. Trends don't automatically means future outcomes, but it something to consider.
- Will JGR finally return to Victory lane at Daytona? I don't know, but I hope they do very soon.
-Jamie McMurray is probably the most overrated driver at Daytona. He will either finish well or finish poorly. Sorry, but not jumping on that bandwagon. He been crazy consistent this season. However I am not lovin him. JMO. There some great tracks coming up that people will overlook him at. Grab him there folks.
- I think Bowyer is due for back-to-back top 5 finishes.
Matt Aleza (@MattAleza):
- Be aggressive with your fantasy lineups if you need to. This is a perfect place to throw together a hail mary type lineup. Who knows it might turn out well, right?
- Jimmie Johnson is quite possibly the most underrated driver in the field. The dude doesn't get enough credit at Daytona!
- Dale Jr will probably be in everyone lineups. Question is who is willing to go against the majority? It might pay off or it might be a very terrible decision.
- Have fun while watching the race. Set your lineup and just forget out it people. You will drive yourself crazy if you don't.
Yahoo Lineups:
Kate's Lineup - 88,15,3,10
Garry's Lineup - 11,13,9,7
Matt's Lineup - 88,15,1,10
Sleepers:
Kate's Pick - Austin Dillon
Garry's Pick - Austin Dillon
Matt's Pick - Austin Dillon
Winner:
Kate's Pick - Dale Jr
Garry's Pick - Jimmie Johnson
Matt's Pick - Dale Jr
Saturday, July 04, 2015
Fantasy Nascar Final Rankings (Daytona)
Welcome to TimersSports
Final Rankings -
1. Dale Jr
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Clint Bowyer
4. Kevin Harvick
5. Kurt Busch
6. Jeff Gordon
7. Matt Kenseth
8. Brad Keselowski
9. Denny Hamlin
10. Kasey Kahne
11. Austin Dillon
12. Martin Truex Jr
13. Kyle Busch
14. Jamie McMurray
15. Carl Edwards
16. Greg Biffle
17. Tony Stewart
18. Paul Menard
19. Kyle Larson
20. Ryan Newman
21. Aric Almirola
22. David Ragan
23. Danica Patrick
24. Casey Mears
25. Justin Allaiger
26. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
27. AJ Dinger
28. Brian Scott
29. Sam Hornish Jr
30. Trevor Bayne
Twitter - @CrazyKateNascar
Final Rankings -
1. Dale Jr
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Clint Bowyer
4. Kevin Harvick
5. Kurt Busch
6. Jeff Gordon
7. Matt Kenseth
8. Brad Keselowski
9. Denny Hamlin
10. Kasey Kahne
11. Austin Dillon
12. Martin Truex Jr
13. Kyle Busch
14. Jamie McMurray
15. Carl Edwards
16. Greg Biffle
17. Tony Stewart
18. Paul Menard
19. Kyle Larson
20. Ryan Newman
21. Aric Almirola
22. David Ragan
23. Danica Patrick
24. Casey Mears
25. Justin Allaiger
26. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
27. AJ Dinger
28. Brian Scott
29. Sam Hornish Jr
30. Trevor Bayne
Twitter - @CrazyKateNascar
Wednesday, July 01, 2015
Fantasy Nascar Sleepers & Busts (Daytona)
Welcome to TimersSports
We are headed to Daytona this week. There nothing quite like trying to filling out a fantasy team and knowing there a good a chance they all can get wrecked. At Daytona and Talladega there is no such thing as safe. It don't matter how much time you spend on your lineups, because quite frankly all your fantasy picks are like ticking time bombs. Question is how long does your picks have? Let dig into today's sleepers and busts
**Remember Practice is scheduled after Qualifying. So we will get a look at who fast. Not sure how much that means here though.
Sleepers -
Casey Mears: Mears is the first guy that should pop onto your fantasy racing sleeper radar. Honestly I feel like he been little hyped down after his disappointment at Talladega. He did have a tough race at Talladega, but that been his only poor result at the plate races since start of last season. At Daytona in that same span, he ranked 2nd in average only behind Dale Earnhardt Jr. It is pretty tough to find a better fantasy sleeper than a guy with a record like Mears. If he plays his cards right then his we can expect another great performance for the driver 13 car.
Austin Dillon -Dillon is one of the most underrated plate racers in the field. He understand how to use the draft to his advantage. What I like most about Dillon is he have ran very well at Daytona throughout his career. He always near front of the pack racing for the win. Dillon is currently on a 3-race streak at Daytona where he have finished inside the top 15. Earlier this season he finished 14th in that race. If I remember right he did start the big one though on the final lap. However that doesn't take away how strong he was in that strong. He never was a threat to win, but he makes for some nice value if you looking for some.
Paul Menard - Tough to say how Menard will do at Daytona. Personally I think his better racetrack is Talladega as he seems to have more luck there for some reason. However it hard to overlook how strong here been at both tracks over the past few seasons. Several races I can remember where Menard had one of the strongest cars in the event. Including back in May at Talladega. He also had a pretty good car earlier this season at Daytona, but was involved in the last lap wreck. With little luck Menard could be a very fine fantasy option.
Busts:
Greg Biffle -Back in 2012, RFR was easily one of the strongest organizations in Nascar and their plate racing programs was miles ahead of the competition as a whole in my opinion. We could count on guys like Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth to run up front all race long and battle for the win. Sadly we are no longer in 2012 and RFR have slowly but surely digressed. It started with the Intermediate racetracks. However most recently their performance at Daytona and Talladega have gradually decreased. While Biffle still have a respectable track record at Daytona, he been much better at the 500 race. He still a solid plate racer, but that won't help if you cannot avoid wrecks. For some reason, he have had some tough luck in July lately.
Matt Kesneth - Kenseth was in his prime at Daytona with RFR, however since joining JGR he been pretty bad. In the past 5 races at Daytona (all with JGR) , Kenseth have 4 finishes of 20th or worse. 3 of those results have ended outside the top 30. He been little better at Talladega, but seems to find bad luck at these type of venues with Joe Gibbs Racing. I think he is still one of the best plate racers in the field, but it pretty hard to trust a guy like Kenseth who have finished 20th or worse in 7 of his past 10 races at Restrictor Plate Tracks. We cannot predict the future, but for now there probably better options out there. Least in my opinion there are.
Email - briggs_garry48@yahoo.com
Twitter - @Garryy12
We are headed to Daytona this week. There nothing quite like trying to filling out a fantasy team and knowing there a good a chance they all can get wrecked. At Daytona and Talladega there is no such thing as safe. It don't matter how much time you spend on your lineups, because quite frankly all your fantasy picks are like ticking time bombs. Question is how long does your picks have? Let dig into today's sleepers and busts
**Remember Practice is scheduled after Qualifying. So we will get a look at who fast. Not sure how much that means here though.
Sleepers -
Casey Mears: Mears is the first guy that should pop onto your fantasy racing sleeper radar. Honestly I feel like he been little hyped down after his disappointment at Talladega. He did have a tough race at Talladega, but that been his only poor result at the plate races since start of last season. At Daytona in that same span, he ranked 2nd in average only behind Dale Earnhardt Jr. It is pretty tough to find a better fantasy sleeper than a guy with a record like Mears. If he plays his cards right then his we can expect another great performance for the driver 13 car.
Austin Dillon -Dillon is one of the most underrated plate racers in the field. He understand how to use the draft to his advantage. What I like most about Dillon is he have ran very well at Daytona throughout his career. He always near front of the pack racing for the win. Dillon is currently on a 3-race streak at Daytona where he have finished inside the top 15. Earlier this season he finished 14th in that race. If I remember right he did start the big one though on the final lap. However that doesn't take away how strong he was in that strong. He never was a threat to win, but he makes for some nice value if you looking for some.
Paul Menard - Tough to say how Menard will do at Daytona. Personally I think his better racetrack is Talladega as he seems to have more luck there for some reason. However it hard to overlook how strong here been at both tracks over the past few seasons. Several races I can remember where Menard had one of the strongest cars in the event. Including back in May at Talladega. He also had a pretty good car earlier this season at Daytona, but was involved in the last lap wreck. With little luck Menard could be a very fine fantasy option.
Busts:
Greg Biffle -Back in 2012, RFR was easily one of the strongest organizations in Nascar and their plate racing programs was miles ahead of the competition as a whole in my opinion. We could count on guys like Greg Biffle and Matt Kenseth to run up front all race long and battle for the win. Sadly we are no longer in 2012 and RFR have slowly but surely digressed. It started with the Intermediate racetracks. However most recently their performance at Daytona and Talladega have gradually decreased. While Biffle still have a respectable track record at Daytona, he been much better at the 500 race. He still a solid plate racer, but that won't help if you cannot avoid wrecks. For some reason, he have had some tough luck in July lately.
Matt Kesneth - Kenseth was in his prime at Daytona with RFR, however since joining JGR he been pretty bad. In the past 5 races at Daytona (all with JGR) , Kenseth have 4 finishes of 20th or worse. 3 of those results have ended outside the top 30. He been little better at Talladega, but seems to find bad luck at these type of venues with Joe Gibbs Racing. I think he is still one of the best plate racers in the field, but it pretty hard to trust a guy like Kenseth who have finished 20th or worse in 7 of his past 10 races at Restrictor Plate Tracks. We cannot predict the future, but for now there probably better options out there. Least in my opinion there are.
Email - briggs_garry48@yahoo.com
Twitter - @Garryy12
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