Daytona 500 – The Fantasy NASCAR Low Tier
Daniel Hemric – Daniel Hemric is the new wheelman for the RCR #8 (formerly #31). RCR builds great plate cars and last year at Daytona between the two entries they were a perfect 4 for 4 in terms of finishing in the top ten. If you add Ty Dillon to the mix then they were 5 for 6. Last year in the lower series in RCR equipment at plate tracks he won 2 poles and started in the top 4 every race. His results were 26th (Daytona), 23rd (Talladega) and 8th (Daytona). In 2017 in the lower series he had results of 31st and 32nd.
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Ryan Preece – In 2019, Ryan Preece will be piloting the #47 JTG Daugherty Racing entry. With AJ Allmendinger who previously piloted this Chevy they currently have four straight top tens at Daytona. Last year, Ryan Preece was a part time driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. Last summer in his JGR ride at Daytona he started on the pole but led 0 laps and finished 39th after having overheating problems. In 2016 when he had his next most recent races at Daytona he had results of 40th (crashed) and 34th (engine).
Ross Chastain – Ross Chastain has three starts under his belt at plate tracks and he’s a perfect 3 for 3 in terms of finishing in the 20’s. Last year over his three combined starts on this track type he finished between 21st and 25th every race and had a 23.3 average finish. Last summer at Daytona in his lone track start he finished 21st, but I’ll note he crashed and finished 6 laps down. Last year at Talladega he had results of 24th and 25th.
Landon Cassill – Landon Cassill isn’t that bad of an option among really low-tier drivers. Over the last six Daytona races he has three results in the teens, and three results of 23rd or worse. Last summer he finished 24th, but take note he finished 6 laps down which points to him being a beneficiary of attrition. In last year’s Daytona 500 he missed the race because he didn’t have a ride. In 2017 at Daytona he swept the teen’s with results of 16th and 19th. Last fall at Talladega in his one other plate start in 2018 he finished 22nd.
Tyler Reddick – Tyler Reddick will be driving the RCR #31 (Third RCR entry) in the Daytona 500. This is only a one race deal for the 22 year old who’ll be making his series debut. Some good news is that he’s proven he can get the job done. Last year in the Xfinity Series in the season opening Daytona event he led 11 laps and raced his way to victory lane. Last summer in the lower series he crashed and finished 31st. In 2017 when he was a part time driver he had results of 20th and 27th at Daytona. In quality equipment I think Reddick should definitely be on your radar because I think he’s very capable of being one of the “unexpected names” who sneaks in a good result.
Matt Tifft – 22 year old Matt Tifft is new to NASCAR’s top series in 2019. This upcoming season he’ll be driving a new third entry for Front Row Motorsports (#36). His teammates are Ragan and McDowell so he will be in equipment that’s capable of sneaking in a good finish. Last year in the Xfinity series at plate tracks he didn’t do anything that would inspire confidence and he finished between 19th to 25th every race. His two results at Daytona were 19th and 20th. In 2017 at Daytona in the Xfinity Series his results were 11th and 18th.
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