Watkins Glen Fantasy NASCAR Front Runner Rankings

Daniel Suarez – Daniel Suarez will be a driver to watch at Watkins Glen. It’s been a great track for him and he’s 2 for 2 in terms of finishing in the top 4. In recent years, Joe Gibbs Cars have been phenomenal here and since he’s not with them anymore, I wouldn’t be as bullish. That said, I think there’s a good chance he’ll be a top ten contender. Last year at Watkins Glen, Suarez had a strong showing. He finished 4th, earned the 5th best driver rating and had a 10th place average running position. Closing out the race over the final Stage he was at his best. In 2017 when he made his debut he finished 3rd, earned the 3rd best driver rating, had a 6th place average running position and led 14 laps. From the race it should also be noted that he won Stage #2. Earlier this year at Sonoma, Suarez didn’t have a good race. In that event he finished 17th and had a 17th place average running position.

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Matt DiBenedetto – If you’re looking for a sleeper at Watkins Glen, consider Matt DiBenedetto. His track record is dismal, but I really like how well he ran at Sonoma. Earlier this year at that west coast track he had a great performance. When the checkered flag waved he finished 4th, earned the 4th best driver rating and had a 10th place average running position. After that strong performance out of nowhere, I don’t think I would read into his Watkins Glen track record too much. DiBenedetto is driving quasi Joe Gibbs equipment and they’ve been tough to beat here. Last year, JGR cars finished 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th. In 2017 they finished 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th and 10th. At Watkins Glen, DiBenedetto has a 30.3 average finish. Last year he finished 15 laps down in 33rd. In his two previous races here when he finished on the lead lap he had results of 28th (2017) and 26th (2015).

Alex Bowman – Alex Bowman might be able to sneak in a good result at Watkins Glen and on Sunday I’ll view him as a low-double digits to mid-teens driver, who might be able to finish marginally better. At Watkins Glen, Bowman has three races under his belt, but I would only consider his performance last year as relevant. In 2018 when the checkered flag waved he finished 14th, earned the 14th best driver rating and had a 16th place average running position. In his two races prior to that in far lesser equipment he had results of 29th (2015) and 36th (2014). Earlier this year at Sonoma, Bowman finished 14th.

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