Kyle Busch 2010 Fantasy NASCAR Preview

2009 Stats: Points Finish 13th, 1 Pole, 4 Wins, 9 Top Fives, 13 Top Tens, Average Finish 15.5, Average Position 12.5, Laps Led 1,156, Driver Rating 97.7

Kyle started the 2009 season right where he left off in 2008 before the Chase started. He was running good everywhere, he got early wins, and he led a lot of laps. So you’re probably wondering what went wrong, why didn’t he make the 2009 Chase? In late July on the “On Pit Row” radio show I told the world that Kyle Busch wouldn’t make the Chase. Kyle missed the Chase because his team was inconsistent and they weren’t on par with their competition on the intermediate tracks. Also some of the remaining tracks (early August races until when the Chase started) weren’t very good for him.

Today I’m going to announce that Kyle Busch will be in the 2010 Chase. The 18 team improved vastly at the closing intermediate tracks of the 2009 season which were Busch”s greatest weakness.

Strengths: Kyle is a good all around driver who is capable of winning at almost every track.

Weaknesses: Consistency was a big issue for this team in 2009. His intermediate track performances were an issue in 2009, but I believe early indicators point towards he’ll be fine at these tracks in 2010.

Intermediate Track Strength- B+, Busch ran a lot better at these tracks as the 2009 season unwinded. He absolutely dominated the race at Texas and led 232 laps. I strongly believe because of the  gains that were made at these tracks Kyle Busch will once again be a championship contender in 2010.

Flat Track Grade- B+, Flat tracks were a major weakness for Kyle Busch recently but it appears that trend has reversed itself. His finishes weren’t that good at some races but numbers can lie. One example is the spring Phoenix race. Kyle finished 17th that race, but you also have to remember he was going to be Mark Martin’s biggest challenger that race until he was caught speeding down pit road. Kyle also ran good at New Hampshire in 2009 which was a 2008 weak spot. The biggest flat track hurdle for Kyle Busch will unquestionably be Pocono.

Restrictor Plate Track Grade- A+, Kyle has been a consistent contender in every single Daytona race since the 2007 Daytona 500. Talladega has traditionally been a tough track for him but I know he can get the job done there.

Short Track Grade- A, Kyle Busch won half the short track races in 2009. He’s always a contender at Bristol and Richmond. Martinsville hasn’t been his best track since his move to Joe Gibbs Racing but he did finish 4th in the fall race.

Road Course Track Grade- A, In 2008 Busch swept the road courses. I never knew he had it in him (neither did you). Last season wasn’t nearly as friendly to him. He finished 4th at Watkins Glen and he ran good at Infineon until he spun.

How to use Kyle Busch from a fantasy racing perspective in 2009?

Kyle is a good all around racer who you can use almost anywhere. I wouldn’t bet on him at the intermediate track but he can get the job done at many tracks because of his versatility.

Click HERE for more Kyle Busch stats

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