Brad Keselowski 2011 Fantasy NASCAR Preview

2010 Stats: Points Finish 25th, 0 Wins, 0 Top Fives, 2 Top Tens, Average Finish 22.4, Average Running Position 22.1, Laps Led 41, Driver Rating 65.1

In 2009 things seemed to go smoothly for Brad Keseloski in Hendrick equipment. When he became a full-time cup driver in Penske equipment in 2010 his success was extremely limited in NASCAR’s top series. He only had two top tens and both of them were tenths.

Strengths – Brad’s a threat at Restrictor plate tracks and he only finished outside the top fifteen once at short tracks in 2010.

Weaknesses – Besides Plate Tracks and Short Tracks his performances across the board need improvement. In the summer months between Darlington and Richmond Brad didn’t finish in the top fifteen once.

Intermediate Track Grade- C, Brad’s best performance on an intermediate track in 2010 was 12th (Darlington). What’s really troublesome about him fantasy wise heading into 2011 is that I didn’t see any improvement from this team throughout the year on these tracks. All of their quality performances on this type of track were front loaded (Atlanta, Texas and Darlington).  In his second year at Penske I expect to see the most improvement on this track type.

Flat Track Grade- C, Brad never cracked the top fifteen on any flat track in 2010. In fact his best performance of the year on this style of track was his first one (Phoenix 16th). Brad’s flat track highlight in 2010 was when he won the pole in the Chase opening New Hampshire race. His average finish on the short flat tracks was 25.5 and his average on the big flat tracks is 20th.

Restrictor Plate Track Grade- B+, His success at Daytona is limited but in the last two years at Talladega he has one win and three top tens in four races. Daytona and Talladega are very different tracks but in 2011 with the track resurfacing at Daytona look for that race to resemble a Talladega race because the grip level should be greatly increased.

Short Track Grade- B, Many of Brad’s best runs in 2010 came on short tracks. He finished in the top fifteen in every race except the Bristol night race. His average finish for the year on this track type is 13.8.

Road Course Track Grade- C, At Infineon he finished 35th and at Watkins Glen he finished 20th.

How to use Brad Keselowski from a Fantasy NASCAR Perspective in 2011? Use Brad Keselowski at restrictor plate tracks and short tracks. Also look for him to improve on intermediate tracks in 2011.

Brad Keselowski Stats/Loop Data

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