Daytona 500 Fantasy NASCAR Mid Pack Projections
Clint Bowyer – Bowyer is a two-time winner at Talladega but he’s still looking for his first win at Daytona. Overall on plate tracks he’s a relatively safe pick. Who doesn’t want that? Since he’s been racing full-time in the Cup series (2006) only Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, and Matt Kenseth have averaged more points per race at Daytona than him (averages 30 points per race). I think not being in RCR equipment or having an RCR pusher will prove to be a setback. (Yahoo B Driver)
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Juan Pablo Montoya – In the last five races at Daytona only Juan Pablo Montoya and Carl Edwards have finished in the top ten four times. At restrictor plate tracks I think the number one thing fantasy racers are looking for is a driver who can wheel their car home in one piece. Montoya has proven that he can do this. If you’re in a league that rewards bonus points don’t overlook the fact that he’s led laps in the last four races at Daytona. If you use loop data to make your fantasy decisions then you’ll find comfort in his 7th best (87.4) driver rating (In the last four Daytona races). (Yahoo B Driver)
Kasey Kahne – In Kahne’s eight Daytona 500’s he’s only finished in the top ten twice and has five finishes of 22nd or worse. Typically Kahne usually performs better in the summer race when the track is slicker and the driver is more of a factor in the outcome. Last year at Daytona Kahne finished 25th in the 500 and 4th in July. (Yahoo B Driver)
Denny Hamlin – Hamlin has never finished better than 17th in the Daytona 500. In his twelve Daytona races he’s only finished in the top ten once! All of these stats combined to me equals trouble. Hamlin is one of the big name drivers who I would steer clear of picking for the Daytona 500. (Yahoo A Driver)
Paul Menard – In 2011 no driver accumulated more points on the plate tracks then Paul Menard. At Daytona last season he wheeled the #27 Menards car to finishes of 9th and 8th. It’s also important to note that when it comes to plate tracks no one does them better than RCR. I’m not confident he can repeat his performances this year. (Yahoo B Driver)
Mark Martin – The last time Mark Martin was a part-time driver he nearly won the Daytona 500. Will that happen again? Does lightning strike twice? In his last two Daytona 500’s he’s finished 10th and 12th. I think it’s a big plus for him that the draft is back at Daytona. Regardless though I think he’s a mid packer. (Yahoo B Driver)
AJ Allmendinger – Last year AJ finished 10th and 11th at Daytona. In 2009 he had his best Daytona 500 finish (3rd). Penske makes good cars and AJ has a pit crew so this will be his best chance yet. One area of concern is that he’s finished lower than 32nd three times. (Yahoo B Driver)
Joey Logano – I liked what I seen out of Logano in the Bud Shootout. I liked his aggressiveness but on Sunday I think that’s exactly what will lead to problems. In the summer race last year Logano finished a career high third at Daytona. Logano usually fares quite well at Talladega. In four of his six starts there he finished in the top ten. (Yahoo B Driver)
Regan Smith – Smith was a consistent sleeper on the plate tracks last year. His finishes didn’t always reflect how well he ran but he looked impressive none the less. I think the two car bump drafting dynamic going away is a negative for him. However in 2008 at Talladega (back in the old drafting days) he did cross the finish line first, he just didn’t win (video). (Yahoo B Driver)
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