Aric Almirola 2013 Fantasy NASCAR Preview
2012 Stats: Points Finish 20th, 0 Wins, 1 Top Five, 4 Top Tens, Average Running Position 19.1, Average Finish 20.0, Laps Led 78, Driver Rating 73.6
Strengths- In 2013 Almirola will have his best days at short tracks and intermediate tracks. Last season at restrictor plate tracks he avoided problems in three of the four races.
Weaknesses- I wouldn’t recommend picking Almirola at flat tracks or road courses. Another weakness is the organization. RPM’s level of competitiveness isn’t consistent year in and year out. With the Generation Six car you almost have to cross your fingers and hope they get it right.
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Intermediate Track Grade- B, This team started to come on strong in the Chase on this track type. At Chicagoland and Kansas he had cars that could compete for the win but circumstances took him out of those races. In the other intermediate track races in the Chase he finished 19th (Dover), 12th (Charlotte), 15th (Texas) and 7th (Homestead). I hope this team continues their momentum on this track type in 2013 but it’s not something that can be guaranteed. The Generation Six car could be a game changer and Richard Petty Motorsports is always a step behind the competition in terms of R&D. With the new car they’ll likely be starting at ground zero and their late momentum might not mean anything. Regardless though Aric Almirola has shown the talent to succeed at intermediate track venues.
Flat Track Grade- B-, Aric Almirola didn’t have his best days on this track type last season. In flat track races in 2012 he had a 20.6 average finish. His lone bright spot was a 12th at Phoenix in March. All of his other finishes were outside the top fifteen. Compared to the competition last season he didn’t rank very well. He scored the 22nd most points, failed to lead a lap and scored just four more points than Bobby Labonte. In 2013 I think we’ll see improvement from him at these tracks. He has the tools and the talent to be good on this track type.
Short Track Grade- B, In 2013 Aric Almirola could become a legitimate fantasy option on this track type, especially at Martinsville. Last season at the “paper clip” he had finishes of 8th and 4th. For young drivers that’s probably the toughest track to learn. His strength in those races was his patience and taking care of equipment. Last year at Richmond he finished 26th in both races. Those finishes are far from good but I think he’ll be much better there next season. Phoenix is a similar track and last year he had a low double digit car in both races. That success should carry over. Last year in the Night Race at Bristol on the new configuration he was involved in an accident and finished 35th. Before he had problems he appeared to have a good car. He ran in the top three for about the first 80 laps.
Restrictor Plate Track Grade- B-, Aric Almirola hasn’t had a lot of success at plate tracks but in 2012 he did record his best career finish at both venues. At Daytona his best finish is 19th and at Talladega is 13th. Compared to the competition this season he tied his teammate Marcos Ambrose for scoring the 22nd most points on this track type. At these wild card venues last season he did a good job avoiding trouble. He only wrecked in the season opening Daytona 500.
Road Course Track Grade- C, Aric Almirola needs to get a tutorial from his teammate on how to navigate these serpentine tracks. He really needs to improve at these venues. He’s raced at Infineon twice and has finished 28th both times. No reasonable fantasy racer can use him there with that track record. He’ll also scare people away with his 35.0 average starting position. Almirola hasn’t fared much better at Watkins Glen. Last season he finished 18th but you can pair that performance with his other start at this track (35th).
How to use Aric Almirola from a Fantasy NASCAR Perspective in 2013? In 2013 I would focus on using Aric Almirola at short tracks, intermediate tracks and Phoenix.
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