Talladega Aaron’s 499 Fantasy NASCAR Confidence Ranking Predictions
Get the ifantasyrace advantage and read our full fantasy analysis
2. Matt Kenseth – Matt Kenseth is deservedly a very popular pick this week. Last year on this track type he dominated the competition. At Talladega he was very good last season. He finished 3rd in the spring race and won the fall race. This season he’s no longer with Roush Fenway but he still appears to be strong. In the Daytona 500 he led nearly half the race (86 laps) but was sidelined with an engine failure. In terms of Restrictor Plate Track Type Strength Rankings he’s a unanimous #1. The reason why I don’t have Matt Kenseth #1 this week is his track history. Prior to last season his most recent top ten finish here was in 2006.
Looking for a Dark Horse Driver? Here’s six sleeper options
3. Brad Keselowski – Brad Keselowski has been very successful at Talladega. He’s the defending champion of the spring race and he also won here in 2009. In terms of him being a safe pick I believe he comes a close second to Clint Bowyer. As long as he doesn’t have problems here he’s a lock for a top ten. He’s raced here 8 times and has finished in the top ten 75% percent of the time. Currently he has three consecutive top 7 finishes. If your fantasy league rewards points for leading laps he’s a very good prospect. Only once in his career here has he failed to not lead any laps. In the season opening Daytona 500 he finished 4th.
4. Kevin Harvick – Momentum is a magical force in fantasy racing and Kevin Harvick has some by virtue of his win last week. In terms of track type strength he’s very good on this type of venue. I think the era of tandem drafting was a setback for him but now that it’s gone his fantasy value is higher in my eyes. In the Daytona 500 earlier this season Kevin Harvick was the favorite to win because he won the Shootout and his Duel race. In the Daytona 500 he didn’t get a chance to show his muscle because he was involved in a wreck early. From a career perspective Harvick has been a relativley safe option. He’s finished in the top twelve 54% percent of the time. Last fall at Talladega Harvick had a top five car but got swept up in the late “Big One”.
Portions of this content are hidden. To view this ifantasyrace advantage content log in or join the site