Post Practice Fantasy Confidence Predictions – Daytona Coke Zero 400
1. Matt Kenseth – Starts 2nd – Yahoo! A Driver
Matt Kenseth is the driver to beat on restrictor plate tracks. Last year he dominated the competition at these venues and won twice, had a 2.0 average finish and led a staggering 245 laps. Although he’s no longer with Roush Fenway Racing he’s still an elite performer on this track type. In the Daytona 500 Kenseth had the best car but his engine didn’t go the distance. In the 500 he led more than half the race (87 laps) before he made his early exit. In the Sprint Unlimited under the lights he had a good car. Perhaps it was to good because when he ran the bottom line nobody could keep up with him to help him draft. At Talladega this season he led 142 laps, had a 2nd place average running position and finished 8th. The odds makers like Kenseth’s chances on Saturday night. Right now he’s an 8-1 favorite to win the Daytona Coke Zero 400. Kenseth is an elite drafting talent and when he’s leading the competition will have a hard time getting around him. My prediction is Kenseth will win at Daytona.
2. Kevin Harvick – Starts 26th – Yahoo! A Driver
Kevin Harvick has two of the main attributes I want in a fantasy pick at Daytona. He’s a skilled drafter and he has momentum. The reason why I like momentum is because it means the driver has done a good job avoiding problems. I feel like it provides a little extra good luck mojo in these wild card events. At Daytona Kevin Harvick was extremely impressive in February. In the Sprint Unlimited under the lights he led 53.3% percent of the race and took home the trophy. In his respective Duel Race he finished first and led 23 laps. In the Daytona 500 this season he never had a chance to show off how good his car was because he was taken out in the early “Big One”. Daytona has been a good track for Harvick. He’s a two-time winner and since 2009 he has five finishes of 7th or better. In practice on Thursday the #29 car was parked in the garage early because Harvick was happy with how it performed. Harvick is listed at 12-1 odds to win. Look for him to run in the back early on Saturday night.
Recommended Reading : Daytona Qualifying Results, Daytona Practice Notes, Daytona Practice Speeds
3. Kyle Busch – Starts 1st – Yahoo! B Driver
Kyle Busch had a strong car at Daytona earlier this season. He won his respective Duel Race and had a strong showing in the Daytona 500. In the Great American Race Kyle Busch caused the early “Big One” but managed to avoid the carnage. With 49 laps left in the race while he was running in 2nd his motor blew up. If Toyota didn’t have engine problems I think he would’ve been a lock for a top 5. In last years Summer race he was running in the top five late but got collected up in the late “Big One” when Denny Hamlin came across his nose. Daytona has been somewhat of a good track for Busch. He’s a former winner but he’s also had his fair share of problems. He would have a second win here but Tony Stewart moved him out of the way leading coming to the checkered flag a few season’s ago.
July 6, 2013 @ 5:31 pm
You’re on a role for me, and although I know Daytona is unpredictable, I have to ask who you like for the fact you’ve gotten me back in the mix in my league in the past two weeks. I’m considering Stewart, Menard, Gordon, and Burton. Right now I’m leaning toward Stewart and Menard bc I’ve only used them once and can only use drivers 3 times. I like Burton too for the fact he usually does well here and he seems to be running good as of late. I kinda have a feel Allmendinger is going to finish well too for some reason… Out of those drivers- Smoke, Menard, Gordon, Burton, and A.J, who would you roll with? Also, if you have a driver or two you think are locks (outside of 18, 29, 48, 20, 22 and 88)…send them to me if you don’t care. Thanks!
July 6, 2013 @ 5:50 pm
That’s good Darren.
I would think about not using Gordon unless you have a hunch. He’s Mr. Bad luck so I think he’s extremely susceptible to the “Big One”. I left him off my top 15 rankings for that reason.
One driver who I think is fairly safe (famous last words) is Biffle. He was right there with Kenseth last year in terms of plate track strength. Another driver who might be worth a look is Montoya. He’s had success here and it might be worth rolling the dice with him (see content).
Among the drivers you listed though I definitely wouldn’t have problems going with the 14,31 and 27.
Good luck and if you have a hunch roll with it.