Talladega Camping World RV Sales 500 Post Practice Confidence Ranking Predictions

1. Clint Bowyer – Clint Bowyer is likely the best safe fantasy pick you can make for the Talladega Camping World RV Sales 500. He’s won two out of the last three fall Talladega races and last year he could’ve gotten his third win if Matt Kenseth didn’t come down the track on him which got him out of line. At the time of the final Green-White-Checker in 2012 Clint Bowyer was the leader. That’s a forgotten fact because what most people remember was Tony Stewart’s block and the “Big One” that ensued after that. In the race earlier this year Clint Bowyer had a good car despite his 18th place finish. Towards the end of the event he was one of six drivers who were in a breakaway draft getting away from the pack. Shortly after that there was a caution and he was wrecked in the “Big One”. At Talladega prior to the race last fall he had five consecutive top ten finishes. At Daytona this year he had results of 4th and 11th. On Sunday he’ll be driving his 4th place finish chassis from Daytona in July. On this track type this season his 11.0 average finish ranks as the 4th best in the series. One advantage for him this weekend is that he has two teammates who are outside the Chase. In theory they should be dedicated to helping him. Pushing is still important in the Generation 6 era, if you don’t believe me re-watch the finish from May. Bowyer only participated in practice #1 and sat out Happy Hour. In the first session he completed 12 laps and then parked his car. On Sunday he’ll start in 20th.

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2. Matt Kenseth – Matt Kenseth isn’t flying below anyone’s fantasy NASCAR radar this week. I bet he’s nearly everyone’s default pick for the Talladega Camping World RV Sales 500. I can’t blame people for viewing him so highly. He’s arguably been the best restrictor plate driver in the series going back to last years Daytona 500. In the seven restrictor plate races over this stretch he has 2 wins, led 474 laps, the most top fives, the most top tens, an underrated 12.3 average finish and the best average running position in the series (6.9). Earlier this season at Talladega Kenseth had a great car. He earned the best driver rating, had a 2nd place average running position, led 142 laps and finished 8th (was leading with two laps left). Last season at Talladega he had finishes of 1st and 3rd, had the best driver rating and led 106 laps. In the Daytona 500 he had a pretty good car. By my estimation he had the best car in the field but his engine couldn’t go the distance. Kenseth’s primary strength on this track type is his natural drafting ability. He has a knack for this type of racing and it will likely take him far once again. In practice #1 Kenseth looked pretty good in the draft. He showed glimpses of how he looked earlier this season while he was leading the pack. Also in that session his team worked on fuel mileage. In Happy Hour all three JGR cars hooked up and worked together. On Sunday he’ll start in 12th.

Further Fantasy Research: Six Risky Fantasy Picks, Best Track Remaining – Chase Drivers, Best Track Remaining – Non Chase Drivers, Talladega Starting Lineup, Talladega Practice Notes, Talladega Practice Speeds, PROS Rankings, Talladega Recap Review, Printable 2014 NASCAR Schedule

3. Brad Keselowski – Now that the Champ has a win under his belt don’t be surprised if he gets his second victory at Talladega. The power of momentum can never be underestimated in fantasy NASCAR. Talladega is a wild card venue but it’s been a very good track for him. He’s a two-time winner and has an impressive 12.6 average finish. He’s also a fairly safe pick. He’s raced here nine times and has only finished outside the top ten fifteen twice. Minus his two non top fifteen results he has a 6.57 average finish. I know I would be happy with a finish like that. Earlier this season at Talladega he finished 15th. In the race he earned the 11th best driver rating and had a 16th place average running position. If he could’ve restarted where David Ragan did he felt he would’ve won the race. On Sunday he’ll be driving that very chassis once again. In the three prior Talladega races he had finishes of 7th, 1st, and 4th. One notable strength of his at this big 2.6 mile track is leading laps. Although he’s only 32 laps total he’s led in 8 of his 9 starts. This season at Daytona Brad Keselowski has finishes of 4th and 21st. In practice #1 Keselowski looked pretty aggressive in the draft. The big plus about picking him is that it’s either checkers or wreckers for him in the race. Unlike others he isn’t points racing. On Sunday he’ll start in 13th.