Danica Patrick 2014 Fantasy NASCAR Preview
2013 Stats: Points Finish 27th, 0 Wins, 0 Top Fives, 1 Top Ten, Average Running Position 27.2, Average Finish 26.1 , Laps Led 5, Driver Rating 53.6
Strengths- Danica Patrick’s best chance for success in 2014 is undoubtedly on restrictor plate tracks. In 2013 she also found some success at Martinsville and Michigan.
Weaknesses- It’s hard to point out one weakness because she basically struggled across the board. Also it’s a little troublesome she hasn’t shown improvement at venues where she’s now raced at multiple times.
Intermediate Track Grade- C-, Other than the spring race at Michigan where she finished 13th she never had any results better than 20th on this track type. These tracks make up the core of the schedule. In 2014 her typical day will likely be a result in the mid twenties just like last season.
Flat Track Grade- C-, In 2012 Danica Patrick had a good run at Phoenix but last season her results were very bad. On shorter flat tracks she had a 34th place average finish. When you subtract the start and parkers and underfunded teams she essentially finished dead last. She didn’t fair much better on big flat tracks. In the three races at those venues in 2013 she finished between 29th and 35th every race.
Short Track Grade- C, Patrick has had a few good performances on this track type in her career but success has been few and far between. In 2012 he had a good performance going at Bristol until she wrecked. In 2013 she had good performances at Martinsville and had results of 13th and 17th. At Richmond and Bristol she was consistent. At those venues she finished between 26th and 30th every race.
Restrictor Plate Track Grade- B, Patrick’s best chance of finding success is on this track type. Last season at Daytona she had a great year. She won the pole for the Daytona 500 and finished 8th. That marked the sole top ten of her career. In the July Daytona race she finished 14th. If you’re looking to pick her as a sleeper pick there make sure she has a good starting position before you pull the trigger. At Talladega last season she finished 23rd twice.
Road Course Track Grade- C-, Danica Patrick isn’t a road course ringer. She has an open wheel background but that doesn’t mean she’s good on this track type. Between the two road courses last season she had results of 31st and 35th.
How to use Danica Patrick from a fantasy NASCAR perspective in 2014? In 2014 I would look to use Danica Patrick at Daytona. She’s also had success at Martinsville of all places. Beyond those two tracks she has no other venues where she’s had established success.
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