Kyle Larson 2016 Fantasy NASCAR Preview
Kyle Larson 2015 Stats: Points Finish 19th, 0 Wins, 0 Poles, 2 top Fives, 10 Top Tens, Average Finish 19.3, Average Running Position 14.4, Laps Led 115, Driver Rating 86.3
Strengths – Look for Kyle Larson to be strong at intermediate tracks, flat tracks, road courses and Bristol.
Weaknesses – I would recommend avoiding Kyle Larson at plate tracks and Martinsville.
Track Type Fantasy Value Key = Elite > High > Moderate > Low
Intermediate Track Fantasy Value – High
Kyle Larson gets my vote for the most disappointing driver at intermediate tracks in 2015. Last season at intermediate tracks he had an 18.3 average finish and scored the 17th most points. In 2016 I expect vast improvement from this team. Kyle Larson has the talent to get the job done, he just needs to make it happen. At intermediate tracks Kyle Larson typically does his best at venues where the high-line comes into play. At Homestead it looked like Kyle Larson would finally close the deal and win his first race but a late “water bottle caution” potentially kept him from victory lane.
In 2016 I think the new rules package will prove beneficial for Larson.
2016 Printable PDF NASCAR Schedule
Flat Track Fantasy Value – High
Kyle Larson was a respectable performer at flat tracks last year. At these venues minus New Hampshire #1 where he got a devastating pit penalty he had a 12.8 average finish.
Big flat tracks have been great venues for him. Last year at big flat tracks he finished between 8th and 12th in all three events. At Indy he’s two for two in terms of finishing in the top ten. Last year he finished 9th. At Pocono he’s also had a high-level of success and has a 9.0 average finish. Last year he finished 8th and 12th there.
2015 wasn’t a great year for him at shorter flat tracks which was disappointing. In 2014 he closed out the season very strong on this sub-track type. Last year at New Hampshire he finished 17th and 31st. That was a far cry from his 2014 2nd and 3rd place results. At Phoenix last fall he finished 21st. In the two races prior to that he finished 10th and 13th.
Short Track Fantasy Value – High
At short tracks Larson’s fantasy value will be the highest at Bristol. It’s one of those tracks where he has a knack for performing well. Last August at that venue he had top five potential early but wrecked and finished 41st. In his other three starts there he’s finished 7th, 10th and 12th.
Richmond has been a solid venue for him. In his last three starts at RIR he’s finished 11th, 12th and 12th.
If you pick him at Martinsville you’re just asking for trouble. It just hasn’t been a good venue for him. At Martinsville minus his first start where he had an engine failure he has a 25.3 average finish.
Kyle Larson Fantasy NASCAR Portal
Restrictor Plate Track Fantasy Value – Low
Plate tracks haven’t been friendly to Kyle Larson. Last year he was pitiful on this track type and had a 34.8 average finish. His best result was 24th and his other three finishes were 34th or worse.
Daytona is statistically his worst track. At that venue he has a 36.8 average finish and has had a result between 34th and 39th in all four races.
At Talladega he has a 23.0 average finish. Last year he finished 24th and 42nd.
Road Course Track Fantasy Value – High
Kyle Larson is a quality sleeper option at road courses. He gets around both venues pretty well. At Watkins Glen he has finishes of 4th and 12th. At Sonoma he’s also shown potential. Last year he finished 15th. In 2014 he was top ten good but he had power steering issues which led to a misleading 28th place finish.
