Value Drivers to Watch for as Chase Looms
Dale Earnhardt Jr’s concussion issues are a serious matter. However, from the fantasy racing perspective, it has created an interesting dynamic when trying to find bargains to fill out your rosters from week-to-week. The recent success of drivers like Tony Stewart, Jamie McMurray, and even Chris Buescher, just re-inforce this theory even more.
Jeff Gordon has come out of retirement and filled in for Junior four races so far (he is also expected to drive the No. 88 at Darlington, and possibly more if needed), while Alex Bowman drove the car at New Hampshire in July. While Gordon has been far from spectacular, he has fared quite well for a guy who was getting used to life in the broadcast booth, only to be summoned back to driving duties after Earnhardt’s concussion news. Results of 13th, 27th, 14th, and 11th are not too bad at all, and he has been a Godsend for some owners in allocation leagues who are running out of starts with Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney.
As for Bowman, he was running well in his 2016 Cup debut, even cracking the Top 10, before a cut tire halted his progress, resulting in a 26th-place finish. While he is not an elite driver by any means, equipment and team (along with price) make him a bargain in salary cap leagues, and there’s no need to explain his value in allocation leagues.
But there are other drivers besides the No. 88’s substitute driver that people should keep an eye on as we gear up for the Chase.
After a shaky start to his “swan song” season, Tony Stewart has been on fire lately, finishing in the top 11 in 7 of the last 9 races. His only poor results were a 26th-place finish at Daytona (accident) and a 30th-place effort last week at Bristol, after a vibration forced him to take the car to the garage about halfway into the race. With his win at Sonoma, he is all but a lock to make the Chase, and you have to believe the motivation is absolutely there to make some noise as he heads towards retirement.
Another driver to watch out for is Jamie McMurray. He has posted an average finish of 11.33 over the last six races, including four top-ten finishes. He has also been relatively strong at upcoming tracks, as he has finished 16th or better in every race at either Michigan, Darlington, or Richmond, since the Aug 2013 Michigan race. And while he may not lead laps and contend for victories each week, he does well at staying out of trouble. He also has a knack for struggling in qualifying, but making up for it come race time. His average place differential for the season stands around 2.7 per race, which doesn’t sound fantastic, but represents one of the best averages in the Cup series among drivers who will compete for top-10 finishes each week.
If you’re looking for the ultimate bargain, look no further than Chris Buescher, the 2015 Xfinity Series champion, driver of the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford Fusion. His luck took a turn for the good at Indianapolis, where he recorded a season-best 14th-place finish. And argue all you want about whether he “deserved” his win at Pocono, but with him now positioned to possibly make the Chase, this team is geared up for a run. Add the fact that he is getting full support from Roush Fenway Racing, and his value skyrockets. Following a hiccup at Watkins Glen (where he finished 30th), Buescher rebounded to finish fifth this past weekend at Bristol, after qualifying a season-best 12th for the event. Is he a legit contender for the Sprint Cup? Probably not, but we’re talking best value for your buck, and he offers you just that.
It’s not “strategy” to simply pick the fast cars every week and expect to win in your fantasy leagues. You need a well-balanced roster from top-to-bottom, and these drivers represent your best options in the near future.
