Las Vegas Fantasy NASCAR Top Tier Elite Picks
Kevin Harvick – Kevin Harvick is a recent Las Vegas winner who’ll be one of the drivers to beat. Last year at Las Vegas Harvick was “under the weather” all weekend but had a solid afternoon. In the race he earned the 4th best driver rating, had a 5th place average running position and finished 7th. In 2015 Harvick started in 18th and raced his way to victory lane. His car was fast in traffic and strong over long runs. I will note I believe Jimmie Johnson had the best car, but after the #48 was out of the picture (wrecked) Harvick unquestionably was the driver to beat. When the checkered flag waved Harvick finished 1st, earned the best driver rating, had a 4th place average running position and led a race high 142 laps. In 2014 during his first season driving the #4 he looked top five good but with 73 laps to go he took his car to the garage area because of brake rotor issues. At Atlanta Harvick put an unbelievable thumping on the field despite coming up short. That’s a clear sign all the off-season changes likely won’t be an issue going forward on this track type. (Yahoo A Driver)
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Brad Keselowski – Fresh off his win at Atlanta Brad Keselowski will likely be viewed by many as the favorite at Las Vegas. The “Lowest Down Force” package has been used at two 1.5 mile tracks and Keselowski has won both of the races. At Vegas Keselowski’s the defending champion and since 2013 he’s arguably been the best performer in the series. Over the last four Las Vegas races he has 2 wins, the best average finish (3.0), best driver rating, is tied for the second best average running position (6.5) and has led 98 laps. Last year at Las Vegas Keselowski had a great car and raced his way to victory lane. Additionally in the race he earned the 3rd best driver rating, had a 6th place average running position and led 24 laps. His strength in the race was being good over long runs (+20 laps). In 2015 he had a good race. He earned the 6th best driver rating, finished 7th, had a 10th place average running position and led 9 laps. Also in the race it should be noted he overcame a pit penalty for having an uncontrolled tire. In 2014 Brad Keselowski had a fast car and raced his way to victory lane. It should be noted that if Earnhardt Jr. had a little more fuel Keselowski wouldn’t have won because he didn’t regain the lead until Junior was on fumes during the final lap. In the event he earned the best driver rating, led the most laps (53) and had a 5th place average running position. In 2013 he finished 3rd, had a 5th place average running position and earned the 5th best driver rating. (Yahoo A Driver)
Joey Logano – Joey Logano should be on your short list of favorites to win at Las Vegas. He’s been knocking on the door to victory lane in recent seasons and has ranked as one of the strongest performers. Over the last three races at Las Vegas Logano has a 5.3 average finish, 6.7 average running position, the 3rd best driver rating and has averaged leading 55 laps per race. Also over these three races it should be noted he hasn’t started below 2nd. Last year at Las Vegas Logano had a great car and a solid case could be made that it was the best. In the race he earned the best driver rating, finished 2nd, had a 3rd place average running position and led 74 laps. Over long runs his car was very fast. In 2015 Logano had a strong showing. He started 2nd, led 47 laps, had an 8th place average running position and finished 10th. His good result didn’t come easy. On lap 82 he got busted speeding on pit road which dropped him back in the pack. Performance wise I thought he was top five good but the race didn’t play to his favor. In 2014 Logano started on the pole, finished 4th, earned the 4th best driver rating and led 44 laps. On Sunday look for Logano to compete for a top five and potentially challenge for the win. The “Lowest Down Force Package” has been used in four races and Penske cars have won three times. (Yahoo A Driver)
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Top Tier Elite Picks > Front Runners Rankings > Mid Pack Predictions > The Low Tier
