Variables I want in a fantasy NASCAR pick at Nashville

This weekend, NASCAR will be racing at Nashville! Nashville is brand new on the schedule, but NASCAR’s lower ranks visited Nashville multiple times a year between 2001 and 2011. Nashville is a 1.33 mile tri-oval with 14 degree banking in the turns, 11 degree banking on the front stretch and 3 degrees of banking on the back stretch. Normal banking at a 1.5 mile track in the turns is about 20 to 24 degrees. One variable that makes Nashville unique is that the surface is concrete.

Below are variables I want in a fantasy pick at Nashville!

1. Recent form. I want a driver who’s performing at a high-level, week in and week out and showing up with speed. (Total Speed Rankings – Last Six Races, Full Season)
2. NASCAR is holding a rare practice session at Nashville on Saturday starting at 2:05 PM (EST). From the session, I want to see the driver high on the speed chart over an extended run, and want to hear they are happy with their car. Tire wear is likely going to be a huge factor at this old surface, so long run speed will be key. Some teams could completely miss the setup, and practice is a good way to weed out those drivers.
3. I want a driver who’s performed at a high-level at 1.5 mile tracks. Nashville is a 1.33 mile intermediate track, and of existing  tracks I think it falls in line with them more then other venues. I’ll note, the banking at Nashville isn’t as high as it is at 1.5 mile tracks and the surface is of course concrete.
4. I want a driver who’s run well at 750 HP tracks. The 750 HP/Low downforce package is coming into play this weekend and I want a driver who’s had success with that package. In terms of races specifically, the most relevant will be Dover and Darlington. I’ll note, Steve Letarte has mentioned Nashville as being unique, but a little like Dover (Tweet).
5. I want a driver who starts relatively near the front. Over the last seven Xfinity races held at Nashville, five of them were won from a top 3 starting position. Of course, we won’t know the starting order until crunch time just a few hours before the race (qualifying is at 11:05 AM EST).
6. Some drivers have a track record at Nashville, but a decade is a long time ago. Having success here in the past is a plus, but certainly not a game changer.