The Super Low Tier – Bristol
Justin Haley – At Bristol, just like every week, Justin Haley will once again be fielding the most competitive super low tier car. This race will actually be Haley’s Cup debut at “Thunder Valley.” Last year in the lower series at Bristol, Haley finished 16th in the summer and 17th in the spring. In 2019 he finished 34th in the summer and then 7th in the spring. On Saturday night, look for Haley to be his typical mid to high-twenties self. Over his last ten races heading into the weekend eight of his results were between 25th to 29th.
BJ McLeod – Bristol will be another good test for BJ “No Crashes In 2021” McLeod. On Saturday night, I would pencil him in as a 27th to 31st place driver. In 9 of his last 10 races this season he’s finished within that range. Last year at Bristol when he raced here in the spring, he crashed and finished 28th. In his two prior starts he had back to back 32nd place finishes.
JJ Yeley – Heading into Richmond, I called JJ Yeley a Rick Ware Racing legend. Prior to Richmond in 2021 driving for Rick Ware Racing he finished in the top 30 every race and had a 27th place average finish. Then last week he finished 34th. On Saturday night, I’m going to view him as a low to mid-thirties driver who has some upside. With attrition factored in, he has high-twenties potential.
Quin Houff – At Bristol, prepare for the worst with Quin Houff, but I’ll note his track record actually isn’t bad for a driver of this tier. Last year he raced here twice and finished 29th in the summer and then 27th in the spring. In 2019, Houff had results of 30th and 32nd.
Garrett Smithley – At Bristol, look for Smithley to likely finish around the low 30’s. In 5 of the last 6 races heading into the weekend he’s finished between 28th to 33rd. Last year at Bristol, Smithley competed in both races. In the summer he finished 32nd (64 laps down) and in the spring he finished 26th (11 laps down).
James Davison – James Davison is returning to competition this week, but he’s a lock to finish in the 30’s unless aided by attrition. Last summer when he raced here, Davison finished 35th after crashing. That’s his only Cup start here. Over Davison’s last six races this year his average finish is 33.2.
Josh Bilicki – At Bristol, Bilicki has two races on his resume and they are both south of 35th. Last summer, Bilicki had fuel pump issues that led to his 39th place finish and in summer 2019 his 35th place DNF is attributed to “Fatigue.” On Saturday night, write him down for a finish in the 30’s.
David Starr – David Starr will be back in action at Bristol driving the #66 Toyota. Look for this to be the slowest car in the field and for Starr to be off the lead lap no later then lap #15.
