Daytona 500 Fantasy NASCAR Mid Pack Predictions
John Hunter Nemechek
Daytona 500 Bottom Line – John Hunter Nemechek’s gamble on himself going back to the Truck series is bearing fruit in 2024, with JHN making a top series return driving the Legacy Motor Club #42 Toyota. Nemechek’s had success here in the past going 2 for 2 on the Cup level finishing 11th, so hopefully the good times can continue for him.
Daytona Track History – On the Cup level at Daytona, John Hunter Nemechek has been consistent and has a pair of 11th place finishes. Take note, those races were back in 2020 when he piloted the #38. Last year in the Xfinity series at Daytona, Nemechek finished 2nd in February and then 28th in the summer.
AJ Allmendinger
Daytona 500 Bottom Line – AJ Allmendinger isn’t racing full-time on the Cup level in 2024 but he’ll be “Trophy Hunting” in the Daytona 500 driving the Kaulig Racing #16. At Daytona, Allmendinger has a near impeccable track record in his recent races, so if you’re looking down the depth chart, make sure he’s on your radar. In 5 of his last 6 Daytona races on the Cup level, Allmendinger has finished in the top ten.
Daytona Track History – As you just read, AJ Allmendinger has finished in the top ten in 5 of his last 6 Daytona races. Last summer, Allmendinger had his worst result in years and finished 29th. Allmendinger looked sporty at times and even led 8 laps but I’m theorizing he was damaged in the lap #95 “Big One”, despite not being listed in it. On lap 95 he was running in 9th, but right after that he was mired back around 30th for the remainder of the race. In his five Daytona races prior to that, Allmendinger had 5-straight top tens and a 6.0 average finish. In last year’s Daytona 500 in his first race here since 2018, Allmendinger finished 6th. In 2018 when he next most recently raced here, Allmendinger swept the top ten with results of 3rd and 10th. In 2017 his finishes were 3rd and 8th.
David Ragan
Daytona 500 Bottom Line – Don’t overlook David Ragan at Daytona. Ragan is returning to action driving a third RFK car in the 500 and he’s got a great shot to come home with a good finish. He’ll have a fast Ford underneath him and he’s proven his superspeedway racing prowess. Ragan’s won twice on this track type and in summer 2011 he raced his way to victory lane here.
Daytona Track History – David Ragan has run well at Daytona. Ragan won here in summer 2011 and in 3 of his last 4 starts he’s finished in the top ten. In the one race he failed to finish in the top ten, Ragan crashed. In 2022 when he most recently raced here, Ragan had finishes of 8th and 9th in Rick Ware Racing equipment. In the two Daytona 500’s prior to 2022, Ragan had results of 37th (2021, crash) and 4th (2020).
Portions of this content are hidden. To view this ifantasyrace advantage content log in or join the site
Make sure you read the full spectrum of our Daytona 500 Fantasy NASCAR Rankings
Top Tier Elite Picks > Front Runners Rankings > Mid Pack Predictions > The Low Tier
