Darlington Southern 500 Fantasy NASCAR Front Runner Rankings

Alex Bowman
Darlington Fantasy Outlook – Alex Bowman has had some strong runs at Darlington, but historically, he’s been a hero or zero. In the Next Gen, Bowman has 2 top tens, but then in his other two he’s finished 29th or worse. Going back to 2020, Bowman has four top tens, but then in the other five he’s finished 17th or worse. That said, Bowman’s run well and over the last three he’s been a top ten contender. On Sunday, I’m going to view Bowman as a top ten contender.
Darlington Track History – Alex Bowman has had some great runs at Darlington and even has a runner-up to his name, but in 5 of the last 8 races he’s finished 17th or worse so there’s safer options out there. This spring, Bowman was solid. In the race, Bowman finished 8th, had the 14th best Total Speed Ranking and had a 15.3 average running position. I’ll note, some late wildness boosted him up and with 33 laps to go he was running in 13th. Last fall, Bowman was a top ten contender but crashed late. On lap 318 with 50 to go he was running in 7th, but then the next lap he crashed which doomed him to his 33rd. In terms of Total Speed Rankings, Bowman ranked 14th. Last spring, Bowman missed the race due to injury. In fall 2022, Bowman had a solid showing. In the race, Bowman finished 10th, had a 12.7 average running position and had the 13th best Total Speed Ranking.

Josh Berry
Darlington Fantasy Outlook – Josh Berry is at his best at high tire wear tracks, so he’ll have upside at Darlington for those looking for a sleeper. This year at high-tire wear tracks, Berry’s been at his best and his 10.0 average finish ranks as the 5th best. At Darlington, I would view Berry as a dark horse but be prepared for a buzz-kill finish since he’s been just so inconsistent.
Darlington Track History – This spring at Darlington, Josh Berry was fast and had perhaps the best race of his career. In the race, Berry started 33rd, had a 14.3 average running position and then finished 3rd. In terms of speed stats, Berry ranked 3rd for speed late in a run and had the 11th best Total Speed Ranking. Last spring in the #9, Berry had an ugly afternoon, finishing 30th and having the 30th best Total Speed Ranking. Berry never ran well and I’m pretty certain he was also damaged in one of the late accidents.

Carson Hocevar
Darlington Fantasy Outlook – At Darlington, look for Carson Hocevar to have a solid showing and be a mid to high-teens driver. The #77 team has been clicking off good results, and that’s the key variable I like about him. Heading into the weekend, Hocevar has four straight top 12 finishes.
Darlington Track History – Carson Hocevar has two starts on his resume at Darlington with his average finish being 21.5. Personally, I’m not viewing either of his starts as all the relevant and just focusing on his recent form. This spring, Hocevar finished 26th and had a 24.4 average running position. Last fall in the #42, Hocevar was a high-teens performer. In the race, Hocevar finished 17th, had a 19.6 average running position and had the 24th best Total Speed Ranking. In the Truck series at Darlington, Hocevar was good and in 3 of his 4 starts he finished in the top 5.

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