Hot damn is a Labor Day weekend already? This week we throw back to Darlington, and it will be a tremendously interesting weekend. I’ll do my best to keep it short and sweet this week so lets get right into it. To start, make sure you check you my primer article “The Competition Caution” . As always, the research is just getting started, so think about getting signed up and get exclusive access to our projection model, the domination station lineup optimizer, and most importantly, direct chat room access to some of the sharpest NASCAR minds in the industry. I will be on there all weekend updating everyone on my research.
Top Plays
Kevin Harvick – It seems that the Fords may have brought some speed this weekend – either that or Toyota left the big engines at home. Regardless, the Fords seem to be competitive and Harvick is leading the charge. His qualifying performance was breathtaking, and rolls of P1. His practice times were serviceable in both short and long run sets – and his driving style gives him a huge advantage at a very difficult race track. Historically, few are better than Harvick at Darlington, thanks in large part to his four straight top fives. Play Harv and play him often.
Kyle Larson – Larson has two modes – up against the wall or up in the wall – and that will either get him the win, or ruin his day this weekend. Darlington smiles fondly on those who get as close as possible to the stone cold concrete. In the past, Larson has certainly had his trouble at Darlington, but it never ends in a bad finish (he has never finished outside the top ten). I think the more mature and controlled Larson will be a real hitter this weekend, and his practice times backed this up.
Denny Hamlin – The “few better than Harvick at Darlington” I reference water basically boils down to Hamlin. DenDen is a monster at Darlington, a fact he backed up today at the xFinity race. He is super fast this weekend and as I’ve mentioned – is sneakily the hottest driver in the sport right now. I will have a lot of Denny shares this week.
Kyle Busch/Truex – Starting second and third, coupled with the fact that these two are the fastest cars week to week make them playable this weekend. I truthfully don’t like one over the other, and neither really jumped out at me during practices. Alas I will still see both of them in a chunk of my line ups. Slight Kyle lean.
Fades
First Timers – Darlington in the Cup Car is something you can’t prepare for. I don’t see a path to me playing Jones, Suarez or Ty at a huge clip this weekend.
Value Plays
Allmedinger – AJ isn’t a great Darlington driver, but he practices and history are much better than his qualifying spot. I see a pretty clear path to a top 20 for the Dinger this weekend.
McDowell – I have been Professor Avoid McDowell all year, but he has finally qualified low enough for me to give him a look. Starting 30th with a top 25 car always piques my interest, especially for McDowell – who can make a 25th car a 15th car pretty easily.
Buescher – Starting 27th, Buescher has made himself relevant this week, especially when you look at his awe-inspiring performance one year ago. He is faster and smarter this year, and can honestly compete for a top 15 if circumstances allow it.
Kasey Kahne – Any driver with USAC prowess is worth a look at Darlington, and Kahne is no exception. Though he has a win in the bank, Kahne has been by no means the pinnacle of performance in 2017, but I think his shortcomings are largely overstated. Kahne practiced fast and if he can avoid beating himself, can compete for a top ten against a 23rd starting effort.
So there it is folks. Lots of options this week. Keep an eye on the DFS Army Slack Room right up until lock. Get signed upand get exclusive access to our projection model, the domination station lineup optimizer, and most importantly, direct chat room access to some of the sharpest NASCAR minds in the industry.As always, use my research as a launching point for yours. Trust your process, good luck this week, and let’s make some cash.