Put on your winter coats lady and gentlemen – it’s a winter wonderland in Martinsville, Virgina. The wonky weather has already derailed the weekend, and for us – that means potential. 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 – Same old same old over here – Harvick is leading the pack in terms of speed once again. The only place Harv seems to be lacking is in 20-Lap speed, which I personally wouldn’t put a lot of stock in (could have been held up by slower cars). Harv will roll off 10th, and bull forward with a swiftness. Vegas gives him an 80% chance of finishing in the top five – which is good enough for me. Expect to see him 50%-60% owned.
Jimmie Johnson – Thanks to qualifying being cancelled and a poor 2018 so far, 7 time will start way back in 33 despite showing top 15 speed across the board. There was a time, not that long ago, that Jimmie owned Martinsville. He knows how to get around here and more importantly – he knows how to take care of his stuff. This is survival of the fittest, and JJ is fit to finish in the top ten. We could see him upwards of 40% owned.
Clint Bowyer – I have been so impressed with Clint’s speed this weekend, and since he starts 26th, he makes a fantastic play. He finished 3rd here just last year – and Clint tends to shine on short tracks. The Ford’s have been the cream of the crop in 2018 and this could be a breakout week for Clint. I see him played at around 30-35%
Kyle Busch – Kyle is starting 2nd with the fastest long run car in the field, and probably the most Martinsville talent. He rolls of second so he needs to bring home a big chunk of laps led (thankfully, there are 500). He is my favorite to win and max out FPP this week. I see him at 37% – 43%.
Hamlin, Chase, Almirola and Brad Keselowski are all super viable plays as well.
Fades
This weekend could get silly thanks to the weather – so I wouldn’t count anyone out. I don’t like Erik Jones that much, but will likely have some level of exposure to him.
Value
Daniel Suarez – Suarez has had a forgettable 2018 – but I am going to keep recommending him because he is too cheap and too talented to ignore. Suarez is a good short track racer but most importantly, he starts 30th. Good enough for me. I see him at around 25-30% played.
Ross Chastain – Martinsville is a bit of a hornets nest. There will be lots of DNFs and lots of trouble. If that is the case, there is free spots for guys like Ross Chastain – who has shown some real prowess given his equipment. He starts 36th so he has no where to go but up. Worth a shot.
AJ Allmendinger – AJ is a tremendous Martinsville driver held back by less than stellar equipment. He showed some speed in practice and his mean demeanor should serve him well this weekend. He starts 32nd and should find the top 20 fairly easily.
William Byron, Alex Bowman and Cole Whitt are also legit DFS picks this weekend.
So there it is folks. We will be talking more strategy on the DFS Army Slack Room right up until lock. Get 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. As always, use my research as a launching point for yours. Trust your process, good luck this week, and let’s make some cash.