I think it will be a good week, folks! Texas has always been one of my best tracks, and I am hoping the new package and crazy qualifying won’t throw too much of a wrench into that. 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 – Outside of Kyle Busch, who is obviously an anamoly, the Fords have been the class of the field in 2019. Now while it would appear Chev has some speed this weekend (more on that later), I just can’t ignore an A+ driver in an A+ car starting 23rd. Harvick is the best Texas driver in the field and it isn’t particularly close. His practice speed wasn’t all the impressive, but I always prefer to stick with the devil we know. Harvick is great play
Kurt Busch – Busch really screwed the pooch in qualifying – but like all the rest of the Chevs it appears Kurt has really elite race speed. He starts 30th, so a top 7 or 8 is all we really need to get him in the optimal. While i’m hesitant to trust the Chevs practice speed, Kurt has been the best Chev car all year regardless – he is a safe play.
Kyle Busch – Well the Fords and the Chevs have been the talk of the weekend so far, ignoring Kyle Busch would be a catastrophic mistake. He starts 16th, which provides a little bit of safety, and showed pretty good speed in final practice. He has been really impressive on 1.5 milers (and everywhere else) so far in 2019, and as I said earlier – I always trust the devil I know.
Ryan Blaney/Brad Keselowski – This is a coinflip for me. Blaney and Keslowski start 13th and 12th respectively and had pretty similar practice speeds. Blaney has been lights out at Texas over the last few years, but I trust Brad K as a driver a little bit more. Then again, Brad K is a little more expensive. Both these guys are in play.
Worth Mentioning
Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Larson, and Clint Bowyer are all worth a look this week. I think Chase Elliott is a decent play but is risky and will likely go over owned. Martin Truex Jr has had a quiet 2019 and could offer some value.
Value Plays
Alex Bowman – Bowman is the odd man out in the Hendrick stable this weekend, as his teammates will all roll of in the top 3. Meanwhile, he will meandering off in 24th and didn’t show any of the speed of his teammates in final practice. Alas, I reckon he will get some organizational help come racetime and speed up awful quick. Texas represents one of his better tracks too – so I think he is a safe play.
Chris Buescher – Buescher has been impressive on 1.5 milers so far in 2019, and will look to continue the momentum this weekend. He starts 19th, which is a bit scary – but I think he can run in the top 15 pretty easily. In a week where value is hard to find, I think CB is a good play.
Matt DiBenedetto – I don’t really love this pick, but its the best option available amidst the craziness of qualifying this weekend. Texas has never been that good to Matty D, but I am hoping that JGR alliance will serve him well.
Parker Kligerman – This car always attempts to go the distance, and usually finishes in the top 30.
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.