The monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will compete at Daytona International Speedway this week. This is a hard race to handicap because any driver who starts the race has a realistic chance of winning the race Saturday night. Selecting the drivers with the best stats on the restrictor-plate tracks and have the best opportunity to score position differential points will be important this week.
There are only 160 laps in the race and 160 bonus points available for leading laps and fastest laps Saturday night. I would not worry too much about chasing these points by selecting drivers who start the race up front. It will be more important to select drivers who start outside the top 15 who can make their way to the front and score position differential points and Stage points.
Here are my picks for the Coke Zero 400…
Martin Truex Jr. $28.00 (Starts 25th)
Denny Hamlin $26.75 (Starts 18th)
Kurt Busch $20.50 (Starts 15th)
Ty Dillon $15.50 (Starts 34th)
Elliott Sadler $5.00 (Starts 33rd)
PICK TO WIN: Brad Keselowski
MANUFACTURER: Ford
*I have been receiving many questions from people about a lineup with Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Larson in it because they do not want to sell these two drivers. If you want to keep them, this is what I recommend.
Martin Truex Jr. $28.00 (Starts 25th)
Kyle Larson $27.75 (Starts 21st)
Austin Dillon $21.00 (Starts 19th)
Ty Dillon $15.50 (Starts 34th)
Elliott Sadler $5.00 (Starts 33rd)
Pick to Win: Brad Keselowski
Manufacturer: Ford
Good luck this week!