The 2018 MENCS will compete at Las IMS (Phoenix) this week. This is one of the shortest races of the season (312 miles). Track position is usually really important in this race so try not to select too many drivers who start outside the top 20. Drivers go a lap down quickly at Phoenix and the laps expire before they get a chance to get back on the lead lap.
Here are my picks for the Phoenix….
Driver 1: Kevin Harvick $13,000 (Starts 10th)
Driver 2: Brad Keselowski $11,900 (Starts 25th)
Driver 3: Jimmie Johnson $9,900 (Starts 17th)
Driver 4: Austin Dillon $8,500 (Starts 18th)
Driver 5: Michael McDowell $6,200 (Starts 31st)
Brad Keselowski was horrible in qualifying. The No. 2 car starts 25th and must be in all lineups. Keselowski will have a good chance to move up 10-15 spots and score 20-30 position differential points this week.
Kevin Harvick has not dominated the races at Phoenix the last two seasons the same way he has the previous five years but his average finishing position is still inside the top 5. Harvick starts 10th and is almost a lock to move up five spots and score 10 bonus points for position differential this week.
Jimmie Johnson served a 30 minute penalty in practice Friday. As a result he did not get a chance to practice on scuff tires. Johnson will start 17th this week. His car was good enough in practice to move into the top 10. Johnson has been a bad pick this season so I know I a messing with fire here.
Austin Dillon really liked his car in practice. He said it was the best car he has ever had at Phoenix. He starts 18th and he should be able to move up 5 spots in the race.
Michael McDowell is at his home track this week. The Glendale, Arizona native has a lot of laps on this track. He qualified 31st and I think he can move up 10 spots this week. McDowell said they hit on something at the end of practice and he thinks there car is very good.
Good luck this week!
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