Overview
With the Daytona 500 behind us, the Cup Series heads to Fontana, California. Auto Club Speedway is a two-mile asphalt oval banked at 14 degrees in the turns, 11 degrees in the front stretch, and three degrees in the backstretch. This is a tough track to pass and we’ve seen in years past that dominator points can be quickly racked up by less than a handful of drivers and tire wear plays an important role here so good pit stops and strategy have more of an emphasis in that regard. There was some trouble in practice amongst these drivers so we’ll see if that translates to the race. The drivers will turn 200 laps for 400 miles s0 let’s get into the strategy to look at for this race.
Strategy
As mentioned above, Auto Club is a tough place to pass, specifically to pass the leader when they’re in clean air. With all of the chaos that ensued during practice, I’m sure that some of that will come into play during today’s race. We’ve fallen into the situation that most of the top drivers we should look at will be starting in the back offering place differential spots.
Most comparable tracks: Darlington Raceway, Homestead Miami Speedway, Michigan International Speedway
*Note: all pricing is DraftKings focused
Dominators
These are the drivers that we can typically expect to, you guessed it, dominate the race. When we think dominator we are looking for guys that will be in a position to lead a hefty amount of laps as well as be able to turn over fastest laps.
Austin Cindric ($7,600), Starting on the Pole
Cindric, a series rooking finds himself on the pole one week removed from being the second-youngest winner of the Daytona 500. With that, Cindric is showing that he can navigate his way around the track at a high speed. Cindric is in a great spot on the pole with a great salary in a position to lead a good chunk of this race.
Kyle Busch ($10,400), Starting 3rd
Busch will start third in a position in which he should find a way to lead a chunk of laps early. Qualifying didn’t go as was expected and within the top three drivers, Busch is the most talented with the best equipment at his disposal. Look for him to take advantage of that come Sunday.
Also Consider
Joey Logano ($9,400), Starting 7th
Ryan Blaney ($10,000), Starting 6th
Place Differential Targets
This is where the focus should be and where the money is going to be made. Finding the drivers with place differential that can stay out of trouble and see this race to the end is paramount.
Kurt Busch ($8,800), Starting 36th
Despite having three inspection penalties and not having the opportunity at a qualifying time, Busch will still be a chalky play starting back at 36th. He’ll have to serve a pass-through penalty right off the bat so the road back will be tough. This isn’t one of those must plays because he essentially will be a lap down early after serving that pass through penalty but that’s also not to say that he can’t work his way back through the field by the time all is said and done.
Kevin Harvick ($9,200), Starting 32nd
Like a few drivers in the field, Harvick had trouble in practice wrecking and needed to go to a backup. There will be plenty of spots on the track to make up for Harvick who should be a trendy play from the 32nd position.
Also consider:
Bubba Wallace ($7,000), Starting 34th
Aric Almirola ($7,400), Starting 31st
Justin Haley ($6,700), Starting 35th
Speedy Notes
Driver(s) I have most exposure to Kevin Harvick
Driver I’m fading that worries me: Kyle Larson
Driver(s) I have zero interest in: Ross Chastain