This weekend the Nascar Cup Series heads to Dover and the Monster Mile. It is a one mile steep concrete track. As this season has gone along we have been able to look back at tracks that compare to the one they are racing at with the new package this year and it has worked out seeing who has had success this year. The strategy this weekend will be completely different then last week. With 400 laps, there are a lot more dominator points available as opposed to the ROVAL, so nailing the dominators will be key this weekend. 2-3 dominators will be the ideal strategy in gpps and having 2 in cash will help you succeed as well.
Martin Truex Jr. (DK $11,600 FD $14,500)
I think there are three top drivers this weekend and all three start in the top 5. In May, MTJ led 132 laps and won the race. In the last 6 races here, Martin has finished in the top 5 five times and has two wins in that time here too. MTJ has done well this season at tracks like Dover winning twice. He had top 10 consecutive lap speed in 10 lap averages and starts 3rd giving him the track position to potentially dominate at some portion of this race.
Chase Elliott (DK $10,300 FD $13,000)
Chase is the second driver who I think has the potential to win this weekend. As I said nailing the dominators this weekend will be key. Chase won this race last season and has six top 5 finishes in seven career Cup starts here including leading over 130 laps in two of those races. Chase has also been successful this season in similar tracks and starts 5th this weekend giving him track position to be a potential dominator as well. We aren’t going to be able to play everyone up top so Chase may slide over to a potential cheaper dominator who I have listed next.
Kyle Larson (DK $9,700 FD $12,500)
Larson told Hamlin that he was going to win the pole and they would have to accommodate his media session into their afternoon tee time for golf later. Hamlin ended up winning the pole with Larson a close second. In practice, Larson had the best consecutive lap speed and has been fast all weekend. Larson finished 3rd here in May and has three top 5 finishes in the last five races here. I think Larson has the car to beat this weekend but will have to prove that he can be more then the bridesmaid this year.
Jimmie Johnson (DK $7,800 FD $9,200)
Jimmie don’t let me down. Who would have though two years ago that recommending Jimmie Johnson would make some people cringe. However if there was ever a track for Jimmie to get on track for next season it would be here at Dover. He has 11 career wins here with his last coming in June of 2017. He had top 5 consecutive lap speed in final practice and starts 11th Sunday. Everyone knows Jimmie is a wild card for dfs over the past year and a half so use him wisely.
Matt DiBenedetto (DK $7,700 FD $7,200)
As I have talked about the second half of the year, MDB does well at tracks where driver skill is more important than the car. This is another track that plays into MDB’s skillset. Dover compares very well to Bristol and we remember how well he did in Bristol a few weeks ago. He was around the top 10 in consecutive lap speed and starts 20th so there is upside for MDB this weekend.
Austin Dillon (DK $6,900 FD $6,500)
First a Jimmie Johnson recommendation and now an Austin Dillon recommendation, I must be losing my mind. However if you look at his record at this track and other similar ones you might understand this a little more. In the last 6 races here, he has finished top 20 five times and has two top 10 finishes in that time as well. He has comparable numbers at Bristol and Darlington as well. Austin showed some speed in practice and starts 27th. In a race where we will want to play at least two dominators we will need some value and I think some will be scared off Austin and can give you an edge in gpps.
If you have any questions feel free to message me on twitter @davidjr831
