As the western tour continues for the NASCAR Cup Series we head to sunny Phoenix Raceway. This will be the first of two races this year at the raceway. The second race of course being the Series Championship race. Last year’s two winners were Joey Logano and Chase Elliot. Last week at Las Vegas was competitive. Kyle Larson was able to get his first win of the year after leading 103 laps. In terms of wins on this raceway, five drivers stand out in the winner’s category; Kevin Harvickwith 9 wins, Kyle Busch with three wins, and Ryan Newman, Joey Logano, and Denny Hamlinwith two wins apiece.
Below is a DFS Nascar lineup that we believe can provide the best value for the Instacart 500 at Phoenix Raceway on 03/14/2021 (DraftKings Values)
| Driver #1 | Kyle Busch | $ 10,800 | |||
| Driver #2 | $ 9,600 | ||||
| Driver #3 | Aric Almirola | $ 9,000 | |||
| Driver #4 | Kurt Busch | $ 7,700 | |||
| Driver #5 | $ 6,600 | ||||
| Driver #6 | $ 6,200 |
Below is a lineup that we believe can provide the best value for the Instacart 500 at Phoenix Raceway on 03/14/2021 (Fanduel Values)
| Driver #1 | Kyle Busch | $ 11,700 | |
| Driver #2 | $ 11,300 | ||
| Driver #3 | $ 10,500 | ||
| Driver #4 | $ 8,500 | ||
| Driver #5 | Aric Almirola | $ 8,000 |
Kyle Busch: After cementing his second top-five finish of the year last weekend at Las Vegas, Kyle Busch will be out to show how dominant he has been at Phoenix the last three years. As one of the best and most streaky drivers, I do not see why cannot find his way into victory lane. Busch had a very disappointing year as per his standards and he has raced well on certain courses so far, this year. 2021 can be the year that Busch racks up five-plus wins again. At Phoenix Raceway in the last three years, Busch has two wins, five top-five finishes, five top 10 finishes, and has led a series most 491 laps. Busch will start seventh on Sunday, no reason he cannot get to the front and lead a lot of laps. Busch is expensive but worth it.
Kurt Busch: As the Cup Series’ seasoned veteran Kurt Busch continues to be a dark horse every week. Busch will start this race in 12th place and has plenty of potential to contend at the end of the race. Take this pick as my dark horse pick for the week. In his career, Busch has a win, seven top-five finishes, 20 top 10 finishes, and has led 817 laps at Phoenix Raceway.
Aric Almirola: In his fourth year with Stewart-Haas Racing, Aric Almirola is looking for his first top 10 finish outside of his first-place finish in the Bluegreen Vacations Duel One at Daytona. At Phoenix over the last three years, Almirola has an average finish of 9.67. In six races since the start of the 2018 season, he has two top-five finishes, four top 10 finishes, and has led 33 laps. At Phoenix, Almirola has two top-five finishes in his career.
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Below is a lineup that we believe can provide the best value for the Instacart 500 at Phoenix Raceway on 03/14/2021 (DraftKings Values)
| Driver #1 | Kyle Busch | $ 10,800 | $ | ||
| Driver #2 | Kyle Larson | $ 9,600 | $ | ||
| Driver #3 | Aric Almirola | $ 9,000 | $ | ||
| Driver #4 | Kurt Busch | $ 7,700 | $ | ||
| Driver #5 | Ryan Newman | $ 6,600 | $ | ||
| Driver #6 | Michael McDowell | $ 6,200 | $ |
Below is a lineup that we believe can provide the best value for the Instacart 500 at Phoenix Raceway on 03/14/2021 (Fanduel Values)
| Driver #1 | Kyle Busch | $ 11,700 | |
| Driver #2 | Kyle Larson | $ 11,300 | |
| Driver #3 | Ryan Blaney | $ 10,500 | |
| Driver #4 | Christopher Bell | $ 8,500 | |
| Driver #5 | Aric Almirola | $ 8,000 |
Kyle Larson: Driving the number five car for Hendrick Motorsports, Kyle Larson locked in his first win of the year last week. Larson was able to lead 103 laps last Sunday, which was more than anyone else. Larson has also been good at Phoenix for the last three years. In five races, Larson has three top-five finishes, four top 10 finishes, and has led 56 laps. I like how his Chevrolet is running this year. Larson will start this race in the second position and on the front row. Larson has a chance to get to first quick and lead some laps.
Ryan Blaney: 2021 has not been Ryan Blaney’s year so far. His best race so far was last week at Las Vegas where he turned a 26th place start into a fifth-place finish. Look for Ryan Blaney to come out with a chip on his shoulder this coming Sunday. Blaney looks like he is getting frustrated after finishing 30th, 15th, and 29th in the first three races of the year. had every chance to win that day and I believe will come out with a fast car. Blaney has however had success at Phoenix in the last three years. In six races Blaney has two top-five finishes three top 10 finishes and has led 98 laps. Blaney is a guy that if you can squeeze him into your lineup this week you should.
Ryan Newman: I like Ryan Newman this week and at his $ 6,600 price this week he provides significant value. A pick like Newman this week gives you the flexibility to get some bigger names into your lineup. As one of the most experienced drivers coming into the Instacart 500, Newman brings excellent value. Newman has raced at Phoenix Raceway 36 times in his career. In those 36 races, he has two wins, 10 top-five finishes, 12 top 10 finishes, and has led 242 laps. Newman’s experience on this track could be paramount considering there was no qualifying or practice before this race.
Christopher Bell: Driving the number 20 for Joe Gibbs Racing, Christopher Bell is one of four drivers who have already punched their playoff tickets with already securing a win this year. Bell got his career win earlier this year on the Daytona Road Course. Bell has raced twice at Phoenix in the Cup Series where he has not finished very well. However, in four races in the Xfinity Series at Phoenix, Bell has a win, two top-five finishes, and has led 259 laps. Bell has two top-five finishes and four top 10 finishes this year, there is no reason he cannot get another one on Sunday.
