As we head into Talladega Race Week, we will have to look at drivers’ stats and history from this course and other similar courses as we build our lineup this week. This week we are going to focus on finding value by looking at previous top contenders at Talladega the past couple of years. There are quite a few value drivers that you can insert into your lineup. Let’s now take a deep dive into who I think you can insert into your lineup for the Sparks 300 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Past Winners/Track Knowledge
It’s time for the NASCARs Xfinity Series to take their best shot winning at Talladega Superspeedway. The Xfinity Series raced at Talladega earlier this year where Jeb Burton left victorious. This will be a 300.58-mile race where the drivers will be tasked with completing 113 laps around the Super Speedway. Talladega Superspeedway is a 2.66-mile Speedway, with an asphalt surface. This raceway is home to 4 turns that will push drivers to the limit. It’s time for the “Big-One”. The best part about Talladega is you never quite know who the track is going to make wreck next. Be ready for high speeds and extra exciting racing. With Talladega being a tricky track with a history there is a lot of data to sift through as we build out winning lineup.
Below is a lineup that we believe can provide the best value for the Sparks 300 at Talladega Superspeedway on 10/02/2021 (DraftKings Values)
| Driver #1 | Justin Haley | $ 10,200 | |
| Driver #2 | Austin Cindric | $ 9,300 | |
| Driver #3 | $ | ||
| Driver #4 | $ | ||
| Driver #5 | $ | ||
| Driver #6 | $ |
A-List Premium Price Drivers
Justin Haley ($10,200)
I was a little surprised when I saw Justin Haley’s value this week. I mean he has only won all his career races at Daytona and Talladega. And by surprised I thought he would be worth more. Haley has also been electric this year where he has one win, six top five finishes, 19 top 10 finishes, while also leading 59 laps. His win this year came earlier at Daytona, as I am sure you guessed. On Superspeedways, he is a different driver. Just remember that Haley won at Daytona in the Cup Series in 2019. Haley did not have a great showing earlier this year at Daytona but before that he had won three straight Superspeedways races in 2020, Talladega, Daytona, then Talladega again. Maybe some things only come in threes, but how can you ignore that in his career in both of Cup Series and Xfinity Series his five wins have come at Daytona and Talladega. Haley is likely to be in contention to win this race but at the end of the day if he can improve his position from eighth you’re in a good spot.
Austin Cindric ($9,300)
As the current top driver in the Xfinity Series, Austin Cindric is a no brainer every week if you can find a way to fit him into your lineup. This is one of those weeks where I am going to do it no matter what, he is pricey but it’s worth it. Cindric has been excellent in 2021 where he has five wins, 17 top-five finishes, 20 top 10 finishes, and has led 756 laps. All his statistics this year are Xfinity Series highs. His worst finish this year is 39th at Daytona, but we will forget about that one for now. Pair that with the fact that Cindric has placed top 15 in every race that he finished except for one. It is safe to say he has been electric. Cindric has dominated everywhere this year. Cindric is going to be moving up to the Cup Series next year, he has his sights set on loading up on Xfinity Series wins before he makes the jump. Cindric is the best driver with the best car, I say he wins this one and leads a ton of laps. Keep in mind he also has the second starting position and could lead from the beginning.
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B-List Value Drivers
Brandon Jones ($8,200)
Brandon Jones has seen his value drop over the last few weeks, but for me I see this as an advantage and some really good value, the guy can drive, and he has shown it all year. Jones is currently in eighth via playoff points and needs to race well to lock his place into the top eight. Jones does have eight races this year where he didn’t finish. In races that he has finished this year, Jones has been top five in 44 percent of them. Jones has been oh, so close five times this year when he finished second at Homestead Miami, third at Las Vegas, third at Darlington, second at Michigan, and third at Daytona. I think, with his starting position of seventh, Jones can easily stay in the top 10 and potentially get into the top five. Take Jones’ good value this week and run with it.
JJ Yeley ($8,100)
Normally a sleeper pick in the Xfinity Series, I like where JJ Yeley stands coming into this race. You can’t have a better starting position DFS wise then starting 38th in the race. Yeley spent the 2020 season and most of the 2019 and 2018 seasons racing in the cup series. In 10 races in 2021 Yeley has turned in four top 15 place finishes, which considering he has started 30th plus in each race, his DFS numbers are pretty good. For us fantasy folks he has averages 33.9 fantasy points per race, which is very appealing, especially at his price point this week, which is mid value. Look for Yeley to be in for a lot of place differential points.
C-List Sleeper Pick Drivers
Alex Labbe ($7,500)
Driving the Number 36 for DGM Racing, Alex Labbe has had a bit of a rocky 2021 season where he only has two top 10 finishes. Labbe has had a good start to his career though as he has already been crowned champion of the NASCAR Pinty’s Series back in 2017. In his Xfinity Career Labbe has one top five finish and six top 10 finishes. Labbe will start 32nd this weekend which if he can get into the top 15 will provide you some point differential points. Labbe does offer some deep top 15 upside. Labbe is my sleeper of the week especially with his cheap cost. In the earlier race at Talladega this year Labbe was able to pick up 9 places, as he started 30th and finished 21st.
Brandon Brown ($6,600)
Before the start of this season Brandon Brown only had one top-five finish and seven top 10 finishes to his name on the Xfinity Series. Now after a hot start to the 2021 season Brown has matched his career performance in 27 races. So far, this year Brown has two top-five finishes at Phoenix Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. To go along with back-to-back top 10 finishes at the two Daytona tracks and eight top 10 finishes total. This may even be in the realm of a safe pick this week especially for his dollar value. He is driving well and could be in for a top 10 finish again this week. I don’t think you can go wrong with Brown in your lineup this week. Brown offers a lot of flexibility with his price tag.
Now go win your matchup and let us know how you did.
Or if I picked every driver that will be in that lap 41 crash, I encourage you to let me hear it.
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