The NASCAR Playoffs have officially begun. Last week Kevin Harvick was able to pick up the victory and lock himself into the round of 12. The next two races of the first round will be at short tracks. This weekend at Richmond followed by Bristol. Richmond will be a pivotal race for all the playoff drivers. Whether they are adding to their points cushion or trying to catch the drivers on the cutoff line. Let’s jump right into the top drivers for Saturday nights race.
Dominator
Kyle Busch (DK $9,800 | FD $11,700)
Busch is still without a win this season. He’s coming into Richmond with some momentum. Busch was running well last week even though strategy didn’t work into his favor. He was a top seven car most of the day and with him starting sixth this week he will be running right there again. The good news for Busch is that he is very good at Richmond. His worst career finish is 24th and he has six wins to his name. Kyle has also shown the ability to lead laps at Richmond. He’s has led at least 32 laps in his last five race at Richmond and led 395 total laps in the last three races. Busch can dominate at this track, so expect him to do just that.
High Salary
Brad Keselowski (DK $10,100 | FD $12,500)
Keselowski and his number two team showed why they are championship contenders last week. He had a tire go down and wrecked with his teammate Ryan Blaney. That resulted in Keselowski going down a lap. However, he was able to rally back and finish eleventh. Keselowski has led laps in five out of his last six Richmond races as well as finishing eleventh or better in his last nine Richmond races. He will have another strong finish Saturday night.
Mid-Salary
Bubba Wallace (DK $7,100 | FD $6,000)
Wallace just announced this week that he will not be returning to Richard Petty Motorsports. Wallace will look to finish the season out strong before moving on to his next team. He will be starting 30th this week. With an average finish of 22.75 at Richmond and his highest finish of 12th, he will be looking at some positive place differential points. Look for Wallace to climb his way into the top 20 and be a great value driver this weekend.
Value
Corey Lajoie (DK $5,800 | FD $4,000)
Lajoie is looking for a ride for next season. He has been rumored to multiple teams and some good finishes to end the season will go a long way. He will be ready to come out this weekend and show teams and owners that he is a talented driver. With him starting 34th, he should be able to pick up some positive positions and score place differential points. Lajoie is another solid value driver and will allow you some wiggle room for the top drivers on the slate.
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