For the majority of last Sunday’s event at Darlington, Martin Truex Jr. was in the zone. Truex Jr. would stay strong once he was able to gain that very early foothold (leading a whopping 248 of 293 laps). However, it would not be a smooth finish, considering Kyle Larson’s hard charge in the waning laps. Larson would close the gap to under 0.50 seconds at one point. With this latest win, Truex builds his season win total to three. We now leave behind Darlington and head seven hours north to Dover, Delaware.
Looking at the track specs for Dover International Speedway, it is a one-mile, concrete oval track. Dubbed the Monster Mile, in part because of the hard racing surface. Not only is the surface tough on tires, but the track layout leaves a lot in which to contend with the high bankings and speeds.
At the very least, you’re going to want to include at least one potential dominator on each of your rosters. Consider that over the last six Dover events, five separate drivers have each led, at least 180 laps or more.
This week, the Money Train delves into the DFS options for Sunday’s Cup Series event in Dover. I’ve broken down the selections between high salary, mid-range, and value play. Included are player salaries from both FanDuel and DraftKings. Best of luck to everyone with their lineups this weekend.
High Salary
Kyle Larson (13,500 FD | 11,500 DK)
While Larson was unable to lead any laps at Darlington, he still had an all-around good day. I believe, had he not needed to work back to the front twice, there’s a good chance Larson would have been able to chase Truex down a lot quicker. Regardless his 58.95 DK points were second-most among drivers and trailed only Truex.
Dover is a track that holds plenty of significance for young Larson. It was here that he snapped a 75 race winless streak. Also, consider he will be holding his best starting position since Phoenix (eight races ago). Not having to work through the field will save Larson a lot of used-up laps. As long as he can get the jump on those two Gibbs front runners, Larson is ripe for a dominating performance. He’s proven on numerous occasions the lap-leading prowess at Dover is legit. Most recently, racking up a total of 154 laps, for example.
Brad Keselowski (11,000 FD | 10,300 DK)
Hamlin was a consideration here to follow up my selection of Larson. However, I thought it would be more prudent to diversify a little. It’s been six years since Keselowski last went to victory lane at Dover. And that’s not overlooking how dangerous he’s been, as the Dover races go deeper. With a pair of stage two wins to go along with a runner-up result over the last five visits, it’s fair to see he’s kept his cars in the mix.
In the two races leading up to last week, he had racked up both a win and third-place result, respectively. Keselowski needs to get back into that competitive groove. Due to Keselowski’s unfortunate circumstances last weekend, he will be afforded a 15th place starting position. So still a lot of meat on the bone, in terms of place differential and fastest lap. He makes for a nice mix and match play with a potential dominator.
Mid-Range
Kurt Busch (8,500 FD | 8,700 DK)
Dover has been a mixed bag for Busch over his long storied-career. Although, his last three seasons here, have in fact, been some of his best. Consider that in the two seasons leading up to last year, Busch accumulated three top-nine or better runs. If he can manage to pull off some more of that Dover magic, you’re laughing.
It’s been a bit of a struggle for Busch since Homestead-Miami. However, he has avoided that pesky back-to-back bad week throughout this season. Which given his most recent letdown, should be notable. Busch will roll off the line 28th for Sunday, just like his most recent visit here in August. Busch beat out 15 other drivers to finish 13th overall that day. He is primed for a nice rebound showing Sunday afternoon.
Value Play
Cole Custer (6,500 FD | 7,700 DK)
Custer has taken a liking to the “Monster Mile” for whatever reason. During his three years in Xfinity, Custer ran here six times and among the finishes added four top four results (including both a win and runner-up). He would follow that up with back-to-back top 11 finishes in his cup debut. So while not as jaw-dropping, Custer has still been able to produce at a decent clip.
Due to the wreck last weekend at Darlington, Custer received a 30th place starting position. Custer is savvy enough at this track that carving up more than a dozen cars en route to a top 15 run is within reach. I suggest plugging him into the back-end of your roster and forgetting about it.
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