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Erik Jones
Las Vegas Fantasy Outlook – I consider Erik Jones a driver likely to finish in the mid to high teens at Las Vegas, leaning towards the higher end. The 2024 season has been challenging for the #43 team, though Jones has shown improved performances on high-speed 1.5-mile tracks; excluding Kansas #2, his average finish for the season stands at 17.3.
Las Vegas Track History – Within the Next Gen series at Las Vegas, Jones maintains an average finish of 20th and ranks 18th in Total Speed Rankings. In the spring, he delivered a solid performance by his 2024 standards, finishing 14th with the 20th best Driver Rating and a 21.7 average running position. Last fall, however, he concluded the race in 28th place, which warrants an asterisk. After a flat tire on lap 65 while in 15th, he fell off the lead lap and plummeted into the 30s, effectively ending his competitive day. In spring 2023, he finished 19th, achieving a 14.7 average running position and the 17th best Total Speed Ranking. During the fall of 2022, starting from 22nd, he maneuvered to an 8th place finish, demonstrating the #43’s strength in the final quarter of the race as they ranked as the 7th fastest car on the track. In spring 2022, Jones was on track to finish around 7th but suffered a flat tire and spun out with just four laps to go, culminating in an asterisk-marked 31st finish. Jones ranked 14th in Total Speed Rankings for that event.
Ryan Preece
Las Vegas Fantasy Outlook – It is reasonable to expect Ryan Preece to secure a finish in the 20s at Las Vegas, although there is potential for him to perform better. His recent results at high-speed intermediate tracks include finishes of 16th (Kansas, 16th in Speed Ranking) and 11th (Michigan), suggesting that the #41 team may have discovered some competitive momentum. Preece holds a 21.0 average finish for the high-speed 1.5-mile tracks this season, ranking 33rd in Total Speed Rankings.
Las Vegas Track History – Ryan Preece has struggled at Las Vegas; in his three starts in the #41, he has finished between 23rd and 26th each time, holding a 24.0 average finish and 24.4 average running position. This spring, starting from the back in a backup car, he finished 23rd with a 25.7 average running position and ranked 34th in Total Speed Rankings. In the fall, he again had an uncompetitive outing, finishing 26th with a 24.1 average running position and a 29th place ranking in Total Speed Rankings. In his only other Next Gen race at Las Vegas last spring, Preece ended up 23rd.
Daniel Hemric
Las Vegas Fantasy Outlook – Expect Daniel Hemric to finish around 20th at Las Vegas. While I’m not suggesting he will consistently perform at that level throughout the race, I believe that at the end of the day, that’s where he will land in the final standings. Hemric has often placed around that position at Las Vegas, and this season, in four of the five races at high-speed 1.5s, he has recorded finishes between 18th and 20th, capping it off with a 20th place finish at Kansas a few weeks prior.
Las Vegas Track History – Daniel Hemric has demonstrated consistency at Las Vegas, finishing between 17th and 23rd in all his races, totaling an average finish of 20.3. This spring, starting from 34th, he finished 19th while posting a 27.9 average running position and ranking 30th in Speed Rankings. In his previous three starts, Hemric’s results were 22nd (spring 2022), 17th (fall 2019), and 23rd (spring 2019).
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Las Vegas NASCAR Fantasy Preview: Analyzing Erik Jones, Ryan Preece, and Daniel Hemric
The excitement of NASCAR racing captivates fans and fantasy sports enthusiasts alike, and as we gear up for the Las Vegas race, it’s essential to delve into the performance and potential of key drivers. This week, we’ll focus on Erik Jones, Ryan Preece, and Daniel Hemric to help you make informed decisions in your NASCAR fantasy lineup. Let’s analyze their recent performances, track history, and strategies to boost your fantasy scores.
Erik Jones: The Rising Star
Erik Jones has been making headlines with impressive performances, especially on intermediate tracks. As a driver for Legacy Motor Club, he is known for his adaptability and skill. Here’s a closer look at his stats and what to expect in Las Vegas:
Recent Performance
- 2023 Season Average Finish: 12.5
- Top 10 Finishes in Last 5 Races: 3
- Best Career Finish at Las Vegas: 2nd Place
Track History
Jones has shown solid performances at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, particularly in the last couple of seasons. Here’s a brief overview of his finishes:
| Year | Finish Position |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 7th |
| 2021 | 8th |
| 2020 | 2nd |
Benefits of Choosing Erik Jones
- Consistency: Jones is becoming increasingly consistent, making him a reliable option for your fantasy team.
- Strong Intermediate Track Performance: With Las Vegas being a 1.5-mile oval, his skills fit perfectly here.
- Positive Momentum: If he continues his trend of strong finishes, he could be a top contender.
Ryan Preece: The Underdog
Ryan Preece, driving for STH Motorsports, is often seen as an underdog in the NASCAR circuit. However, his potential for surprising performances makes him a valuable pick, especially in fantasy leagues.
Performance Insights
- 2023 Season Average Finish: 15.8
- Top 10 Finishes in Last 5 Races: 1
- Best Career Finish at Las Vegas: 10th Place
Track Record at Las Vegas
Preece’s history at Las Vegas shows promise, showcasing his ability to outperform expectations on this track:
| Year | Finish Position |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 12th |
| 2021 | 18th |
| 2020 | 10th |
Strategic Advantages
- Value Pick: Preece often offers great value due to his lower pricing in fantasy leagues.
- Potential for Upsets: His underdog status means he could surprise fans with a strong finish.
- Adaptability: Preece has proved he can adjust his driving style to suit different track conditions.
Daniel Hemric: The Dark Horse
Daniel Hemric, driving for Kaulig Racing, is another driver to keep an eye on. Known for his tenacity and skill, he could be an unexpected asset for fantasy teams.
Current Form
- 2023 Season Average Finish: 14.1
- Top 10 Finishes in Last 5 Races: 2
- Best Career Finish at Las Vegas: 5th Place
Las Vegas Performance Overview
Hemric’s performances at Las Vegas have been commendable, indicating his potential to deliver under pressure:
| Year | Finish Position |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 11th |
| 2021 | 5th |
| 2020 | 14th |
Why Consider Daniel Hemric?
- Strong Intermediate Track Driver: Hemric has shown proficiency on similar tracks, making him a smart pick.
- Increased Team Performance: With Kaulig Racing improving, his potential for better finishes increases.
- Competitive Nature: Hemric’s drive can lead to unexpected top-tier finishes.
Fantasy Lineup Strategy
When constructing your Las Vegas NASCAR fantasy lineup, consider these strategies to optimize your choices:
- Diversify Your Picks: Include a mix of veterans and younger drivers to capitalize on varying skill sets.
- Monitor Practice Sessions: Pay close attention to practice results and qualifying times to gauge driver performance.
- Focus on Recent Trends: Analyze recent race performances and consistency rates of drivers before finalizing your lineup.
Case Study: Success Story
Last season, a fantasy player focused on drivers like Erik Jones and Daniel Hemric, capitalizing on their consistent finishes and value. By monitoring their performances leading up to the Las Vegas race, he secured a top-tier finish in his league, benefiting from their strong showings amidst competitive fields.
Practical Tips for Fantasy NASCAR Players
- Research Track Characteristics: Understand how Las Vegas’s 1.5-mile oval affects driver performance.
- Utilize Social Media Insights: Follow drivers and teams on social media for updates on their preparation and mindset.
- Engage with the Community: Join NASCAR fantasy forums to share insights and get tips from other players.
Final Thoughts on the Las Vegas Race
As the Las Vegas NASCAR race approaches, keeping a close eye on the performances of Erik Jones, Ryan Preece, and Daniel Hemric will be critical for your fantasy strategy. Each driver has unique strengths and potential for strong finishes, making them valuable assets to your lineup. Remember to stay updated on track conditions and team strategies as race day draws near to maximize your chances of success in your fantasy league!
