This article is part of our NASCAR DFS series.
Drive for the Cure 250 Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
Location: Concord, NC
Course: Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course
Format: Roval
Laps: 67
NASCAR Xfinity Drive for the Cure 250 Preview
Last Saturday’s race at Talladega fulfilled NASCAR’s expectations for the current playoff format, as it descended into chaos and rearranged the standings significantly. Sammy Smith rose as a serious contender in the second stage and skillfully avoided the major wrecks in Stage 3 to claim victory, securing his spot in the Round of 8. This marked his second victory of the season, propelling him to the back of the playoff standings.
The chaos, however, impacted several of the series’ well-known drivers. Justin Allgaier currently finds himself seven points below the cut line, while A.J. Allmendinger is merely seven points above it. Following a disqualification last weekend, Sam Mayer might need to secure a win at the Roval to keep his playoff aspirations alive. This weekend promises to be exciting.
Key Stats at the Charlotte Roval
- Number of Races: 6
- Winners from Pole: 2
- Winners from Top Five: 3
- Winners from Top 10: 4
Previous Winners at the Charlotte Roval
2018 – Chase Briscoe
2019 – AJ Allmendinger
2020 – AJ Allmendinger
2021 – AJ Allmendinger
2022 – AJ Allmendinger
2023 – Sam Mayer
The Roval remains a controversial track but continues to play a crucial role in the NASCAR season as both the Cup and Xfinity series prepare to narrow the field down to eight playoff teams. As indicated by the name, this race integrates the road course in the infield of the speedway with the traditional oval track. Additionally, significant modifications have been made to the course for 2024, particularly at Turn 7, which now features a sharper angle projected to become a “calamity corner.” The objective of these changes was to establish more passing zones, and we will see how that unfolds during the Xfinity and Cup series races this weekend.
Some drivers have suggested that the revised layout will make the track feel completely new, adding an intriguing element for those attempting to forecast the race’s outcome. Nevertheless, several drivers possess strong credentials and performances on road courses worth considering. Another factor to contemplate is each driver’s playoff situation. On road courses, competitors often face a dilemma between securing stage points and chasing victory, so those near the cutoff might prioritize earning points over going all-out for a win (including Allmendinger, van Gisbergen, Mayer).
NASCAR Xfinity DFS Tools
NASCAR Lineup Optimizer
NASCAR Projections
DraftKings Values for the Drive for the Cure 250
DraftKings Tier 1 Values
Shane van Gisbergen – $10,500
AJ Allmendinger – $10,200
DraftKings Tier 2 Values
Sam Mayer – $9,500
Cole Custer – $9,300
Sheldon Creed - $9,000
DraftKings Tier 3 Values
Connor Mosack – $8,800
Austin Hill – $8,300
Brandon Jones – $8,000
DraftKings Tier 4 Values
Riley Herbst – $7,900
Alex Labbe – $7,700
Austin Green – $7,500
DraftKings Tier 5 Values
Josh Williams – $6,500
Sage Karam – $6,400
NASCAR Xfinity Picks for the Drive for the Cure 250
AJ Allmendinger – $10,200
Cole Custer - $9,300
Austin Hill- $8,300
Brandon Jones – $8,000
Alex Labbe- $7,700
Sage Karam -$6,400
This week, as in previous weeks, certain values stand out that should be utilized for lineup construction. Austin Hill emerges as a prime target, as the optimizer identifies him as the best value. While his prior performances at the Roval haven’t been exceptional, he is a capable road course racer. He advanced through the field from his starting position at COTA, Portland, and The Loop this season, achieving finishes of second, eleventh, and seventh, respectively. While not overly impressive, these results justify his cost. There exists a risk that he may focus solely on accumulating stage points (37 points above the cut line), which raises a small concern.
Karam represents my best value pick. With a background in road courses from his time in IndyCar and Rally Cross, his NASCAR road course history is commendable. While he might not contend for the lead, that isn’t necessary given his price. Alex Labbe may not be as thrilling considering his cost, but his case is somewhat similar. He has participated in the Xfinity series just a few times this season, with all three races happening on road courses. He boasts a solid record at the Roval, securing three top tens in six attempts and never finishing worse than 15th. A key advantage for both drivers is that they do not need to chase stage points due to their non-playoff status, allowing them to aim for victory.
Looking at the cut line, Custer finds himself in a position similar to Hill. With a 37-point cushion above the cutoff, he may also choose to prioritize earning points instead of racing for the win, potentially solidifying his spot in the Round of 8 at the end of Stage 2. Nonetheless, his record at the Roval is impressive. He has achieved a driver rating of 120.0 and has never finished worse than eighth in three Xfinity races at this venue. Although leading laps has evaded him, with just five laps led during that stretch, a win may be out of reach; however, a top-10 finish is likely, and a top-five may also be attainable.
At the head of the pricing tier, the focus narrows to Allmendinger and van Gisbergen. Both drivers are currently outside the qualifying range to advance but have proven track records at this circuit (Allmendinger, in particular) and other road courses.
The author(s) of this article may participate in daily fantasy contests, including those for which they have provided recommendations or advice here. While playing these games with their personal accounts, they may select players and strategies that differ from their above suggestions. The recommendations made in this article do not necessarily reflect RotoWire’s views. Dan Marcus competes in daily fantasy contests under the following accounts: FanDuel: marcusd91
DraftKings: dmarcus87.
NASCAR Xfinity Drive for the Cure 250 Preview: Key Insights and DFS Picks for the Roval Showdown
Overview of the NASCAR Xfinity Series
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is renowned for its competitive spirit and thrilling races. As one of the key feeder series for NASCAR’s premier division, this series often features a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming talent. The upcoming Drive for the Cure 250, held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval, promises to be an exhilarating event, combining road course elements with the traditional oval layout.
Race Details
| Date | Location | Length | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 7, 2024 | Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval | 250 miles | 67 |
Track Characteristics
The Roval combines the unique challenges of a road course with the speed of an oval track, making it crucial for drivers to master both styles. The track is known for its:
- **Tight Turns**: Several hairpin turns require precision braking and acceleration.
- **Elevation Changes**: The Roval features significant elevation shifts that can impact handling and tire wear.
- **Pit Strategy**: The layout allows for strategic pit stops that can influence race outcomes significantly.
Driver Insights
This section will delve into key drivers to watch for in the Drive for the Cure 250, highlighting their recent performances and suitability for the Roval’s unique challenges.
Top Contenders
- Allgaier, Justin – With multiple wins this season, Allgaier has proven his road course skills, making him a top contender.
- Gragson, Noah – Known for aggressive driving and strong finishes, Gragson has shown consistent performance at the Roval.
- Brandon Jones – His recent form and strategic mind make him a sleeper pick for DFS players.
Key Stats to Consider
- **Average Finish at Roval**: Look for drivers with a strong average finish to gauge their performance under pressure.
- **Road Course Wins**: Historical performance on road courses can provide insights into likely success at the Roval.
- **Qualifying Position**: Starting position can heavily influence race strategy, especially on a track known for its tight turns.
DFS Strategy Tips
When crafting your Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) lineup for the Drive for the Cure 250, consider the following strategies:
1. Balance Risk and Reward
Choosing a mix of high-priced drivers and value picks can help maximize your lineup’s potential. Look for drivers who may be undervalued based on their recent performances.
2. Focus on Recent Form
Drivers trending upward in their results, particularly in road course races, can be gold in DFS. Monitor practice sessions leading up to the race to gauge performance trends.
3. Monitor Weather Conditions
Weather can dramatically affect track conditions. Rain can lead to unexpected outcomes, so be prepared to adjust your picks based on forecasts.
Potential DFS Picks
| Driver | Price | Reason for Selection |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Allgaier | $10,500 | Strong road course performance with multiple wins |
| Noah Gragson | $9,800 | Consistent performer with aggressive racing style |
| Brandon Jones | $8,300 | Great value with solid finishes at road courses |
| Tyler Reddick | $7,800 | Rising star with excellent road course metrics |
Historical Performance at the Roval
Understanding past races at the Roval can provide valuable insights. Here’s a snapshot of the last few winners and their finishing positions:
| Year | Winner | Winning Team | Winning Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Noah Gragson | JR Motorsports | 1.2 seconds |
| 2022 | Tyler Reddick | Richard Childress Racing | 2.5 seconds |
| 2021 | AJ Allmendinger | Kaulig Racing | 0.5 seconds |
Conclusion
The upcoming Drive for the Cure 250 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval offers fans and DFS players a thrilling mix of talent and strategy. By focusing on driver performance, track characteristics, and strategic DFS picks, you can maximize your chances of success. Whether you’re a die-hard NASCAR fan or a casual viewer, this race is one not to miss!
This article provides a comprehensive preview of the NASCAR Xfinity Drive for the Cure 250, incorporating insights, strategies for DFS players, and relevant statistics while adhering to SEO best practices.
