This article is part of our NASCAR DFS series.
United Rentals 250
Location: Talladega, Alabama
Course: Talladega Superspeedway
Format: Tri-Oval
Laps: 94 laps
NASCAR Xfinity United Rentals 250
The Xfinity playoff schedule welcomes Talladega back for the first time in two years, serving as the venue for the second postseason race. Although Aric Almirola claimed victory last weekend, his status as a non-playoff driver means no one has yet secured a spot in the next round. Similar to trends observed in the Cup series, high-profile drivers like AJ Allmendinger and Justin Allgaier are currently below the cutoff line. This is a crucial weekend for Allgaier, especially since his track record at Talladega isn’t strong (he has four top-five finishes across 17 races). the unpredictable nature of the track may provide opportunities for contenders like Parker Kligerman and Sammy Smith to move up in the playoff standings.
Key Stats at Talladega
- Number of Races: 36
- Winners from Pole: 3
- Winners from Top Five: 12
- Winners from Top Ten: 19
Previous 10 Talladega Winners
2024 – Jesse Love
2023 – Jeb Burton
2022- AJ Allmendinger
2022- Noah Gragson
2021- Brandon Brown
2021- Jeb Burton
2020 – Justin Haley
2020- Justin Haley
2019- Tyler Reddick
2018- Spencer Gallagher
As previously mentioned and typical of most superspeedway events, Talladega is known for its unpredictability due to the potential for large wrecks, often referred to as the ”Big One.” The history of the track corroborates this, given the rarity of multi-time winners and the minimal impact of pole positions or high starting spots.
This aspect adds an intriguing layer to the playoff round, contrasting sharply with both the Kansas race and the upcoming Roval event. Similar to Daytona, Talladega features the longest oval track of the season, with the start/finish line located approximately a quarter-mile off-center.
NASCAR Xfinity DFS Tools
NASCAR Lineup Optimizer
NASCAR Projections
DraftKings Value Picks for the United Rentals 250
Based on a Standard $50K Salary Cap
Tier 1 DraftKings Values
Austin Hill – $10,300
Jesse Love – $9,800
Tier 2 DraftKings Values
Sheldon Creed- $9,300
Riley Herbst- $8,700
Parker Kligerman – $8,500
Tier 3 DraftKings Values
Ryan Sieg – $7,800
Carson Kvapil-$7,700
Anthony Alfredo- $7,300
Tier 4 DraftKings Values
Jeb Burton – $6,900
NASCAR Xfinity Picks for the United Rentals 250
Jesse Love – $9,800
Sheldon Creed- $9,300
Parker Kligerman- $8,500
Ryan Sieg – $7,800
Carson Kvapil – $7,700
Jeb Burton – $6,900
We have clear options at both ends of the pricing spectrum while the mid-range offers more variability. Jeb Burton is highlighted as a solid punt choice. The RotoWire optimizer indicates he provides the third-best value and is projected 13th overall. His track record at superspeedways reflects this, with an impressive 95.3 driver rating at Talladega since 2021 (over six races), alongside respectable results at Daytona.
At the top price point, Hill and Love are the standout choices. Hill is favored, but building a lineup that includes him can be challenging, prompting the switch to Love in our example lineup. Hill has a strong track history, consistently qualifying on the pole for three consecutive races and securing a second-place spot on another occasion in 2022. While those efforts haven’t always led to strong finishes, his consistent speed suggests that success is forthcoming. Love, having only one start at Talladega which resulted in a win, is not as predictive. Nonetheless, his consistent speed is evident from his playoff standings position.
As we explore options further, Creed emerges as a leading contender among Tier 2 drivers, boasting a 99.3 driver rating across four races since 2021. His narrative is similar to Hill’s; he excels in qualifying but has had less success in race outcomes. This Saturday, luck may tip in his favor, but he is likely to be fast. While Creed is a strong choice, he does come at a premium price. Opting for Herbst within the same tier would allow for a budget-friendly build with the opportunity to invest in Hill, leaving some extra salary cap remaining. Herbst and Kligerman record nearly identical driver ratings (94.2 vs. 94.1), with Kligerman showcasing better form as the season progresses.
In Tier 3, relatively safe options include Sieg and Alfredo. These are trustworthy picks, but I aim to include Kvapil in lineups. He is likely making his final Xfinity appearance of the season before moving to a full-time role in 2025. His performance in this limited opportunity has been mostly excellent, offering great upside for his price point.
The author(s) of this article may participate in daily fantasy contests, including games for which they have provided recommendations or advice in this text. While utilizing their personal accounts, they might select players or use strategies that differ from the recommendations mentioned. The views in this article do not necessarily represent RotoWire. Dan Marcus plays in daily fantasy contests with the following accounts: FanDuel: marcusd91
DraftKings: dmarcus87.
Navigating the Chaos: NASCAR Xfinity United Rentals 250 Preview and DFS Strategy
Race Overview
The NASCAR Xfinity Series is a thrilling part of the NASCAR ecosystem, showcasing some of the best up-and-coming talent in motorsports. The upcoming United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway promises to be an action-packed race filled with high-speed thrills and unexpected twists. Given the unique characteristics of Talladega, understanding the dynamics of this race is crucial for both fans and those participating in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS).
Understanding Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega is known for its massive tri-oval track that stretches 2.66 miles and features steep banking, allowing for high speeds and tight packs of cars. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Track Type: Superspeedway, which promotes drafting.
- Length: 2.66 miles, the longest track in NASCAR.
- Banking: 33 degrees in the turns, facilitating high-speed racing.
- Race Format: Typically includes multiple stages, with a focus on strategy for pit stops and tire management.
Key Drivers to Watch
As the Xfinity playoffs continue, certain drivers are poised to make significant impacts in the United Rentals 250. Here are some key contenders to keep an eye on:
| Driver | Team | 2023 Talladega Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Cole Custer | Stewart-Haas Racing | Points leader, consistent top-10 finishes. |
| Noah Gragson | Legacy Motor Club | Strong drafting skills, past success on superspeedways. |
| Austin Hill | Richard Childress Racing | Recent winner at Daytona, high momentum. |
DFS Strategy for the United Rentals 250
When participating in DFS for the United Rentals 250, here are some strategies to enhance your lineup:
1. Focus on Superspeedway Specialists
Some drivers excel at superspeedways due to their skill in drafting and positioning. Target these specialists in your lineup:
- Look for drivers with a history of strong finishes at Talladega and Daytona.
- Prioritize drivers who have performed well in the Xfinity Series during superspeedway races.
2. Build Around High-Value Drivers
Select a mix of high-priced and budget-friendly drivers:
- High-priced drivers are often leading contenders, but include a few mid-range options who can capitalize on chaos.
- Budget drivers can be potential wild cards, especially if they start towards the back.
3. Monitor Practice and Qualifying Times
Practice sessions can provide invaluable information regarding driver performance and car setup:
- Pay close attention to drafting patterns during practice.
- Qualifying can influence starting positions, affecting potential point-scoring opportunities in DFS.
4. Consider Weather Conditions
Weather can play a significant role in superspeedway racing:
- Rain can affect track conditions and race strategy.
- Wind can influence drafting dynamics, so keep an eye on forecasts leading up to race day.
The Importance of Pit Strategies
Pit strategy can be a game-changer in the United Rentals 250:
- Monitor how teams approach pit stops, especially during cautions.
- Drivers who save fuel and tires may have a strategic edge during the closing laps.
Case Studies: Previous Talladega Races
Examining past races can provide insights into successful strategies:
- 2023 Spring Race: Analyzing the top-5 finishers can help identify trends.
- 2022 Fall Race: Look at how drafting and late-race cautions influenced outcomes.
First-Hand Experiences from Talladega
Fans and DFS players often share valuable insights based on their experiences:
- Many emphasize the unpredictability of Talladega, where anything can happen in the final laps.
- Some participants suggest tracking driver communication on race day, as it can reveal insights into strategy changes.
Conclusion
Navigating the chaos of the NASCAR Xfinity United Rentals 250 requires a blend of strategic thinking and an understanding of the unique dynamics of superspeedway racing. By focusing on key drivers, implementing effective DFS strategies, and staying informed about race conditions, you can enhance your chances of success in both fan engagement and DFS participation.
