This article is part of our NASCAR DFS series.
FEDEX 400
Location: Dover, Del.
Course: Dover International Speedway
Format: 1.0-mile oval
Laps: 400
Race Preview
Dover International Speedway is a unique circuit on the schedule due to its steep banking and concrete surface. The banking in the turns is a full 24 degrees while the straights are at a nine-degree angle, which is the same banking in the corners of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The track is nicknamed the "Monster Mile" due to its harsh nature. The surface is very abrasive on tires, and four-tire stops on pit road will be the norm Sunday. The track distance and difficult conditions can stretch the field, which can sometimes allow for teams to play the fuel-strategy game. Passing is generally done on the inside, but drivers must be very careful to avoid the apron and its more shallow banking. Staying on top of the track can be just as important as racing your fellow competitors here. The one driver more successful than any other at that has been Jimmie Johnson, who has nine total wins at the track and three from the last six races there.
Key Stats at Dover International Speedway
• Races: 90
• Wins from pole: 13
• Wins from top-5 starters: 53
• Wins from top-10 starters: 71
• Wins fro 21st or lower starters: 5
• Fastest race: 132.719 mph
Last 10 Dover Winners
2014 fall – Jeff Gordon
2014 spring – Jimmie Johnson
2013 fall – Jimmie Johnson
2013 spring – Tony Stewart
2012 fall – Brad Keselowski
2012 spring – Jimmie Johnson
2011 fall – Kurt Busch
2011 spring – Matt Kenseth
2010 fall – Jimmie Johnson
2010 spring – Kyle Busch
Dover International Speedway has recently been the playground of Jimmie Johnson, and more broadly Hendrick Motorsports. Hendrick drivers have won four of the last six races at the concrete oval, with Johnson and Jeff Gordon virtually locking out the top statistical categories among active drivers. The track has a tendency to punish mistakes, and the tight racing makes for a long 400 miles where everyone has to be on their toes. Maximizing grip will be a priority for the teams, and with four-tire stops being the order of the day the crews will have their work cut out for them to remain mistake free and choose the right adjustments. Teams that fail to find the proper setup early may find themselves in too deep of a hole to overcome.
DRAFTKINGS VALUE PICKS (Based on Standard $50K Salary Cap)
DraftKings Tier 1 Values
Jimmie Johnson - $13,000
Jeff Gordon - $11,700
Carl Edwards - $11,500
Kyle Busch - $10,300
DraftKings Tier 2 Values
Martin Truex Jr. - $10,200
Ryan Newman - $9,800
Jamie McMurray - $9,400
Greg Biffle - $8,800
DraftKings Tier 3 Values
Paul Menard - $8,400
Aric Almirola - $8,000
A.J. Allmendinger - $8,000
DraftKings Long-Shot Values
Danica Patrick - $8,000
Casey Mears - $7,700
Trevor Bayne - $7,700
THIS WEEK'S PICKS
Lower-Risk Cash Game Lineup ($50K Salary Cap)
Jimmie Johnson - $13,000
Kyle Busch - $10,300
Martin Truex Jr. - $10,200
Paul Menard - $8,400
Aric Almirola - $8,000
Jimmie Johnson is simply the best active driver at Dover, and therefore is the logical powerhouse choice this week. Surviving last week's marathon of 600 miles, Busch proved that he is back and aiming for a championship. His recovery from injury is officially complete, and he is now in search of victory. Truex has only failed to finish inside the top 10 once this season and continues to put himself in position to win in every outing. Consistent improvement is becoming the trademark of Menard. He finished 10th in this race last season, and is fighting to remain in contention for a spot in the Chase for the Championship. Perhaps the most overlooked driver in the series, Almirola offers consistent finishes at a rock-bottom price.
Higher-Risk Tournament Lineup ($50K Salary Cap)
Kevin Harvick - $13,900
Denny Hamlin - $10,800
Ryan Newman - $9,800
Danica Patrick - $8,000
Landon Cassill - $7,500
Despite not being the dominant force last weekend in Charlotte, Harvick continues to be the fastest car on the circuit. He has never won at Dover, but has two top-10s in the last four races there. A disappointing 41st-place finish in Kansas City spurred Hamlin on to a fantastic two weeks at Charlotte, and it would seem as though he is in line for some more wins. Newman, despite NASCAR's penalties, remains one of the most consistent top finishers in the field, returning to the top-10 finishers again last week. With teammates like Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch it would be hard for some of that speed not to rub off on Patrick, and she showed that promise at the track last season and needs a stronger finish this week to turn things around in her garage.
