This article is part of our NASCAR DFS series.
Pocono Organics 150
Location: Long Pond, Pa.
Course: Pocono Raceway
Format: 2.5-mile tri-oval
Laps: 60
Race Preview
Kyle Busch captured his second victory of the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck series when the series was last on track at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Tyler Ankrum finished second as the highest-placing full-time driver in the series and now holds 10th position in the playoff standings, four points behind Brett Moffitt and the cut-off line. Ross Chastain, who finished third at Homestead, returns to Pocono this week as the defending winner. He led 54 of the 60 laps in that race last season with Ankrum finishing second. Grant Enfinger remains the only full-time series driver with a win so far this season, and the race for the playoff positions remains a tight battle among a number of drivers. Positions fifth through 12th are separated by just 16 points, making this week's race a critical opportunity for one of those drivers to separate from the pack.
Key Stats at Pocono Raceway
- Number of races: 10
- Winners from pole: 4
- Winners from top-5 starters: 9
- Winners from top-10 starters: 10
- Winners from 21st or lower starters: 0
- Fastest race: 136.813 mph
Previous 10 Pocono Winners
2019 - Ross Chastain
2018 - Kyle Busch
2017 - Christopher Bell
2016 - William Byron
2014 - Kyle Busch
2013 - Austin Dillon
2012 - Ryan Blaney
2011 - Joey Coulter
2010 - Kevin Harvick
2009 - Elliott Sadler
The three distinct corners of Pocono Raceway make the track a challenge for drivers and teams. Truck setups will focus on one section of the track and compromise on others. Being able to exit any of the turns at maximum velocity will enable passes to be made at the end of the circuit's long straights. Handling and tire wear throughout fuel runs will separate the field, and the teams that get the settings right early in the day will hold a distinct advantage throughout the race distance. Those who need to make adjustments will have plenty of opportunities to go off strategy, though. The long lap distance allows for a number of different options to pit without losing a lap. No driver has won at the track in the series starting farther back than sixth, and only three times has the winner not started on the front row.
DRAFTKINGS VALUE PICKS (Based on Standard $50K Salary Cap)
DraftKings Tier 1 Values
Ross Chastain - $11,500
Stewart Friesen - $10,900
Brett Moffitt - $10,600
Brandon Jones - $10,100
DraftKings Tier 2 Values
Johnny Sauter - $9,900
Matt Crafton - $9,700
Tyler Ankrum - $9,500
DraftKings Tier 3 Values
Zane Smith - $8,600
Ben Rhodes - $8,400
Christian Eckes - $8,200
DraftKings Long-Shot Values
Grant Enfinger - $7,800
Brennan Poole - $7,500
Parker Kligerman - $7,300
Ty Majeski - $7,100
My Picks
Brett Moffitt - $10,600
Tyler Ankrum - $9,500
Ben Rhodes - $8,400
Brennan Poole - $7,500
Ty Majeski - $7,100
Austin Wayne Self - $6,500
With two top-fives from three Pocono starts, Brett Moffitt makes a logical top choice this week. He didn't get the result he wanted or needed at Homestead, but should be back in the saddle to keep moving forward this week in Pocono. Tyler Ankrum was the Pocono runner-up last season and is just four points out of the playoff positions after a second-place finish last time out at Homestead. Ben Rhodes scored three top-10 finishes in the last 10 races and hasn't finished lower than 11th in any of his four series Pocono starts. He will start Saturday's race from sixth position. Brennan Poole has finished better than his starting position in all but one truck series race so far this season. He has an excellent opportunity to do that again this week with a 29th-place start. Ty Majeski has two top-10s in the last five races and hasn't finished lower than 19th in any truck race since Daytona. Lastly, Austin Wayne Self has racked up three top-20 finishes since the season and has been knocking on the door of the top 15. He has an average finish of 18.5 from four Pocono starts and could grab that top-15 finish this weekend if all goes well.
