This article is part of our NASCAR DFS series.
Toyota Owners 400
Location: Richmond, Va.
Course: Richmond International Raceway
Format: 0.75-mile D-shaped oval
Laps: 400
Race Preview
Carl Edwards dominated the season's second short-track race last week in Bristol. The race was notable for a number of tire failures and other mistakes. We go short-track racing again this week in Richmond, which could become a flashpoint for a number of teams and drivers after the frustration began in Bristol. The Joe Gibbs Racing drivers have been stout on short tracks, but the tire issues encountered last week could slow them down this Sunday. Richmond, just like Bristol, consistently proves to be one of the more exciting racetracks on the calendar, and that should make this week's race a must-see event.
Key Stats at Richmond International Raceway
• Number of previous races: 119
• Winners from pole: 23
• Winners from top-5 starters: 67
• Winners from top-10 starters: 92
• Winners from 21st or lower starters: 10
• Fastest race: 109.047 mph
Last 10 Richmond Winners
2015 fall - Matt Kenseth
2015 spring - Kurt Busch
2014 fall - Brad Keselowski
2014 spring - Joey Logano
2013 fall - Carl Edwards
2013 spring - Kevin Harvick
2012 fall - Clint Bowyer
2012 spring - Kyle Busch
2011 fall - Kevin Harvick
2011 spring - Kyle Busch
While Richmond is a short track, it's bigger than Bristol. Traffic will still play a huge part in the race, but the wider turns offer a bit more room for side-by-side racing when compared to Bristol. That said, there is significantly less banking in the turns and that will put more pressure on right-side tires. Teams have been able to pull off two-tire stops to make big gains in the past, but with this being a day race and with last week's tire problems, we may see more teams than normal elect to change all four tires. Track position at a short track is always a factor in determining who will challenge for the win, and brakes will also need to be monitored throughout the afternoon.
DRAFTKINGS VALUE PICKS (Based on Standard $50K Salary Cap)
DraftKings Tier 1 Values
Kyle Busch - $11,000
Kevin Harvick - $10,600
Denny Hamlin - $10,400
Jimmie Johnson - $10,000
DraftKings Tier 2 Values
Brad Keselowski - $9,700
Dale Earnhardt Jr. - $9,300
Kurt Busch - $9,100
DraftKings Tier 3 Values
Martin Truex Jr. - $8,500
Kasey Kahne - $8,200
Jamie McMurray - $7,900
Ryan Newman - $7,400
DraftKings Long-Shot Values
Paul Menard - $6,700
Aric Almirola - $6,300
Casey Mears - $6,200
Trevor Bayne - $6,100
Brian Scott - $5,600
MY PICKS THIS WEEK
Lower-Risk Lineup ($50K Salary Cap)
Kyle Busch - $11,000
Kevin Harvick - $10,600
Denny Hamlin - $10,400
Greg Biffle - $6,500
David Ragan - $5,700
Brian Scott - $5,600
There is a way to sneak three of the top Richmond drivers into your lineup this week! Kyle Busch, despite last week's tire issues, is the hottest driver on the circuit and has the highest Richmond driver rating in the field at 110.4. Next in line is the driver with the second highest Richmond driver rating, Kevin Harvick (110.1). Your third selection is the driver with the third highest driver rating, Denny Hamlin (108.8). These drivers combine for nine total Richmond wins and all have been very competitive this season and on the short tracks. Filling out the remaining roster spots we have Greg Biffle, who finished 12th last week in Bristol, David Ragan and Brian Scott. Ragan had trouble last week in Bristol but has three Richmond top-fives to his credit, while Scott finished 22nd last fall in his only Sprint Cup start at the track.
Higher-Risk Lineup ($50K Salary Cap)
Matt Kenseth - $10,100
Brad Keselowski - $9,700
Kurt Busch - $9,100
Ryan Newman - $7,400
Clint Bowyer - $7,200
Aric Almirola - $6,300
Matt Kenseth is another driver who suffered trouble at Bristol after initially appearing to be a contender for the win. Bad luck has haunted this team since the start of the season, but the poor results aren't from a lack of pace. If Kenseth can sidestep problems in Richmond, he should be in line for a top finish. Penske Racing's Brad Keselowski overcame car damage and barged his way forward in Bristol last week before slipping to an 18th-place finish. He has three top-10 Richmond finishes from the last four races. Kurt Busch led 41 laps last week in Bristol and finished third. He also won this race last season. Newman snagged a top-10 last week, which should build his confidence this week. While the high attrition in Bristol helped boost Clint Bowyer to his best finish of the season, it's still a sign that there are times he can be a valuable fantasy option. Similar circumstances could play out this week, and that makes him worth a gamble one more time. Finally, Aric Almirola is largely an overlooked driver in the series. Last week's Bristol race was a tough one for him, but he has three top-10 Richmond finishes from eight starts. This team can outperform expectations, and his price this week makes him a relative bargain.
