The Favorite: Matt Kenseth
Stats at Bristol:
- Wins: 4
- Top-5’s: 13
- Top-10’s: 20
- Laps Led: 1,572
It hasn’t exactly been a flashy year for Matt Kenseth so far.
He started 2016 off with just two top-10’s in the first ten races of the season but has since rebounded with wins at Dover and Loudon, making him one of just six drivers to win multiple races this year.
He returns to a familiar venue this weekend in Bristol. Throughout his career, he’s been solid at the track, earning four wins (2005, 2006, 2013, 2015) while posting an average finish of 13.5 in 33 races.
Kenseth has the most top-5’s and top-10’s among active, full-time drivers. He’ll be looking to tie both Kyle Busch and Kurt Busch in wins among active drivers with five.
He’s has had some dominant days at Bristol, like when he led 415 of 500 laps in his 2005 win, but there’s another reason he’s more than capable of winning this weekend: his recent success at the track.
Kenseth has led at least 25 laps in nine out of the last ten races with four days of at least 110 laps led. He has two wins in that ten-race stretch and has finished sixth or better in half of those races.
With tons of experience at a tricky track as well as a recent streak of success at Bristol, Matt Kenseth will serve as the favorite heading into the weekend.
Next: Looking For A Spark