NASCAR: Fantasy Racing Picks for New Hampshire

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for their first trip of the season to the 1-mile flat oval.

After a predictable finish at Kentucky Speedway, NASCAR‘s top drivers head to New Hampshire Motor Speedway looking for grip as some still look for that win to get into the playoffs.

The next time NASCAR visits New Hampshire will be in the playoffs, so this weekend is crucial for many of the drivers already locked in the playoffs. For others, the trip to New Hampshire provides an opportunity to make the playoffs if the drivers can master the flat-track with tire grip concerns.

Start with Matt Kenseth

Kenseth ($9,300) has had an interesting two weeks. First it was announced during a media session that Kenseth wouldn’t be returning to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2018. Then less than a week later, Erik Jones was announced as the driver for the No. 20 car for the 2018 season.

So where does that leave Kenseth? Well, nothing has been announced as of yet for his 2018 plans, but he his headed to one of his best tracks to get his season back on track.

Kenseth has won two of the last four races at New Hampshire, and he will start 3rd in Sunday’s race. He has averaged 25.3 fantasy racing points per race this season. Kenseth needs a win at New Hampshire to help secure his spot in the playoffs and also secure a spot in the field for next year.

Drivers starting back in the pack

LOUDON, NH – JULY 14: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, sits in his car during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Overton’s 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 14, 2017 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Kyle Larson ($9,700) will start last after failing post-qualifying inspection. Larson was fastest in the first practice session and went on to lead all three rounds of qualifying before having to start from 39th. His starting position provides immediate upside, and he should be on all fantasy racing teams.

Ryan Newman ($7,300) will start 24th at New Hampshire and has the 8th best average finish among active drivers over the course of the past four races at New Hampshire. Newman has won at New Hampshire before and currently averages 29.2 fantasy racing points this season.

Team Penske Duo

LOUDON, NH – JULY 17: Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, leads Brad Keselowski, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Ford, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series New Hampshire 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 17, 2016 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images) /

Joey Logano ($8,800) and Brad Keselowski ($9,900) have the 2nd and 4th best average finish, respectively, at New Hampshire over the course of the past four races.

Logano hasn’t performed well since his encumbered win at Richmond Raceway in April. He is still averaging a respectable 34.9 fantasy points per race this season and will start 13th at New Hampshire. Keselowski on the other hand will start 10th at New Hampshire and has averaged a 8.2 finish in his most recent four races at New Hampshire.

Next: NASCAR: Who’s Hot & Who’s Not Heading Into New Hampshire

DiBenedetto as a sleeper

Matt DiBenedetto ($5,000) starts 16th, his best start of the season and has averaged more fantasy racing points than drivers starting further down the field at New Hampshire. DiBenedetto surprised NASCAR fans before with a 6th place finish at Bristol in 2016. Could a flat track and a good starting spot help find that magic again?

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