RADIO
After a LONG week off after Bristol, NASCAR returns with no more breaks this season (loud clapping and cheers). This week, the cup series heads to Darlington for the Bojangles' Southern 500. Drivers and fans alike get excited about this race for its awesome throwback theme.
Matt DiBenedetto had an incredible career race at Bristol two weeks ago. DiBenedetto announced that he would not be returning to Levine Family Racing in 2020, but will be hoping a team picks him up to give him the opportunity he deserves (you can hear my thoughts on the Garage Guys Fantasy Sports Podcast). Ultimately, the battle at Bristol came down to car condition, and Denny Hamlin took the victory at the last great coliseum. Hamlin, and Brad Keselowski are the last two drivers to win at Darlington. If the trend continues for Hamlin, we would see his seventh win of the season (pretty damn good year he's having). This track is tough, so be ready to see a veteran take control this Sunday.
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What We Learned At Bristol
- DiBenedetto is worthy of a spot on a large team
- Hamlin surpasses his 2019 win commitment
- Jimmie Johnson hasn't had a good week since his crew chief switch
- Ryan Newman knows how to stop a party
- Kyle Busch drives like no other at Bristol
DFS Lineup Sleepers - Bojangles' Southern 500
Chris Buescher
Buescher has been a decent play in DFS this season thus far, and you should expect that same energy this weekend at Darlington. Buescher has finished every race he's ran at this track with positive placement and a three-year average of 39.50 FPTS. Buescher shouldn't disappoint on race day this Sunday.
Austin Dillon
Dillon found himself in a funk at Bristol two weeks ago, and has been finding himself finishing behind rookie teammate Daniel Hemric lately. Dillon expects to be "the guy" at Richard Childress Racing, and I think he can be just that at this track on Sunday. Dillon's best finish at this track came in 2017 where he had a Top 5 finish.
Ryan Newman
Newman has become the go-to sleeper of the year considering how much he's found himself in this article each week. Newman has been a little up and down at this track since 2012, but he has a strong history and knows this track well. Overlook his bad finish last season, and plug the hot dog man in for a good value play this weekend.
DFS Lineup Avoids - Bojangles' Southern 500
Aric Almirola
The Rick and Morty Moon Man stache cant save this man from his woes at Darlington. Almirola has not once in his career finished this race with positive placement, and he's only been able to average 18 FPTS in the past three years. Don't turn to this Stewart Haas Racing driver this weekend if you need one.
William Byron
The young stallion William Byron is no match for Darlington and its tricky ways. Byron has a shocking -15 FPTS average at this track, which is a sure sign that he won't be anywhere near a lineup of mine this weekend. Byron still has a lot to learn about this track before I'm comfortable playing him.
Daniel Suarez
It should come as no surprise that Suarez made his way to the parked driver side of this article this week. Suarez has had two cup series races at this track, and he's finished poorly in both. Suarez's best finish at Darlington came last year in P29 after starting 16th. That alone should keep you from playing him but if you want more, Suarez averages -4 FPTS when running this track.
For any and all fantasy NASCAR questions, find me on Twitter @GarageGuyChase.
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