X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

NASCAR Truck Series: DraftKings DFS Lineup Picks for Gateway Toyota 200 (6/3/23)

Justin Carter's DraftKings DFS lineup picks for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Toyota 200 at Gateway. Read his daily fantasy NASCAR advice and Truck sleepers.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series heads to Gateway—otherwise known as World Wide Technology Raceway—on Saturday. One change this week: one of the top drivers in the series, Corey Heim, is missing this race because of illness. Considering Heim won here last year, that opens things up a little more for this year's visit to St. Louis.

Last week, the Truck Series raced at Charlotte and was the only one of NASCAR's top three series to not have its weekend messed up by rain. Ben Rhodes won that race, while Corey Heim finished second and saw his lead in the points move to 26 points. But with Heim out this week, Ty Majeski might find himself leading the standings after Saturday's race.

Here at RotoBaller, we want to help you make informed decisions about your DFS lineups, which is why I'll be breaking down the slates for the Craftsman Truck Series. Let's look at some NASCAR Truck Series DFS lineup picks for the Toyota 200 on DraftKings. Be sure to also check out our NASCAR Premium Tools for Truck Series including our DFS Lineup Optimizer and powerful Research Station. This slate locks on 6/3/2023 at 1:44 p.m. ET.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

Truck Series DFS Preview - DraftKings

Be sure to also check out all of our other weekly NASCAR DFS articles and analysis to help you set your optimal DFS lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel. 

 

Zane Smith - $10,800

Starting 6th

Zane Smith's never won at Gateway, but with the way he's run here in the past, he's got to be considered one of the favorites, especially with last year's winner not racing this weekend.

Smith has run four races at Gateway and while his best finish was fifth, he's led double-digit laps in three of his starts here, including leading 45 of the 160 laps in the 2020 race before fading to seventh at the end.

I'm not sure I'd call Smith the favorite, but he should be in the mix all day. Starting sixth doesn't offer much in the way of place differential upside, but if you think Smith's easily a top-five driver in this race, which I do, then there's a little bit of added bonus there, and that could sometimes make a big difference.

 

Christian Eckes - $9,500

Starting 3rd

I'd put Eckes just slightly higher than Smith in my "who would I place a bet on to win Saturday's race" power rankings. Eckes was faster on Friday, going second-quickest in practice and then qualifying third.

Eckes had a lot of bad luck here earlier in his career, with three DNFs in five Gateway starts. But he's also led 100 laps here in his career and finally put it all together last season, finishing second here and leading nine laps in the process. The truck he's in this season might not be as consistently good as his old ride, but Eckes has had higher highs, with a career-high two wins already through 11 races. He's been getting things done, and I wouldn't at all be surprised to see him in victory lane on Saturday.

 

Matt Crafton - $8,700

Starting 34th

Now that we've looked at a couple of drivers starting near the front, let's get to our place differential drivers, starting with Matt Crafton.

In practice, Crafton showed a lot of speed, going fourth fastest. Thorsport as a whole looked fast in practice, with three of the top five trucks belonging to the team.

But Crafton failed inspection before qualifying and has to start from the back. Bad for him from an IRL perspective, but it makes him an easy play in DFS—even if he won't be contending for a win like he might have been had he got out and turned a qualifying lap, he should be able to go +20 or better in place differential.

 

Did you know RotoBaller has a Premium DFS NASCAR subscription?

Like what you're reading? You can show your support for Justin by using promo code CARTER when purchasing a NASCAR Premium Pass. You get 10% off and full access to all of our Premium NASCAR articles, DFS tools, and Lineup Optimizer!

 

Rajah Caruth - $7,400

Starting 35th

Another big place differential play here is Rajah Caruth, who was unable to run a qualifying lap and starts 35th.

Caruth's first full-time Truck Series campaign hasn't gone as well as I expected it to, with one top 10 and an average finish of 21.5 through the first 11 races of the season. But the last two races that he didn't crash in were his two best finishes of the year, as he was sixth at Darlington and 11th at Charlotte.

Last year, Caruth made his Truck Series debut here in the Spire No. 7 truck, starting 19th and finishing 11th. That solid showing combined with his recent increase in performance should mean a lot of place differential points will be coming Caruth's way on Saturday, assuming he keeps the truck clean.

 

Dean Thompson - $7,100

Starting 16th

Dean Thompson has had a weird season. He's shown a lot of speed at times, but already has five DNFs. FIVE. In just 11 races!

But when he finishes a race, he does pretty well, including last week when he finished third at Charlotte. He's had top 10s in two of the last three races, with the exception in the middle being North Wilkesboro, where he crashed.

So, yeah...Thompson is risky because he's always in danger of just crashing out of a race. But I also think some of these crashes are pretty fluky—wrong place, wrong time, you know? If he keeps it clean, he's got a great shot at gaining some positions and getting a top 10.

 

Conner Jones - $6,300

Starting 24th

Jones was 14th in practice, finishing a good bit behind the other Thorsport trucks but still showing decent speed. In qualifying, Thorsport trucks took the top two spots, and Jones was 24th. He definitely isn't performing like his teammates.

But the fact that this team as a whole has been fast this weekend gives me hope that Jones will find some speed as the day goes on on Saturday. Jones has run twice in this truck so far this season, and while one ended with a mechanical failure, the other saw him finish 18th at Martinsville.

If Jones can keep the truck clean, I think he could sneak into the top 15. At $6,300, that makes him a pretty good value.

NASCAR DFS News and Driver Outlooks

More Fantasy NASCAR Analysis



The Keys to Weekly NASCAR Success

NASCAR is back, and it's time for you to win more with RotoBaller!
Our NASCAR Premium Package for DFS and betting features several heavy hitters and proven winners.

Jordan McAbee anchors the team with his exclusive NASCAR DFS and betting picks, DFS projections and algorithm-predicted finishing order! Jordan had a 60+ unit betting profit in 2024 NASCAR, and a 25% average annual profit since 2018. He won the FSWA Racing Writer Of The Year award in 2023, and has been nominated for DFS Writer Of The Year in 2024.

Five-time NASCAR Racing Writer of the Year finalist and fantasy industry legend Scott "The King" Engel is also in the crew, bringing you his weekly strategies and lineup picks. Set your winning DFS lineups with our award-winning team. He has been nominated once again in 2024 for this award.

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
Jordan Lawlar

to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dane Belton

Should Have a Role in 2025
Kaiir Elam

Flashes During Offseason Workouts
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF