Fantasy Preview: Kentucky

We're on the quite possibly the biggest wild card race of the year at the Kentucky Speedway. This is because of the lack of history here, it's only the second race the Sprint Cup Series has run at this 1.5 mile track. Kyle Busch took home the inaugural win here last year, so you have to tab him as a favorite at least. As for my suggestions this week, I'm not going to tab favorites, darkhorses, and one's to stay away from due to the lack of data on this track. Instead, I'm just going to name five drivers who I think can get the job done, for a few different reasons, but mainly because of their skill on 1.5 mile tracks.

Fantasy Preview: Kentucky

1. Kyle Busch: He won the first race here last year and pretty much dominated the event, so you have to give him a nod. Busch typically runs well at tracks such as Texas and Atlanta as well, which are also 1.5 mile tracks. They aren't too similar, but at least it's something to base off of.

2. Jimmie Johnson: When isn't this guy good on a track? Johnson finished third in his first Kentucky race and he always seems to adapt to any track very quickly. Johnson has won on every other 1.5 mile track in NASCAR except for Chicagoland and Homestead, and Chicagoland does have similarities to Kentucky, but that shouldn't phase Johnson. 

3. Jeff Gordon: Just like Johnson, this guy can win anywhere. He finished 10th in his first Kentucky start and he's always had a knack for winning at new tracks quick (a la his inaugural wins at Indy and Kansas). Kentucky is also one of only two tracks Gordon has never won on (the other being Homestead).

4. Denny Hamlin: He finished 11th in his first Kentucky start and has career victories at other 1.5 mile tracks such as Kansas, Texas, and Homestead. Thats all I've got for Hamlin, but I have a good feeling about him.

5. Matt Kenseth: As consistent of a driver as you can get, he'll adapt anywhere. Finished 7th in his first Kentucky start and I expect him to back it up.

Good luck picking this week, your guess is as good as mine for this race!