2017 PowerShares QQQ 300 Race Preview

2017 PowerShares QQQ 300 Race Preview
NASCAR Xfinity Series Betting Preview
Saturday February 25th, 3:30PM (EST) at Daytona International Speedway
by Jay Horne of NASCARWagers.com, NASCAR Handicapping Service

Last night, the Camping World Truck Series delivered in an unprecedented season opener filled with action packed racing. Spearheaded by NASCAR’s new 3 segment race format, Truck Series’ drivers displayed incredible racing from the first lap to the drop of the checkered flag. Whether you love or hate this new format that awards points in every segment of the race, one thing that became obvious last night is the fact this format is going to produce fantastic racing. Today it is the Xfinity Series’ turn to get in on the action as an extremely talented field awaits the high banks of Daytona International Speedway. Take a look as we preview this star studded field to kick off the first Xfinity Series race of the season and provide our 2017 PowerShares QQQ 300 race preview!

If NASCAR’s new race format and the great racing from last night is not enough to get you excited for today’s race, then take a quick scroll down the entry list. Not only do we have several big names from the Cup Series (Austin Dillon, Brad Keselowski, Daniel Suarez, Kasey Kahne, and Erik Jones) but we also have perhaps the most talent ever in the Xfinity Series surrounding full-time drivers. William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Daniel Hemric, and Cole Custer have moved up from the Camping World Truck Series to full-time rides this year in the Xfinity Series. All 4 of those guys have had a considerable amount of success despite their young age especially Byron who burst onto the scene as a rookie last year to win 7 races; the most ever by a rookie in any series. Therefore those drivers will join a very talented stable of Xfinity Series regulars led by Elliott Sadler, Ty Dillon, Justin Allgaier, and others.

Therefore these Xfinity Series entry list are going to be stacked all year especially with the Monster Energy Cup Series drivers that will be rotating in and out of the schedule. As a result, we should see more competitive racing and more competitive odds throughout the season. In fact, the odds for tomorrow’s PowerShares QQQ 300 are pretty favorable considering you can get the likes of Erik Jones and Daniel Suarez at 10-1 and several other drivers that could legitimately win at even better prices. If you are looking for places to get in on the action, consider 5Dimes for the best odds. If you are looking for another book to shop around for the best odds or to maximize on betting limits, consider Bovada. Both sportsbooks will be huge for your long term potential this season.

For today’s race, I still warn all bettors to proceed with extreme caution. The first race of the season is often like the first game in the NFL where expectations are easily shattered. Restrictor plate racing in general is unpredictable and especially with all of the talent in the Xfinity Series this year. If you have the patience, I would suggest waiting until next week when NASCAR goes to Atlanta and we return to our traditional “handicapping” methods. If you cannot fight the urge, then consider the following tidbits before filling out your betting lineups:

First, please understand Brad Keselowski is the overall favorite to win tomorrow’s race and he deserves to be the heavy favorite. Keselowski has become one of the best restrictor plate drivers in the sport. While the #22 struggled on the traditional ovals in 2016, they were also really strong in both Daytona races last year with Joey Logano behind the wheel. Also, don’t let their struggles from 2016 to carry over to the new year. This is still one of the top programs in the sport and they will bounce back this season. Therefore Keselowski deserves to be atop all other competitors heading into this event.

Secondly I realize the names Erik Jones and Daniel Suarez may be appealing at fairly generous odds, do not look past the JR Motorsports drivers specifically both Justin Allgaier and Elliott Sadler. I know the JGR group has been the benchmark of the Xfinity Series in recent years but JR Motorsports was arguably the best group during the 2nd half of 2016. Additionally, this team has always been very strong at the plate tracks and they have some very talented restrictor plate drivers in both Sadler and Allgaier. Sadler has had the most success between the two but I expect both drivers will be a force one the green flag drops today. Also, I would not completely count out William Byron from that picture. Byron proved last year that he is not an ordinary rookie in route to a record 7 wins in the Truck Series. Byron will be piloting another JR Motorsports ride in the #9 machine.

Lastly, remember that this race is very volatile in terms of predicting a winner. Use the low risk/high reward strategy and hope for the best. I have seen several drivers show exceptional speed this week that would not be on anyone’s radar. Names like Brennan Poole and Tyler Reddick headline that extreme long shot list. So remember to proceed with caution because with a field this talented anything can and will happen especially when you factor in the new segment rules NASCAR implemented to ramp up the action. With that being said, take a look at our suggested plays for the PowerShares QQQ 300!

2017 PowerShares QQQ 300 Unofficial Race Picks

Brad Keselowski +450 (1.5 units)
Justin Allgaier +1350 (1 unit)
William Bryon +1350 (.5 unit)
Brennan Poole +2800 (.5 unit)
Tyler Reddick +3300 (.5 unit)

Brennan Poole -130 over Ryan Reed (2 units)
Daniel Hemric 115 over Matt Tift (2 units)
Justin Allgaier over Aric Almirola (2 units)