DAV 200 Race Picks
NASCAR Nationwide Series Betting Preview
Date and Time: Saturday November 8th, 2014. 4:15PM EST
Where: Phoenix International Raceway
TV: ESPN
by NASCARWagers.com, NASCAR Handicapping Service
Bet your pick LEAVE BLANK
In just a few hours, the NASCAR Nationwide Series will get the command to fire the engines at Phoenix International Raceway for the DAV 200 – Honoring America’s Veterans. A number of storylines will headline today’s Nationwide Series event at Phoenix. One of the main headlines will be rookie sensation Chase Elliot who will be looking to become the youngest Nationwide Series Champion in series history. Elliot currently owns a 48 point advantage over Regan Smith and simply needs to maintain that gap to clinch the championship. Meanwhile several Sprint Cup Series heavyweights are entered in today’s field meaning we should have a competitive 200 miles of racing when the green flag drops. Take a look at our preview and DAV 200 race picks:
Among the Sprint Cup veterans that will suit up today include Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and Kyle Larson. Last night’s Camping World Truck Series winner, Erik Jones, will also be making a rare Nationwide Series appearance. Jones has won each of his two Truck Series starts at Phoenix and he has shown speed in the #20 GameStop Toyota this weekend as well. Jones was 3rd fastest in final practice and will start in the 3rd position. Jones may be considered a decent longshot despite limited Nationwide Series experience. However most would agree that the two cars to beat this afternoon will easily be the #54 of Kyle Busch and the #22 of Brad Keselowski. Both drivers are favorites anytime they suit up in Nationwide Series competition and both drivers will start on the front row when the green flag waves at 4:15pm (EST) this afternoon.
Rowdy will start on the pole and has appeared fast in every aspect of the weekend thus far. Busch was fastest in the 1st practice on Friday and 2nd fastest in Happy Hour. Keselowski on the other hand was not exactly overly impressive in single lap speed in practice but really come through in qualifying to bring home a front row starting spot. Keselowski will obviously be Busch’s biggest challenge today but it is worth noting that “Kes” never visited victory lane in the Nationwide Series in his 15 starts at Phoenix. He has been close several times but has yet to score a victory. Compare that statistic to Busch who has 7 wins in just 17 starts and we will gladly label the #54 car as the driver to beat this afternoon.
Outside of your normal big name drivers that will be fighting for the victory, we wanted to mention a couple of other guys to possibly keep on your radar this afternoon. Alex Bowman is in the #5 car today for JR Motorsports. While we have seen drivers like Kasey Kahne and Kevin Harvick drive the #5 to victory lane this season, Bowman has not had much success with finishes of 12th and 19th in his only two Nationwide Series starts this year. However Bowman has been really fast this weekend finishing on top of the charts in final practice, posting the best 10 lap average, and qualifying the #5 car in the 5th position. Obviously Bowman will likely not contend for a victory today but you may be able to find him in some favorable H2H matchups. Another guy to also keep an eye on this afternoon is Ty Dillon. Dillon has not posted any jaw dropping speeds this week but has consistently been in the top 10 in each practice and qualifying. He ran well at Phoenix in the Truck Series and would not be surprised if he post another solid run today as well.
DAV 200 Race Picks
Erik Jones +850 (1.5 units): 3rd fastest in final practice, qualified 3rd, won both Truck Series starts at Phoenix, considers PIR his best track
Kyle Busch +125(5 units): 7 wins in 17 starts at Phoenix, fastest in practice 1, 2nd fastest in final practice, starting on pole.
H2H Matchups
Ty Dillon -120 over Regan Smith (2 units)
Brendan Gaughan +110 over Chris Buescher (2 units)
