The Yellawood 500 represents an opportunity for the NASCAR playoffs to reach new dramatic heights because… you know…
It’s Talladega.
Location
Talladega Superspeedway
Track Length
2.66 miles
Track Type
Tri-oval superspeedway
Last 10 Track Winners
- Spring 2022: Ross Chastain
- Fall 2021: Bubba Wallace
- Spring 2021: Brad Keselowski
- Fall 2020: Denny Hamlin
- Spring 2020: Ryan Blaney
- Fall 2019: Ryan Blaney
- Spring 2019: Chase Elliott
- Fall 2018: Aric Almirola
- Spring 2018: Joey Logano
- Fall 2017: Brad Keselowski
Last 10 Track Winners by Model
- Ford: 6
- Toyota: 2
- Chevrolet: 2
Yellawood 500: Preview & Picks
I officiated a wedding Saturday afternoon, so this will be short, sweet, and to the point.
The Cup Standings are all over the board following the William Byron penalization because of his willingness to do what most other drivers have probably wanted to do at one time or another.
Indeed, with the penalty, Byron drops to tenth overall, squarely in the middle of the second round of cuts that take place after next weekend’s race. Fellow Hendricks Motorsports driver Alex Bowman is out with a concussion. Noah Gregson will drive the No. 48 car at Talladega, and NASCAR granted Bowman a waiver to possibly return next week.
The starting lineup is set. Christopher Bell (currently 11th) starts in pole position, followed by Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Aric Almirola, and Chase Briscoe to round out the top 5. Briscoe holds a seven-point lead over Austin Cindric to survive the second round of playoff cuts.
So who do we want in our DFS lineups for this afternoon’s Yellawood 500? All of the playoff drivers could use a win, which would be a true change of pace since none of those drivers has yet won a playoff race. Here’s a look at the value plays and optimal lineups to cash in this afternoon.
Yellawood 500 Lineups
Values
FanDuel Values
| Driver | Salary | QP |
|---|---|---|
| Noah Gragson | $3,500 | 7 |
| Cole Custer | $4,500 | 28 |
| Justin Haley | $5,000 | 21 |
| Martin Truex Jr | $8,500 | 22 |
| Austin Cindric | $9,200 | 17 |
DraftKings Values
| Driver | Salary | QP |
|---|---|---|
| Michael McDowell | $6,600 | 29 |
| Austin Dillon | $7,200 | 20 |
| Austin Cindric | $7,900 | 17 |
| Kevin Harvick | $8,100 | 24 |
| Kyle Busch | $9,900 | 26 |
GPP Suggestions
FanDuel Lineup
| Driver | Salary | QP |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Blaney | $13,500 | 19 |
| Kyle Busch | $11,000 | 26 |
| Austin Cindric | $9,200 | 17 |
| Martin Truex Jr. | $8,500 | 22 |
| Michael McDowell | $5,800 | 29 |
| TOTAL | $48,000 |
DraftKings Lineup
| Driver | Salary | QP |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Busch | $9,900 | 26 |
| Tyler Reddick | $9,100 | 8 |
| Bubba Wallace | $8,900 | 27 |
| Kevin Harvick | $8,100 | 24 |
| Austin Dillon | $7,200 | 20 |
| Michael McDowell | $6,600 | 29 |
| TOTAL | $30,700 |
I hope you all enjoy another multi-sport Sunday extravaganza. Don’t forget to check out our other draft prep materials for the NHL and NBA as those seasons start soon. I’m always available for conversation or to have a nice old-fashioned GIF throwdown. Hit me up at @thewonkypenguin. And, as always, good luck!