talladega cup

One last plate track race for the year. We're obviously using the normal plate track strategy of using guys starting in the back. I think we'll see a pretty popular strategy of using Brendan Gaughan, Justin Haley and then four guys from the group starting 26-32. Could also be Gaughan and five from that group. But Haley just won Saturday's Xfinity race, so might boost his popularity even though there is no carry over effect whatsoever.

So let's take a look at each of those drivers:

• Brendan Gaughan - No need to overthink this one. He's got a history of success at the plate tracks and usually will take it easy until Stage 3, which is what we want. In three plate track races this year, he's finished 7th and 8th at Daytona and 21st at Talladega. 80% ownership in cash games expected.
• Justin Haley - This is not the most reliable car in the world, but Justin is one of the better plate track racers. He won the Xfinity race at Talladega on Saturday. On the season, he's won both Xfinity races at Talladega along with another Xfinity race at Daytona. He was also the surprise winner of the Cup Series Daytona race in 2019 when a sudden downpour ended the race with him out front. Probably worth the reliability risk.
• Ricky Stenhouse (26th) - Very aggressive at the plate tracks and it has resulted in a lot of success. He's seen great results at Talladega in particular, where he's finished in the Top 5 in five of the last eight races. His worst finish in those eight races was 26th. His aggressive style isn't the best fit for cash games, but you can't argue with the results.
• Bubba Wallace (27th) - Been very good at plate tracks lately. 14th earlier this year at Talladega and 15th and 5th this year at Daytona.
• Ty Dillon (28th) - One of the most consistent at Talladega in particular. In his seven career races at this track, he's finished 17th or better every time and run every single lap in each of those races. That's incredible.
• Corey LaJoie (29th) - 11th, 7th and 16th in the last three at Talladega and 6th, 8th and 21st in the last three at Daytona.
• Tyler Reddick (30th) - He has struggled with wrecks. In four plate track races in the Cup Series, he's completed all the laps only one time. But, he'll have probably the best equipment of anyone on this list.
• Daniel Suarez (31st) - Was pretty good at Talladega in the early years with Joe Gibbs, but has not had plate track success with the #96 team. Lots going on with that team right now, so maybe not the best place to invest.
• Brennan Poole (32nd) - Not entirely reliable equipment, but a step ahead of the Rick Ware cars starting behind him. Wrecked in the Talladega race earlier this year, but finished 15th and 16th at Daytona.