DEGA Cup Preview

      This is probably the most exciting yet scariest track to race at on the NASCAR circuit. This is a 2.66 mile, 32 degree banked superspeedway oval that has produced speeds up to 220 mph. Of course that doesn’t exist today with restricted engines and strict rule packages, but we do still have 190 mph tight pack racing which leads to thrills and chills, so without further ado let’s get into this preview.

       As we have seen lately, the field at times will get gridlocked and nobody can really lane switch because it’s like a box, so strategy will be important.  It will be interesting to see who goes for track position and who goes for stage points throughout this race. I believe whoever is able to stay at the front throughout the full race will have the best shot, not only because they are in the front, but they also will know how the car will react and what the car needs at that spot of the field as compared to riding in the back. 

   The front row is set with Michael McDowell winning his second pole in 9 races, and Austin Cindric, another good superspeedway racer. The fact about these two is that they both won the Daytona 500 a year apart with McDowell winning it in 2021, and Cindric winning it in 2022. McDowell has been getting better and better every year and is a threat to win at these type of tracks. Cindric has not won since this race so can he break the winless streak today? You then have Todd Gilliland, Kyle Busch (defending race winner), and Austin Dillion (2018 Daytona 500 winner) to round out the top 5.

       I expect more fuel strategy to occur which should lead to more grid locked racing in my opinion. The third lane was being ran a lot in Xfinity, and while I’m not sure how that will translate, I think we should see it ran a lot. Another factor is the temperature, it’s in the 50’s. Another variable to look at or think about while the race happens.

           This race is going to be a wild card race to me with the conditions that are being run, but in today’s superspeedway races I think if a team can control a line it will come down to who is on that team, and I believe a Penske driver will be in the right place at the right time and win, now deciding which one I’m unsure of. Ryan Blaney is the last winner from the fall race at Talladega. However I believe Austin Cindric is due for one, but there has to be organization in the draft with manufacturer agreements now.

     A few other headlines heading into this race. Kyle Larson after having the penalty for the lost wheel last weekend at Texas, he also wasn’t allowed to qualify because of unapproved adjustments that were made to the roof rails as they pushed the car to the line for qualifying. On top of that he will have to serve a pass through penalty at the start of the race.  NASCAR also has been battling against the rain as it’s estimated that the rain would have to stop around 1-2pm in order to have a realistic shot to rain today. 

      Hopefully we get this race going because if we do, there is sure to be excitement. I predict that the fords will get that win and have strong commitment, and I believe that we see Blaney win another one. Hope y’all like the race!

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