Top NASCAR Duel 1 at Daytona plays on DraftKings

The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series (now title-sponsor free!) kicks off today with the Bluegreen Vacations Duel At Daytona. Often still colloquially known as the Twin 125s, these two 60 lap, 150 mile races will set the field and positions for the Great American Race, the Daytona 500, which is set to go down on Sunday, February 16th.

DraftKings has a full DFS slate available, so let’s take a look at the field and try to pick some winners. We’re going to put a heavy emphasis on results at Daytona and Talladega in 2018 and ‘19 because of the new car setups in those years (which of course change next year anyway).

The Favorites

Denny Hamlin ($9800)

Sure he’s pricey, but that’s with reason: he won the big one on this track last year, and has had consistent success at Daytona. And last year he did it without a restrictor plate. You can argue that because of the big-wreck nature of the former restrictor plate tracks, you should spend money down the board and hope your horses avoid the chaos, but if you’re going with the chalk, Hamlin is the guy.

Joey Logano ($10000)

The max price for your favorite drivers potentially least favorite driver, but Logano led a ton of laps at Daytona last year in both February and July. A fourth in the big one and a dustup in the Firecracker (yup, we went there) kept him from a trophy, but he’s show he can run in front. He starts in the six hole, but likely won’t finish there.

The Sleepers

Ryan Preece ($6900)

Started the Great American Race 21st last year, and finished 8th. Led a lap in July before wrecking. Just hope he’s got enough car out of the nine-hole.

Austin Dillon ($7800)

Starting 15th with a Richard Childress Racing car, who had all of one Top 5 in 74 starts last year, doesn’t seem great. But Daytona is about dodging bullets sometimes and staying cool in the moment. And this guy won RCR’s last race: at Daytona in 2018.

The Darkhorses

Justin Haley ($5900)

The guy that won the last Cup race on this track is available for this kind of bargain-basement pricing. Who needs a charter when you’ve got winning experience?? At least the 20-year-old won’t be overwhelmed by the moment. He’s just going to need enough vehicle and to stay out of the way.

Bubba Wallace ($6600)

Finished 2nd here two years ago, but always seems to find trouble at Daytona. The 26-year-old might have enough experience now to get through clean, including in the Duel today.

Here’s the entire list of drivers for Duel 1 at Daytona today from DraftKings.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.