NASCAR Driver Ratings: Ranking the Entire Daytona 500 Field

The Advance Auto Parts Clash, qualifying, the Can-Am Duel races and practice sessions are complete, meaning the Daytona 500 is finally here!

After analyzing the data from the on-track activity mentioned above, as well historical results from Daytona International Speedway, I’ve compiled my rankings for the entire 2019 Daytona 500 field, 1-40, for both sports bettors and Fantasy NASCAR players.

Please note that my rankings are based on raw projected speed/strength, and do not take into account other factors that are often included in many Fantasy NASCAR formats, like laps led, fast laps, position differential, etc.

Odds from Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook as of 7:30 a.m. ET Sunday. Drivers listed as “n/a” are part of the “Field” at +3000.

Daytona 500 driver ranking notes:

Spoiler alert … the Fords are fast and my rankings reflect that. My top seven drivers pilot blue ovals, which shouldn’t be surprising since Ford dominated the Advance Auto Parts Clash and both Gander RV Duel races.

I have Denny Hamlin ranked as my top Toyota, but I was a bit disappointed in how he ran during his Duel race. He did finish fourth and ran up front for most of the race, but reports came in that he started to lose the handle of his car and therefore couldn’t make a real move for the lead.

The fact that he struggled in cool conditions does not bode well for his chances in warmer temperatures during today’s race.

Chase Elliott is clearly the top Chevy, but my main worry is he won’t have other Chevys fast enough to help him during the race. A downside of restrictor plate racing is that it’s tough to win by yourself, and a lack of good Chevys hurt his chances.

For those playing Fantasy NASCAR games that award place differential points, Kyle Busch (starting 31st) and Brad Keselowski (35th) are fantastic options to consider.