Get ready for an exciting race weekend at Las Vegas South Point 400! Our fantasy NASCAR predictions are here, and we're diving into the mid-pack contenders with a twist. The battle for mid-tier glory is on!
First up, we have Zane Smith, a driver with a tale of two halves. Smith's recent performance at Kansas showcased his potential, but a crash left him with a dark horse reputation. However, his speed at high-speed tracks is a trend worth noting. With an average speed ranking of 12th over the last three races, Smith could be a surprise package for those willing to take a chance. His average finish of 18.7 at high-speed 1.5-mile tracks, excluding crashes, solidifies his mid-pack status with upside potential.
At Las Vegas, Smith's history is a mixed bag. In three starts, he averages a 25th-place finish and a 24.7 speed ranking. This spring, he started strong in 9th but finished 23rd. Last fall, Smith had a solid run, finishing 16th. However, a crash in the spring of 2024, where he hit the wall hard, resulted in a disappointing 36th-place finish. Don't let that deter you; Smith's consistency and speed make him a contender.
Next, we turn our attention to Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a driver whose team has experienced a performance slump. Despite this, Stenhouse could have one of his better afternoons at Las Vegas. His recent showing at Kansas, where he had the 15th-best total speed ranking before a crash, hints at his potential. With an average finish of 13.5 at high-speed 1.5-mile tracks, Stenhouse is a high-teens contender, but the risk might not be worth it.
In the Next Gen era, Stenhouse has a consistent record at Las Vegas, finishing between 17th and 27th in all seven races. His average finish of 22.1 and 25th ranking in Next Gen speed rankings reflect his mid-pack status. Last fall, he finished 27th, and in the spring, he managed an 18th-place finish. Stenhouse's results over the last four races have been steady, with finishes of 25th, 24th, 23rd, and 21st.
Now, let's talk about Kyle Busch, a driver with a love-hate relationship with Las Vegas. Busch has had some great runs, finishing between 3rd and 6th in 6 out of the last 10 races. However, his recent form is a cause for concern. He finished 33rd in the spring and 19th at Kansas. With an average finish of 21.6 at high-speed 1.5-mile tracks and an 18th ranking in track-type total speed rankings, Busch is a mid-pack driver with potential.
Busch's history at Las Vegas is impressive. In the Next Gen era, he ranks 10th in Next Gen speed rankings and has an average finish of 7.4, excluding the spring races of 2024 and 2025. Going further back, he has finished in the top 6 in 6 out of the last 10 races. Last fall, Busch was solid, finishing 13th, and in the spring of 2023, he had a strong showing, finishing 3rd. His speed rankings and average running positions reflect his elite status at this track.
But here's where it gets controversial: Busch's recent performance has been inconsistent. In the spring race, he faced multiple speeding penalties and lost a wheel, which led to a disappointing 33rd-place finish. Last spring, he was a top-five contender but finished a misleading 26th due to a series of unfortunate events during pit stops.
Remember, these predictions are just the tip of the iceberg. To uncover the full spectrum of our Las Vegas Fantasy NASCAR Rankings, including our top-tier elite picks and front-runner rankings, visit our website. Don't miss out on the action!
And this is the part most people miss: fantasy NASCAR is all about strategy and taking calculated risks. Who will you choose for your team? Will you go for the dark horse, the consistent mid-packer, or the elite driver with a recent slump? The choice is yours, and the race is on!
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Don't forget to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments! Are you backing any of these drivers for a surprise victory? Or do you have your eye on someone else entirely? Let's discuss and debate!
