Happy Race Day INDYCAR Nation! We are excited to kick off the inaugural race here at the Circuit of the Americas. Is Will Power going to win from the pole to get the $100,000 bonus? Will a rookie surprise us all and take the checkered? Most importantly, which fours drivers should you pick for Fantasy? Let’s dive into picks for the INDYCAR Classic! Our friends from Fast Cars, Fast Girls and Pit Lane Parley are here to help. Each presenter will share a “lock”: the driver you should definitely have on your Fantasy roster; a “drop”: an underperforming driver this week; and a “sleeper”: an underrated or cheap pick who will bolster your lineup.
Once you read up here on who to pick, don’t forget to get registered and make your selections at Fantasy.INDYCAR.com. Want to join a league and win additional prizes like autographed merchandise and VIP experiences? Join up with INDYCAR Nation here.
First up with their suggestions are the fabulous ladies of Fast Cars, Fast Girls. Abby and Molly are lifelong INDYCAR fans and founded FCFG in 2017 after noticing a lack of female voices in the INDYCAR world. They partner with INDYCAR Nation on VIP experiences and awesome content on the Fan Village stage. You can check out their podcast and blog here: https://fastcarsfastgirls.wordpress.com/ and you can see their show live in the Firestone Fan Village at many races this season.
Molly’s Lock, Drop and Sleeper Picks:
Lock: Alexander Rossi ($31) – This is a track Alexander Rossi has driven on numerous times including during his tenure in F1, the test sessions, and the Firestone test sessions. It features a looser car and a lot of turns. He’s been consistently near the top in practice and he’s going to bring it home. Lock him in.
Drop: Ed Jones ($21) – I would not typically say drop Ed Jones. He has great skill and wonderful on road courses. Unfortunately during the season opener at St. Petersburg he suffered a fracture in his hand. On a course that is requiring the drivers to steer and correct cars at every turn (and there are twenty), it’s going to be a struggle for him. He’s the same price as his ECR teammate and costs more than my sleeper and another great rookie. This week, you have to drop Jones.
Sleeper: Colton Herta ($18) – Colton Herta has shown up at COTA ready to win. He was fast in the test session in February. He had a good showing in practice, even after an engine having to be swapped out, and found himself in the Fast 6 and will roll out in fourth for the race. At $18 this is the sleeper and the bargain for your team. Herta is going to put on a show during the race.
Adding Felix Rosenqvist ($24) and Patricio O’Ward ($15) brings me to $98 and shows that I think the rookies will have a great race.
Abby’s Lock, Drop and Sleeper Picks:
Lock: I think Will Power is a solid lock. Second pole in as many races, and he’s a beast on the track. Even with a kerfluffle in Quals, he still pulled out the pole position. He’s $30, but I think most of us would say, “Take my money!”
Drop: Marco Andretti - He’s $25, didn’t qualify well and although I want good things for him this season, I think this track will be a challenge for him. Save your money.
Sleeper: Pato O’Ward - As reigning Indy Lights champ, he’s barely a “sleeper.” But this is his first race in the 2019 INDYCAR season, and I’m expecting big things from him. He’s starting 8th and is only $15. That’s a steal for a driver who was very close to being in the fast 6!
I’m rounding out my team with Felix Rosenqvist for $24. (Used the whole $100 budget this week!) Rosenqvist is starting 5th and is going to continue to challenge the established drivers. I’m excited to see what everyone can do for their first race at COTA!
Our next round of suggestions come from Pit Lane Parley – an Indy Car podcast run by Mike Joachim, Jess Baker, and Matt Hickey. They bring a unique perspective on the Indy Car world each week and work hard to bring fans new and interesting content! They've interviewed the likes of Josef Newgarden, Mike Hull, Sage Karam, Colton Herta, and Jay Frye! This year special episodes will be released on Tuesdays and the regular weekly episode releases on Friday mornings. Head to their website to find episode download links and follow their social media accounts @pitlaneparley. Website: www.pitlaneparley.com
Mike's Lock, Drop and Sleeper Picks
Lock: Colton Herta - it’s crazy to call a rookie a lock, but he’s been fast in every test session, practice session, and is starting P4. It’s a safe bet he’ll be in contention for a great finish.
Drop: Simon Pagenaud- Had a good weekend until a poorly timed red flag in qualifying ended the session 30 seconds early. Starting P22 will be a real challenge and his premium price means you should spend your fantasy money elsewhere
Sleeper: Santino Ferruci - Starting 11th with ultimate strategist Dale Coyne at the helm is a good combo. His cost is low, so when you need a 4th person to round out your team , look to the young rookie from Connecticut.
Jess's Lock, Drop and Sleeper Picks
Lock: Rosenqvist - he had insane speed all weekend! I think his former knowledge of the track will also help him in the long run today. Starting P5 he is up there in a good position to make things happen!
Drop: Ed Jones - Even Though he is medically clear to drive, I am worried that his hand will cause him issues over this long race. This will be a physical one, and I am afraid he will struggle towards the end.
Sleeper: Pato O'Ward - Starting in P8 he is looking good so far! I know he hasn't been in a car in a while, but it didn't look like he missed a beat at all! I think he will have a good day!