April 7, 2024

On Saturday evening, Justin Haley qualified 27th for the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway. Saturday's disappointing qualifying effort, which was preceded by an underwhelming practice session where he posted the fifth slowest speed (20.402), has become a theme for the 24-year-old this year. In the seven races this season, Haley has just one start in the top-20 and has five starts at P31 or worse. By comparison, in the first seven races last season, the six-year Cup veteran did not have any starts in the 30s and ended 2023 (36 races) with just five total starts at P30 or higher. Given that he is in his first season with Rick Ware Racing, some adjustment period was expected, but not to this degree. With eight appearances in the DraftKings optimal lineup in 2023, Haley was becoming one of the most reliable value plays in the Cup Series, but that does not look to be the case this season. What is of further concern is that over his last four Cup starts at Martinsville, Haley is averaging just 7.48 DraftKings points, which is the second lowest among active full-time drivers in the Cup Series. Between his struggles both this season and at this track, the No. 51 should be looked at as nothing more than a dart throw in DFS this weekend.--Adam Erhardt - RotoBaller
Source: Racing-Reference.info