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Matt Kenseth. Mr.Consistency. Mr.Reliable. All names to describe Kenseth. After tearing it up in 2013. Kenseth found success in what got him to JGR. Consistency was Kenseth in 2014. Didn't win a race , but almost always was in contention for an top 10. I always try to use Kenseth in uncertain situations. More times then not Kenseth will be a safe bet.
I feel like Intermediate venues still remains a strong suit. In 2014 , he didn't win 5 times at this type track. But fortunately was a pretty consistent. I don't need to tell you how good MK been on Intermediate tracks. 10 of his 12 career best tracks consists of Intermediate venues. That's insane. Since joining JGR nothing have changed. 9 of his best 12 tracks are Intermediate venues. Kentucky may be his best track since joining JGR though.
Since joining JGR flats been kind to Kenseth. In 12 start (excluding Pocono) , Kenseth have 8.1 average finish. Majority of the damage was done in 2013. But in 2014 , he showed consistency at Phoenix , Indy , and New Hampshire. Last season at Phoenix , Kenseth had finishes of 3rd and 12th. In 2013 only 7th and 23rd. I like that improvement. At the fall Phoenix race , Kenseth had a top 5 car all day long and posted 117.1 driver.
At New Hampshire in 2014 , Kenseth had mixed results. In the July race he finished 4th and posted a driver rating above 110. In September not so great. Started 16th and finished 21th. Kenseth was better then that though. Believe Kenseth was running in the top 10 before he found trouble in that race.
At Indy Kenseth been very good since joining JGR. Including a pair of top 5 finishes. Pretty good considering Indianapolis isn't one of Kenseth top racetracks. Let hope this trend continues into 2015 at Indianapolis.
Road Courses and Matt Kenseth haven't blended too well since he joined the Sprint Cup Series. In 30 career races , MK have 8 Top 10s. And 20 Top 20s. The general public view of him is he a terrible road course racer. Unfortunately that false. 10 of his past 16 races at Sonoma and Watkins Glenn have ended in 15th or better. Including multiple top 10s. Watkins Glenn is his better track. 2 Top 10s in past 3 seasons. 7 of last 8 have been 15th or better by the way.
Bristol is Kenseth best short track. He have 3 career wins and 12.2 average finish. Over past two seasons , MK been the King of night. In night races at Bristol , Kenseth have finishes of 1st and 3rd. Both races in 2014 Kenseth probably should have won but didn't. Kenseth had the best car in the spring but received damage late which cost him a win. In the summer race , Kenseth led to 62 laps. In fact Kenseth have led in 7th straight Bristol races.
Richmond also been a great track for Kenseth. Since joining JGR , Kenseth have three Top 10s. Other finish was 41st. Before last season lone bad finish. Kenseth had 4 straight Top 10s. Don't be fooled by his 14.5 average finish since joining JGR. It actually should be much better. At Martinsville , MK have 3 Top 10s in 4 races since joining JGR. The other finish was 14th. Kinda ironic Kenseth isn't known for being reliable at Martinsville in his career. Well he is now.
Restrictor Plate Tracks and Matt Kenseth kinda go together like mashed potatoes and gravy. I mean they're associated with each other. Every time we go to Daytona and Talladega expect to hear his name. And rightfully so. Kenseth is one of the best in the business at them. I am always willing to take chance with Kenseth.
Kenseth will be one of the consistent threats. Every single week expect an top 10 from Matt. Doesn't matter how bad he is in practice and qualifying. Matt love to play dead in practice and/or qualifying. Its kinda like gambling. Kenseth have an Ace in his hand , but why use it in practice. When there the big race coming up. Kenseth good everywhere. Cannot say there a bad place to use him. I usually look for trends and go from there.
Twitter - @MattAleza