Late week’s Brilliant Pick Kevin Harvick rolled across that finish line in second place behind William Byron. Perhaps had the number 4 not sustained much damage in the wreck that happened just prior to the overtime, taking out Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain, he may have had enough in him to make it a win. But, for all of WIlliam Byrson’s strength and perseverance, he was awarded a trip to Victory Lane.
Darlington was a fun race to watch, with lead changes, flared tempers, and a handful of the 75 greatest NASCAR drivers of all time making random appearances. Was anyone else as stoked to see Carl Edwards in the booth as I was?
This week, the boys will head up to North Wilkesboro, N.C., on a short track that hasn’t seen any action since 1996. In light of the fact that not one current Cup Series driver has ever run on this track, and it’s a million-dollar purse with no points, it’s going to be tricky to figure out who will take home the All-Star bragging rights. But, I’ll do my best.
Please note, there are no bonkers picks on All-Star week because these are all-stars — everyone has a shot. And also, we don’t know who else will win their way in or get voted in as the fan favorite.
So, I’ll give you my expert advice based on the stats and the short track experience with these Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the 2023 All-Star Race from the North Wilkesboro Speedway.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson is used to driving on tracks in conditions like this: short, unfamiliar, and in the evening. Besides, he’s been on the cusp of a win for weeks now. Watch the number 5 pass everyone by and get a win on Sunday night.
Short Track Wins: 4
Short Track Top 5s: 12
Short Track Top 10s: 22
Ross Chastain
I know that Ross Chastain isn’t that fantastic on short tracks, but he’s a beast in general. And with a million bucks on the line, you can bet he’ll push and shove his way to the front to get that cash. Just as long as one of his many on-track enemies doesn’t try to sabotage him.
Short Track Wins: 0
Short Track Top 5s: 3
Short Track Top 10s: 5
Kevin Harvick
Come on, with 72 short-track top-tens, it’s likely that he’ll have a good finish if nothing else. And, this is his last All-Star race, so why not? Kevin Harvick for the win in North Wilkesboro.
Short Track Wins: 8
Short Track Top 5s: 37
Short Track Top 10s: 72
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell is great on short tracks, and with zero DNFs on them right now, I think he has a great opportunity here to finish first at the end of the night. He’s having a great season, and I think that this youngster could use a cool million.
Short Track Wins: 1
Short Track Top 5s: 6
Short Track Top 10s: 9
Chase Elliott
It will be another Cinderella story here if Chase Elliott wins after missing several weeks at the start of the season. It won’t count toward the Championship, but it will count toward his pocket. Keep your eyes peeled for the number 9 in North Wilkesboro.
Short Track Wins: 1
Short Track Top 5s: 14
Short Track Top 10s: 22
Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski is on a roll lately, and he might continue that trek in the All-Star race. He’s great on short tracks, with only 2 DNFs on short tracks, this is a good time for the old-school-style driver to regain his spot as a driver to watch out for.
Short Track Wins: 7
Short Track Top 5s: 24
Short Track Top 10s: 38
