The regular NASCAR 2023 season came to a dramatic end on Saturday night in Daytona. And I mean Brodway-revival dramatic; Oscar-winning performance dramatic; jaw-dropping-in-horror dramatic. I’ll start by saying, maybe bragging, that my long-shot NASCAR sleeper pick for the Coke Zero Sugar 400, Chris Beuscher, won the race. Here’s my direct quote from last week’s article:
Believe it or not! I went out on a limb for this particular pick this week. Chris Beuscher is not bad here in Daytona, and I think that RFK will have a strategy to keep him out of trouble. The 17 will play it right and stick around until the end of the race for a strong finish.
I shall take my bow.
Also of note, the jaw-dropping horror drama came from the absolutely horrifying barrel roll of Ryan Preece across the infield. Thankfully, he was able to get out and was released from the local hospital Sunday morning. In fact, he’s on the entry list to race in Darlington on Sunday, too.
Anyway, the NASCAR playoff field is now set with the following drivers ready to compete:
Martin Truex Jr.
William Byron
Denny Hamlin
Chris Beuscher
Kyle Busch
Kyle Larson
Christopher Bell
Ross Chastain
Brad Keselowski
Tyler Reddick
Joey Logano
Ryan Blaney
Michael McDowell
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Kevin Harvick
Bubba Wallace
Missing from the playoffs are Chase Elliott (injuries and a suspension) and Alex Bowman (injuries) who each missed several races this season and could not overcome the odds to get back. On a positive note, Martin Truex Jr. won the regular season Championship by putting on one heck of a performance throughout the season. Who will be the first to advance to the next round with a win this week in Darlington?
Sunday night, we’ll find out how my Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks fare for the first NASCAR Cup Series playoff race: The CookOut Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Denny Hamlin
Yeah, well, this is one of Denny Hamlin’s best tracks and he probably wants to get this win out of the way so he can advance to the next round sooner rather than later. I mean, this is barring any pit mistakes and stupidity on the track, of course.
Wins in Darlington: 4
Top 5s: 12
Top 10s: 16
Kyle Larson
He’s due. It’s been a while since the number 5 has hit Victory lane, but this is the time for Kyle Larson to kick it into gear and fly by the competition.
Wins in Darlington: 0
Top 5s: 5
Top 10s: 7
Martin Truex. Jr
The hot streak will continue for Martin Truex Jr., you can count on that right there. The regular season champ does well here, and he won’t disappoint on Sunday night.
Wins in Darlington: 2
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 10
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Kevin Harvick
You won’t believe it. But Kevin Harvick has only finished outside of the top nine once on this track since 2012. Let that sink in, and then let yourself consider him as a bold NASCAR fantasy pick for Darlington.
Wins in Darlington: 5
Top 5s: 14
Top 10s: 19
Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski is heating up at just the right moment. RFK Racing is smoking hot, and the number 6 is going to ride that train all through the playoffs. Maybe even to his first win as a co-owner on Sunday.
Wins in Darlington: 1
Top 5s: 6
Top 10s: 10
William Byron
Why not? William Byron has been super impressive all season, winning at just about every type of track—even those he’s been terrible on in the past. He seems to have the golden pit crew this season, too, so he’s a shoo-in for the final four if you ask me.
Wins in Darlington: 1
Top 5s: 3
Top 10s: 4
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Ryan Blaney
You know, Ryan Blaney has never been great on this track. And he knows it. So, I’m sure he’ll take his time, avoid trouble, and finish somewhere that isn’t first.
Wins in Darlington: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 2
Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman may still win a race this season, but I don’t see it happening this week. Hold off on the number 48 for now.
Wins in Darlington: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 3
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has better luck at better tracks, so it’s best to keep him out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup until he gets to a different place that isn’t here.
Wins in Darlington: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 1
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