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The Clash was insane. Martin Truex Jr. was not even on my radar for the win, but he somehow pulled it off. It was a long race, however, for such a short track. Caution after caution made me sleepy and pushing and shoving made me frustrated.
But, in the end, a good time was had by all. Mostly. I don’t know how good Kyle Busch felt about getting nicked by newest teammate Austin Dillon, or how Denny Hamlin feels about getting shoved by Ross Chastain, but this week is a new week and the season really starts now.
NASCAR really opens it up and kicks things off in 2023 with its biggest race of the season: The Daytona 500. It’s gonna be a ton of fun to see which drivers will be able to stay alive and make it across the finish line, even if they have to limp, when this superspeedway is done trashing them. All bets are on the table and points are going to really mean something. Daytona can be cruel, but it can also be kind enough to fulfill the dream of the driver who can check it off their bucket list.
As usual, all of my picks are decided before any qualifying or practice, and they’re based solely on experience and track record. Gear up and read through my Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Denny Hamlin
You can’t leave Danny Hamlin out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup when it comes to the Daytona 500. He’s won this thing three times with only a handful of DNFs and that makes him serious and dangerous. The only thing that I worry about when it comes to the run of the 11 on Sunday? The number 1.
Daytona 500 wins: 3
Daytona 500 top 5s: 8
Daytona 500 top 10s: 8
Austin Dillon
You may be surprised to see the number 3 here, but Austin Dillon has a way with the Daytona 500. He won here in 2018 and he only has 3 DNFs, which is considered pretty low when you compare numbers with other drivers. He came out swinging in The Clash with a second place finish, and I think he’s gonna take that heat and run with it on Sunday.
Daytona 500 wins: 1
Daytona 500 top 5s: 2
Daytona 500 top 10s: 4
Ryan Blaney
My heart says that this is Blaney’s year to do it, but my head says that he’s too nice to make it through the turmoil of the Daytona 500. I’m gonna throw caution to the wind and say that Ryan Blaney rides smart this year and avoids the major chaos to have a sweet finish and possibly a win.
Daytona 500 wins: 0
Daytona 500 top 5s: 3
Daytona 500 top 10s:4
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Chase Elliott
The thing about Chase Elliott and the Daytona 500 is that he has gotten better and better at this stuff in recent years. He finished 10th last year and 2nd the year prior, and he might be able to come even closer this time around. Keep your eye on the number 9 for a hot finish if he can stay out of trouble.
Daytona 500 wins: 0
Daytona 500 top 5s: 1
Daytona 500 top 10s: 2
Michael McDowell
He’s a sleeper for superspeedways, but also, Michael McDowell sneaks into the top when you least expect it. He won it here in 2021 and that’s an experience that keeps you wanting more. If he can avoid the messes, he might just have a shot to win his second Daytona 500 in 2023.
Daytona 500 wins: 1
Daytona 500 top 5s: 2
Daytona 500 top 10s: 5
Bubba Wallace
The driver of the number 23 warmed up gradually to a slow burn in 2022. It’s going to be a crazy season as he and his new teammate Tyler Reddick go wild on the track. Bubba Wallace has always been sharp on the superspeedways and he’s seen some heat at the 500. It’s not unreasonable to think he might get a win this time around.
Daytona 500 wins: 0
Daytona 500 top 5s: 2
Daytona 500 top 10s: 2
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
Daniel Suarez
Yes, Daniel Suarez had one of his best seasons in 2022, and I do expect to see more out of the number 99 this season. Having said that, I don’t see him crossing that finish line higher than the teens—if he doesn’t DNF. He has 5 of them at the 500. Yikes.
Daytona 500 wins: 0
Daytona 500 top 5s: 0
Daytona 500 top 10s: 0
Kyle Larson
I’m going way out on a limb and saying that it’s going to be tough for Larson to get a Daytona 500 win. It’s not his best track overall and I think that he also needs some time to warm up for the season. Think twice before you pick the 5 this weekend.
Daytona 500 wins: 0
Daytona 500 top 5s: 0
Daytona 500 top 10s: 4
Tyler Reddick
So, try not to think too much about Tyler Reddick for the Daytona 500. I mean, could he hang on and make it to the end? Sure. But he’s run the track at Daytona in the Cup Series 7 times and has 4 DNFs. It’s not a good record.
Daytona 500 wins: 0
Daytona 500 top 5s: 0
Daytona 500 top 10s: 0
