It was a long, rainy weekend in Charlotte. The weather canceled practice and qualifying, postponed the Xfinity race twice, moved the Cup Series Race once, and delayed it one more time for good measure. Although all three of my Brilliant Picks for the Coca-Cola 600 ended up wrecking, two of them with each other, last week’s Bold Picks William Byron and Martin Truex Jr. finished second and third, respectively. And even though Ryan Blaney was not on the NASCAR fantasy radar this week, he drove his butt off to take home his first win in 59 races. Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott, however, didn’t finish the race.
Denny got into Chase and Chase retaliated with a sharp downturn, which culminated in a hard hit that sent the number 11 into the wall and took both drivers out. Chase Elliott will sit this week out to serve a one-week suspension for the illegal maneuver.
As we head to WWT raceway, formerly Gateway, we go into minimally traversed waters. The Cup Series ran here last season for the first time, and they’re back to do it again this weekend. Since this is a one-mile intermediate track, I looked at the stats for the current Cup Series drivers on this type of course, combined those stats with the last run at WWT, looked at current streaks, and came up with a basic rundown of who has the best chance to win or finish well this week. But, as always, you just never know who will end up where when the dust settles.
Here, to the best of all abilities, are this week’s Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Joey Logano
Last year he won the inaugural race at this track—will he make it a double? Joey Logano has been up and down in recent weeks, but I think it’s smooth sailing for the 22 at WWT on Sunday.
Last season WWT finish: 1
1 mile intermediate track wins since 2020: 3
1 mile intermediate track top 5s: 8
1 mile intermediate track top 10s: 11
Martin Truex Jr.
The hot streak continues for Martin Truex Jr., and I don’t see it stopping anytime soon. This guy used to come alive on the intermediate tracks, and I think he’ll show up for a good finish once again this week.
Last season WWT finish: 6th
1 mile intermediate track wins since 2020: 2
1 mile intermediate track top 5s: 7
1 mile intermediate track top 10s: 9
Kyle Larson
Much like his teammate in the 24, it’s tough to keep Kyle Larson away from your NASCAR fantasy lineup week to week. After a late race wreck took him out in Charlotte, I expect the 5 to get back on the horse and ride it to the finish line.
Last season WWT finish: 12th
1 mile intermediate track wins since 2020: 1
1 mile intermediate track top 5s: 4
1 mile intermediate track top 10s: 8
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Ryan Blaney
Riding the streak from one Victory Lane to the next is possible now that he’s broken the curse. Do not take your eyes off of the 12 this week as Ryan Blaney strives to make it two in a row.
Last season WWT finish: 4th
1 mile intermediate track wins since 2020: 0
1 mile intermediate track top 5s: 7
1 mile intermediate track top 10s: 9
William Byron
Despite the so-so stats, you simply cannot go wrong with WIlliam Byron on your NASCAR fantasy list. Every week is a wonder to behold, so take a chance with the 24 and you won’t be disappointed.
Last season WWT finish:19th
1 mile intermediate track wins since 2020: 1
1 mile intermediate track top 5s: 4
1 mile intermediate track top 10s: 8
Christopher Bell
I debated between Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain for this one, but I went with Bell because he has the better record. And because I think that the number 1 driver is laying low for another week or two to get back in everyone’s good graces.
Last season WWT finish: 9th
1 mile intermediate track wins since 2020: 1
1 mile intermediate track top 5s: 3
1 mile intermediate track top 10s: 9
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Austin Dillon
It’s not that Austin Dillon finished terribly here last season, it’s more that he’s not great on the one-mile intermediates, and he’s been in a slump in 2023. So, for these reasons, leave him in the pits for the Enjoy Illinois 300.
Last season WWT finish: 15th
1 mile intermediate track wins since 2020: 0
1 mile intermediate track top 5s: 0
1 mile intermediate track top 10s: 1
Austin Cindric
Austin Cindric has seen better days, and maybe the second half of his season will see more of them. But it’s best, for now, to skip the number 2 when you set your fantasy lineup on Sunday.
Last season WWT finish: 11th
1 mile intermediate track wins since 2020: 0
1 mile intermediate track top 5s: 0
1 mile intermediate track top 10s: 0
Daniel Suarez
Daniel Suarez has some trouble on the one-mile intermediates, and the way his season has gone, it’s better to wait him out until he gets to a better track.
Last season WWT finish: 23rd
1 mile intermediate track wins since 2020: 0
1 mile intermediate track top 5s: 0
1 mile intermediate track top 10s: 3
