And just like that, Michael McDowell extended his contract with Front Row Motorsports and celebrated that victory with a win at The Brickyard road course. It was a hard-fought, well-earned win that his fellow divers, including runner-up Chase Elliott, celebrated with him.
There are now only two races left in this 2023 NASCAR season and that means two opportunities to cement positions or win the way in. Tensions will be running high, nerves will be through the roof, and when it all comes down to it, only 16 drivers will remain. Championship races begin on Labor Day weekend, but first, they need to get through The Glen and Daytona.
Here are my Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the second-to-last regular season race: Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Chase Elliott
Sigh. I don’t know for sure that Chase Elliott will get his win this week, but he better—or else he’s out. Daytona is too dicey to count on, so the rubber literally meets the road for the number 9 in Watkins Glen on Sunday.
Wins at The Glen: 2
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 4
Martin Turex Jr.
Yeah, boy, this super-hot driver has always done well at The Glen, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down. Do not let Martin Truex Jr. escape your consideration for NASCAR fantasy this week.
Wins at The Glen: 1
Top 5s: 7
Top 10s: 10
Kyle Larson
The last two weeks have been shady for Kyle Larson, though he still finished in the top ten each time. Does anyone else feel like he’s itching for that win? I mean, the guy races everywhere, so technically, he deserves it. The only thing that can stand between the number 5 and Victory Lane is the number 9. If it’s between the two, I bet he drops back. Just sayin’.
Wins at The Glen: 2
Top 5s: 3
Top 10s: 5
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
A.J. Allmendinger
Once again, we will see what A.J. Allmendinger has left in the tank on this road course where he has been notoriously good. This is probably his very last chance to show up and get into the 2023 playoffs.
Wins at The Glen: 1
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 7
Joey Logano
Joey Logano finished third here last season and I have a sneaking suspicion that he’s going to have a really good day. Whether he wins or not remains to be seen, but I think we can count on the 22 for a solid day at this beloved road course.
Wins at The Glen: 1
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 6
Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch is already locked into the playoffs, but I’m sure he’d still like another win. He has some hot numbers here and though he’s been up and down lately, I still think that he’ll run well as long as he qualifies well. Stay tuned.
Wins at The Glen: 2
Top 5s: 7
Top 10s: 13
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Ross Chastain
One more week and then Ross Chastain will bust out the goods and show everyone up in Daytona. Or, maybe he’ll just wait until the playoffs. He’s biding his time, and that’s going to include a quiet day in Watkins Glen.
Wins at The Glen: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Nope, not gonna do it. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will have a better time in Daytona next week–not happening here.
Wins at The Glen: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Aric Almirola
Again, hold off until we hit the superspeedway next week before you put Aric Almirola in your NASCAR fantasy lineup.
Wins at The Glen: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Zech McPhearson (Achilles) out for season
Denzel Mims waived by Lions Friday
