Here is my selection of Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers picks for this weekend’s Bank of America Roval 400 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win at The Roval
Chase Elliott
It’s tough to decide between Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney for this week’s win at The Roval, but I think that Chase has a slight edge due to his ultra-competitive spirit. No matter who’s in the way at the end, the No. 9 has no problem scooting them aside to get that checkered flag finish. Either way, I expect a good run from him on Sunday.
Charlotte Roval Wins: 2
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 3
Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney won the inaugural race at The Roval and has been top-notch here ever since. Even though he’s up against a host of more aggressive drivers that need the win more than he does, I know that if he has the opportunity to win, he’ll take it.
Charlotte Roval Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 3
Alex Bowman
Of all the drivers below the cut line, Alex Bowman has my vote for the one most likely to succeed. I think that he has better luck here than some of the drivers who are actually just above the line, so I expect one of them to drop down as he passes them by for entry into the Round of 8.
Charlotte Roval Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 3
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for the Bank of America 400 at The Roval
William Byron
William Byron finished in sixth place two times at The Roval and he’s below the cutoff line. This is as good a place as any for him to have a shot at the next round. The No. 24 team has an uncanny way of kicking it into high gear when push comes to shove, making them a formidable foe for the rest of the drivers on Sunday.
Charlotte Roval Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 2
Kurt Busch
I’m counting on Kurt Busch to play the spoiler in this week’s race at The Roval. He’s not in the playoffs, so he has nothing to lose. And that might just take off enough pressure to get him the win. Don’t be so quick to ignore the No. 1 on your NASCAR Fantasy list this weekend.
Charlotte Roval Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 2
Kevin Harvick
It’s Sydney or the bush for Kevin Harvick this week. After a super-hot 2020 season, he faces elimination in Charlotte. While I don’t have the utmost confidence that he’ll be able to win, I do think that he has the determination to give it everything he’s got to stay above the cutoff line.
Charlotte Roval Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 2
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup at The Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course
Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch needs to have a great finish this weekend to ensure he continues to the next round of the playoffs. The problem is, he has been abysmal at this track. I’m confident that he’ll fight his way through and probably end up in a good position at the end, but it’s not likely to be at the front.
Charlotte Roval Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Christopher Bell
Time is all but gone for Christopher Bell. This is his last chance to make it into the next round of the playoffs, but it’s not very likely to happen. Though anything is possible, I wouldn’t bet the bank on the No. 20 at The Roval.
Charlotte Roval Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Denny Hamlin
He’s on the pole, but I don’t expect that to carry him through to the end. Besides, what does Denny Hamlin need to prove this week? He’s at the top with points already and clearly into the next round. While I don’t expect him to sit back and relax, I don’t expect him to push things beyond his comfort level to get a win.
Charlotte Roval Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
