Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice guiding you to the Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers drivers for the cup series race this week at Atlanta Motor Speedway: The Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500.
Be sure to check back here on Tuesday, June 9th for Wednesday’s race picks at Martinsville.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot at winning in Bristol
Kurt Busch
Wins at Atlanta: 3
Top 5 finishes: 7
Top 10 finishes: 14
Last February Kurt Busch came in 3rd at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He’s been running hot ever since NASCAR came back—though he wasn’t doing too shabby before they left. Don’t be surprised to see the number one take number one when the checkered flag flies on Sunday.
Kevin Harvick
Wins at Atlanta: 2
Top 5 finishes: 8
Top 10 finishes: 14
Last week was the first time that the No. 4 finished outside of the top 10 all season. He’s only finished outside the top 10 in Atlanta one time since 2010. That’s a whole decade of great endings for Happy Harvick in Georgia! I expect he’ll be back to his old self this weekend, showing off his great numbers, his great car, and his second win of the season.
Brad Keselowski
Wins at Atlanta: 2
Top 5 finishes: 4
Top 10 finishes: 7
Sure he won last week, but that was really kind of a fluke. If Logano and Elliott, who were running first and second, didn’t get tangled up trying to race each other so hard, Brad would have had a smooth 3rd place finish. This week, however, he has a good chance to get in on his own talent, making him a smart pick for Sunday.
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks
Kyle Busch
Wins at Atlanta: 2
Top 5 finishes: 5
Top 10 finishes: 8
I thought the No. 18 looked pretty good in that Skittles car last week. But something still seems “off” for Rowdy and the gang. I’m thinking that he might find his place here in Atlanta and get his first win of the season, punching his ticket to the race for the chase.
Matt Kenseth
Wins at Atlanta: 0
Top 5 finishes: 11
Top 10 finishes: 17
I know that you’re going to ask: Why the hell is she picking Kenseth again after the last few poor showings? The answer is: That’s what NASCAR sleeper picks are all about. Going bold when no one else will. Kenseth rocks this track. His last race here was in March of 2017 when he came in 3rd. Let’s see if he can pick up two spots for the win three years later.
Erik Jones
Wins at Atlanta: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 1
Yeah, I know. The numbers aren’t that impressive, but hear me out. Jones has only been to Atlanta three times, and he has one of the best average finishes of all active drivers. Sure he hasn’t won here, nor has he gotten a top five, but he’s due for something special to happen soon, and this might just be the place.
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup this week
Ryan Newman
Wins at Atlanta: 0
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 9
It’s great to see Newman back in the wienermobile, but don’t get too excited for a win this weekend. Atlanta is not one of his better tracks, and I don’t anticipate anything spectacular occurring here for the No. 6 just yet. Leave him out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup this weekend.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Wins at Atlanta: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 1
Stenhouse has had some impressive runs since NASCAR came back, though his finishes have been downright poor. This hasn’t been a great track for the 47 team, so I suggest you lay low and let him take a pass in Atlanta on Sunday.
Denny Hamlin
Wins at Atlanta: 1
Top 5 finishes: 4
Top 10 finishes: 7
Yes, he has a win here, but that came back in 2012. The No. 11 has had some shaky races here in recent years, so I’d sit him on the bench and wait until Martinsville to put him back on your NASCAR fantasy list.
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