Here is my selection of Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for this weekend’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win at Kansas Speedway
Chase Elliott
Mr. Hendrick will likely pull out all the stops to get the No. 9 into victory lane this week. Having sealed his final-four position last week, the No. 5 can kick back and relax while Chase Elliott races his way into the next stage of the NASCAR playoffs. Let’s hope that his feud with the No. 4 stays under wraps for the time being.
Kansas Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 5
Top-10 finishes: 7
Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr. sits below the cutoff line as NASCAR enters Kansas. Fortunately for team 19, this is a very good track for this driver— he’s led the second-most laps here and has only one DNF. Truex has been able to get the speed when he needs it, and this is the week he needs it the most so he can sail into the round of four with ease.
Kansas Wins: 2
Top-5 finishes: 9
Top-10 finishes: 13
Denny Hamlin
A couple of bad breaks have put a damper on Denny Hamlin’s round of eight. Though he’s firmly planted in the top four, a win this week would ease his concerns and give him a one-week buffer to relax and prepare for the final in Phoenix. Look for the No. 11 to make a scene in Kansas.
Kansas Wins: 3
Top-5 finishes: 8
Top-10 finishes: 9
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for the Hollywood Casino 400
Joey Logano
Joey Logano has solid numbers at this track and he loves to play spoiler when it comes to slipping into the final round of the playoffs unexpectedly. He has the same record here as the No. 11, but his last few runs here have been sketchy. Right now he’s below the cutoff line, so you can bet the No. 22 team will do all they can to make this car win-worthy on Sunday.
Kansas Wins: 3
Top-5 finishes: 8
Top-10 finishes: 9
Kyle Busch
Rowdy won here in May and he’s been hot in the stages since this format began. He also has four DNFs in Kansas, which is what leads me to a Bonkers instead of a Brilliant. If Kyle Bush wants to remain in the top-four, he needs this one as bad as everyone else. With a good car and a clean race, he has a good chance.
Kansas Wins: 2
Top-5 finishes: 9
Top-10 finishes: 13
Ryan Blaney
Perhaps more than anyone else on this list, Ryan Blaney has had a consistent season. No, his record at Kansas is not as hot as some of his peers, but it’s hard to beat his hot streak. Though this has been a tricky track in the past, no one would like to seal his fate and relax at Martinsville more than the No. 12. Even if he doesn’t win, I expect stage points aplenty and a solid run.
Kansas Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 3
Top-10 finishes: 6
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup for Kansas Speedway
William Byron
Poor William Byron will get left in the dust this week as one fellow driver is already in the final and the other is trying desperately to get his spot. With an average finish of 17th and two DNFs in his scant seven trips to Kansas, the No. 24 should hang out on the sidelines for this one.
Kansas Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 4
Austin Dillon
Austin Dillon is probably so done with this season that he’s already planning for The Clash. His record at Kansas is poor at best, so take a pass on the No. 3 this week when you fill out your NASCAR fantasy lineup.
Kansas Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 4
Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch has been here many times, but he’s missing a win. Don’t expect him to get it this week. There are a handful of drivers who are racing for a spot in the final four, as well as those who need a season or career win, and they’ll kick the No. 1 out of the way given the chance. I don’t think he’ll push it.
Kansas Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 4
Top-10 finishes: 12
