Once again we face a track that is unfamiliar to most drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Stats are based on how well the drivers perform on average at road courses on the circuit. Here is my selection of Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers picks for this weekend’s Verizon 200 at the Brickyard on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win at the Indy Road Course
Chase Elliott
You can bet that Chase Elliott isn’t too thrilled about coming in second place at The Glen. Don’t expect him to take that position so easily this week. This guy takes a keen interest in the Indy Car circuit, and that’s bound to pay off this weekend at the Brickyard road course.
Road Course Wins: 7
Top-5 finishes: 11
Top-10 finishes: 13
Martin Truex Jr.
I’m not taking Martin Truex Jr. out of my Fantasy lineup this weekend. After a stage win and a third-place finish at The Glen last week, I think the No. 19 is gearing up for a successful run at the Indy road course.
Road Course Wins: 4
Top-5 finishes: 13
Top-10 finishes: 20
Kyle Larson
I neglected to put this driver on my list last week. Fool me once…won’t get fooled again. There seems to be no stopping the driver of the No. 5, no matter who stands in his way. It’s highly likely that he’ll get another win this week, further showing why he’s the best driver on Hendrick at the moment in time.
Road Course Wins: 2
Top-5 finishes: 4
Top-10 finishes: 7
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for the Verizon Brickyard 200
Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell won the Daytona Road Course, came in second at Road America, and took seventh (instead of second) at Watkins Glen after a tangle with Larson. You can bet that the No. 20 is pumped up and raring to go again this week, and he’s not going to let anyone knock him out of place again.
Road Course Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 3
Kurt Busch
No ride for next year, but he’s got a spot in the playoffs. Kurt Busch will go for broke at this Indy road course because 1) He may have only one road course win, but he has a lot of impressive finishes, and 2) He’ll continue to prove himself and show his talent until he retires. And rightfully he should.
Road Course Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 14
Top-10 finishes: 25
Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin worked to get a top-5 finish in Watkins Glen. Believe it or not, Hamlin is watching his playoff chances grow slimmer and slimmer with every new winner. Despite his high point total—it’s win-and-in for the Cup Series playoffs. This is a good opportunity for the No. 11 to get that first win and secure his spot.
Road Course Wins:
Top-5 finishes:
Top-10 finishes:
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course
Ryan Newman
So, as many times as Ryan Newman has run a road course circuit, he’s come up short every in all of them. Lots of top-10s, very few top-fives, zero wins. That won’t cut it at this Indy course. Best to leave the No. 6 out of the fantasy running this week.
Road Course Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 3
Top-10 finishes: 11
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
It’s zeros across the board at road courses for Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Keep him out of your NASCAR Fantasy lineup this week and save him for a better track down the line.
Road Course Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Tyler Reddick
I like this kid, and he might do well on the road courses as he gets more experience. But it’s a good idea to pick someone better if you’re going to go with a youngster. Right now, Tyler Reddick is best left in the pits at Indy.
Road Course Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 3
