Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win in Las Vegas
Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski is currently the winningest driver at this Las Vegas track—and he always puts on a great show. I expect this week to be no different. The season has been rough so far for the No. 2, with some deeply disappointing endings. But I expect to see this guy at the front for a good portion of the Pennzoil 400, and if he can stay one step ahead of his teammates and the No. 4, he’ll get his first win of the season.
Wins in Las Vegas: 3
Top 5 finishes: 7
Top 10 finishes: 10
Kevin Harvick
Harvick is having a good season already, though rather uneventful. From The Duel to Homestead, he’s finished inside the top-10 every race—with a majority of those finishes inside the top-five. But: no wins. It’s strange to see when you think about his domination of the 2020 NASCAR season, but it’s a typical No. 4 team strategy to keep things steady and be consistently good. I think that Harvick has a strong chance to be the first big-name-driver to grab a win, making him a favorite for victory lane on Sunday.
Wins in Las Vegas: 2
Top 5 finishes: 7
Top 10 finishes: 12
Joey Logano
This is a track that Joey Logano loves—and it shows with his multiple wins and fantastic finishes. His starting position rests in the middle, but he’ll be cruising up in the front in no time. The No. 22 has been falling short of his goal week after week, but if his car has the speed, he has the know-how to get the job done at this familiar track.
Wins in Las Vegas: 2
Top 5 finishes: 6
Top 10 finishes: 10
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for Las Vegas
Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr. looked more like his old self during last week’s race at Homestead-Miami. But he’s not quite the driver that we saw before he moved to Gibbs; and before crew chief Cole Pearn called it quits. I mean, he’s still incredibly talented, but there’s something missing. He’s had plenty of success in Vegas, however, and even though he’ll be fighting the Penske boys for prime position, the No. 19 has a great shot for another win in Sin City.
Wins in Las Vegas: 2
Top 5 finishes: 6
Top 10 finishes: 9
Kyle Larson
This guy here. What a mess he made for himself almost a year ago. But, he’s taken the steps to improve himself and “get woke” (as the young people are saying these days). Thus, Mr. H agreed to bring him on as originally planned—albeit to the No. 5 as opposed to the No. 48—and he’s been back in the thick of the action ever since. This is going to be a big race for Larson because it’s a track where he’s done well in the past. Let’s see if he has it in him to sail past those other Vegas pros and get his long-awaited win this weekend.
Wins in Las Vegas: 0
Top 5 finishes: 3
Top 10 finishes: 6
Ryan Blaney
Oh, Ryan Blaney, what a tough start you’ve had to the 2021 NASCAR season. But Las Vegas is the perfect place to shake off those Florida blues and soak up the sun in victory lane. He’s finished well here for most of his career; he just needs to keep it steady, proceed with determination, and have clean pit stops. Look for the No. 12 to kick things up a notch at the Pennzoil 400 on Sunday.
Wins in Las Vegas: 0
Top 5 finishes: 3
Top 10 finishes: 6
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup for Las Vegas this week
Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott began this season with a bang—but that bang has fizzled out. Poor finishes have kept the No. 9 from enjoying the carryover good feelings from his Championship win, and probably have him wondering what the heck’s going on. His numbers at Vegas are weak; couple that with a cool streak and you just better sit him out while he gets himself back together.
Wins in Las Vegas: 0
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 3
Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin is high on points right now, and low on wins that he really thought he’d have already. I’m sure a win is looming on the horizon, but the No. 11 struggles in Vegas; last time around was his best finish in years. He might win a stage or two, but there are way too many seasoned Vegas drivers for him to fight in order to take first place on Sunday.
Wins in Las Vegas: 0
Top 5 finishes: 3
Top 10 finishes: 8
Erik Jones
Poor Erik Jones has always struggled at this track, which burned him when it came to the playoffs a couple of years ago. His season thus far has been abysmal, but that’s not uncommon for many of the better drivers right now. Jones’ move to Richard Petty Motorsports was better than sitting out the season, but it remains to be seen just how good he’ll do in the No. 43 as 2021 goes along.
Wins in Las Vegas: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 2
