Here is my selection of Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers picks for this weekend’s Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win in Atlanta
Kyle Larson
In March, Kyle Larson won both stages and finished in second place in Atlanta. Pocono round one and Road America were mere blips in his super-hot season. Expect the No. 5 to return to form on Sunday.
Wins in Atlanta: 0
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 4
Martin Truex Jr.
It has been feast or famine for Martin Truex Jr. this season. Sure, he has three wins, but he also has eight finishes above 18th place. The No. 19 hasn’t put on a good show since Sonoma, but Atlanta is a great track for this team. His single-digit placement goes back to 2012, so I’m banking on a win for this tired team on Sunday.
Wins in Atlanta: 0
Top-5 finishes: 5
Top-10 finishes: 11
Kyle Busch
Rowdy turned things around at Atlanta Motor Speedway since he arrived at JGR. Though he’s had his ups and downs here, the last few years have been consistent. The way this No. 18 is heating up, I’m betting on at least a stage win, if not the whole thing.
Wins in Atlanta: 2
Top-5 finishes: 7
Top-10 finishes: 10
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for Atlanta
Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney has been hot in Atlanta on his last two visits, with plenty of stage points and a win. Though he’s cooled down in recent weeks compared to the first half of the season, I think there’s more in the tank for the driver of the No. 21, and this might be the week he turns it back around.
Wins in Atlanta: 1
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 2
Kurt Busch
Outside of Pocono round two, Kurt Busch has been quietly impressive. Five top-10s in the last six races seems like a hot streak to me. He’s been excellent in Atlanta since 2007—each of his poor finishes resulted from an accident. If you take a chance on the No. 1 team this weekend, you won’t be disappointed.
Wins in Atlanta: 3
Top-5 finishes: 7
Top-10 finishes: 15
Aric Almirola
This might seem like an odd pick. And it is, but there’s gotta be a sleeper in here somewhere. Aric Almirola has had a few good runs here in Atlanta, and I feel like he has the potential for a great week if the stars align the right way. Don’t be surprised if the No. 10 has his best race of the season on Sunday.
Wins in Atlanta: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 2
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup for Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend
Christopher Bell
He may be lining up in the top five, but I don’t think that Christopher Bell is ready to take the reins in Atlanta. I like this driver on the road courses, though, so sit tight on the No. 20 until we hit Watkins Glen in August.
Wins in Atlanta: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace has seen plenty of action this season, but not enough great finishes. I suspect he’ll get better as he gets more comfortable in his No. 23 car, but don’t count on much from him in Atlanta on Sunday.
Wins in Atlanta: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Daniel Suarez
With the acquisition of Ganassi, Trackhouse Racing is sure to set the track on fire next season. I’ve seen glimpses of Daniel Suarez’s racing abilities this season, with a few top-10s along the way. He isn’t outright terrible here, but he isn’t amazing, either. Keep the No. 99 out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup this weekend.
Wins in Atlanta: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1