#NASCARIsBack with a vengeance—and Sunday’s bold pick Kevin Harvick was eager to give viewers quite a show with his first win of the season. Can he repeat with a win on Wednesday night under the lights at the Toyota 500? Read on to discover my NASCAR expert picks for the second race at Darlington this week.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot at winning at Darlington
Kevin Harvick
Wins at Darlington: 2
Top 5 finishes: 9
Top 10 finishes: 13
He came out swinging, just as I said he would, and I think he just might swing away for the second Darlington race this week. Don’t be shocked if Happy Harvick pulls out all the stops and takes his 51st win on Wednesday.
Alex Bowman
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 1
Top 10 finishes: 1
I held my breath as Bowman dominated everyone else on the track on Sunday (with the exception of winner Kevin Harvick). He was a bonkers pick for the first race back after the long hiatus, but I’m giving this boy a second look and a better pick for the mid-week NASCAR race.
Denny Hamlin
Wins at Darlington: 2
Top 5 finishes: 8
Top 10 finishes: 12
Denny was steady through the entire race on Sunday. After getting reacquainted with the track, I think that the No. 11 will have a good run under the lights on Wednesday night.
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks
Jimmie Johnson
Wins at Darlington: 3
Top 5 finishes: 9
Top 10 finishes: 12
Johnson was impressive through stage one and almost took it—until he caused an unfortunate mishap that took him out for the rest of the race. I still believe in the No. 48, however, and I think he’ll show us a better hand in this next round as long as he keeps his cool and races clean.
Kurt Busch
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 4
Kurt Bush looked great for the return of NASCAR on Sunday, coming in with a third-place finish. Don’t be surprised if he kicks that up two notches for a win at the Toyota 400 at Darlington on Wednesday.
Erik Jones
Wins at Darlington: 1
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 4
Second time’s the charm? I still have faith in Erik Jones’ ability at Darlington. After all, he’s young enough to stay up late and run a mid-week race with vigor. But seriously—he’s a smart bet for a NASCAR sleeper pick.
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup this week
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 0
Darlington is not his best track. Period. Rinse and repeat. Stenhouse wrecked within the opening minutes of the return at Darlington, so I don’t expect him to pull into victory lane anytime soon.
Clint Bowyer
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 1
Bowyer is fun to watch and fun to listen to, but he doesn’t have a whole lotta fun at Darlington. Best to leave him out of your fantasy lineup this week.
Ryan Blaney
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 0
Blaney finished 16th on Sunday, so his numbers haven’t gotten any better since my last foray into his NASCAR fantasy potential. I’d keep him on the sidelines until next weekend.
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