This week’s race at Martinsville Speedway is the last elimination race before the 2020 season finale at Phoenix. At the end of a long-delayed race at Texas, last week’s Brilliant Pick Kyle Busch finally took a bow after winning his first race of the 2020 season. Much to the joy of the fans and crew, Rowdy’s record remains unblemished.
Now, what drivers will make the final moves to secure their position into the Round of Four on Sunday?
Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice guiding you to the Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers drivers for the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway:
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win in Martinsville
Martin Truex Jr.
Truex won the last two races at this track. Though his season has been less-than-stellar, this the opportune time for the No. 19 to step up and claim his most important victory of the season.
Wins at Martinsville: 2
Top 5 finishes: 7
Top 10 finishes: 13
Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski has only finished outside the top-10 in Martinsville once in the last six years. He’s desperate to secure his way into the final four. And he starts on the pole this week. Enough said.
Wins at Martinsville: 2
Top 5 finishes: 10
Top 10 finishes: 15
Denny Hamlin
Other than Jimmie Johnson, no one has as many wins at Martinsville as Denny Hamlin. It’s been a long time since he hit victory lane here, but he’s not going to let his season-long hard work go down the tubes with a poor showing. Expect a lotta stage points and a probable win from the No. 11 on Sunday.
Wins at Martinsville: 5
Top 5 finishes: 15
Top 10 finishes: 21
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks
Chase Elliott
No, he doesn’t have a winning record here, but like the rest of my bold picks this week, he wants a spot in the final four. With hard work and determination, there’s no reason why the No. 9 can’t make some Martinsville Magic this weekend.
Wins at Martinsville: 0
Top 5 finishes: 3
Top 10 finishes: 5
Alex Bowman
There’s something about Alex Bowman’s youth, determination, and talent that makes me a believer. I honestly don’t know if he can pull off a win when there are so many more experienced drivers looking for a top spot, but I think he has just a good a chance as anyone in the round of eight to make it happen.
Wins at Martinsville: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 2
Kurt Busch
Kurt was a long shot to even make it into the playoffs in the first place. But he kept pushing all the way up to this final elimination race. He’s at the bottom of the cutoff and he needs to win to get in. His record here is pretty respectable, and if anyone on the outside stands a chance, it’s this guy. Don’t count the No. 1 team out just yet.
Wins at Martinsville: 2
Top 5 finishes: 3
Top 10 finishes: 8
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup this week
Erik Jones
Erik Jones is likely ready to move over to RPM next season and start fresh with a new team, new crew, and new car. He’s never been strong here, and I don’t expect him to change that on Sunday.
Wins at Martinsville: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 0
Aric Almirola
Double-A has been here many times before, but he’s never quite figured out how to run well at “The Paperclip.” Leave him out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup for Martinsville.
Wins at Martinsville: 0
Top 5 finishes: 1
Top 10 finishes: 4
William Byron
William Byron gets reunited with his old crew chief next season, and that might be just what he needs to get back on track (no pun intended). Don’t expect much out of the 24 this weekend, though, as there are far too many drivers who need this win more than he does.
Wins at Martinsville: 0
Top 5 finishes: 1
Top 10 finishes: 2
