So, yeah, I picked a winner last week. Brilliant Pick Kyle Busch rolled across the finish line and took his infamous bow to more cheers than boos at Auto Club. Which was surprising, but I think that the West coast loves them some Rowdy. It was sweet to see the newest member of RCR holding off the rest of the pack, including the very persistent Ross Chastain, looking like a return to old-school form.
Now that he has this win off of his back, I expect the number 18 to feel better as the season goes on and finish with a top ten every week. Pretty much. Don’t be shocked if it happens.
I also picked a loser when you consider that Kyle Larson’s day ended before it even had a chance to begin. The rainy-snowy-chilly weather in California (what is this world coming to?) washed away all chances of practice and qualifying. Would the pit crew of number 5 have been able to spot the problem and rectify the situation to avoid disaster? Maybe, maybe not, but we’ll never know. We can only look at the results, shake our heads in sorrow (at least, those who banked on a win for this California driver), and hope that luck holds truer in Las Vegas.
Speaking of Las Vegas, this ought to be a fun weekend. There are a handful of drivers who always race really well here, and there are a couple who race well everywhere these days. Between the bunch of ’em, we should have an exciting race that’s sure to break hearts on restarts and give the fans something to cheer or cuss about.
As we roll the dice in Sin City, consider the odds of my Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Joey Logano
The 2022 Champ, and driver of the 22 car, is ready to roll the dice and get his first win of 2023. Right now, he’s tied with his ex-Penske teammate for the most wins in Las Vegas, and I have a feeling that one of them is going to take this weekend and step in front of the other. Might be the guy with the best hair—and that’s Joey Logano.
Vegas wins: 3
Vegas top 5s: 7
Vegas top 10s: 12
Kyle Larson
With only four finishes in Las Vegas that landed outside of the top 10 since 2014, it’s safe to assume that Kyle Larson will have great placement this week, even if he doesn’t hit the finish line first. That said, let’s cross our fingers that his car is rip-roaring and ready for action—and stays that way.
Vegas wins: 1
Vegas top 5s: 5
Vegas top 10s: 9
Ross Chastain
Up until last season, Ross Chastain was just another driver hanging out in the back of the pack without a threat to champions and veterans. No more of that, now. After an intense 2022 that saw him land in the final four, there’s no telling where this guy will go next. Probably to Victory Lane in Las Vegas.
Vegas wins: 0
Vegas top 5s: 2
Vegas top 10s: 2
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski is 10th in points right now, which ain’t bad considering his last season’s numbers. He’s finally settling in with his new team, and I think that he’s going to have a good week in Vegas. Brad has always run well here, and even if he doesn’t win, I think he’s good for a playoff point or two, and a solid finish.
Vegas wins: 3
Vegas top 5s: 8
Vegas top 10s: 12
Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr. just looked lost last season. This year, he came out swinging with a win at The Clash and some impressive driving in Daytona and Auto Club. In fact, if not for that loose wheel, who knows where he may have ended up. The persistence and perseverance that got him into JGR in the first place are showing up at just the right moment, and it’s gonna be a good day for this guy no matter how it plays out.
Vegas wins: 2
Vegas top 5s: 7
Vegas top 10s: 13
Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin had a good run in Daytona, until the final wreck, and then a decent day at Auto Club with a top-six spot. This week, he’ll likely find himself in a better position at a track where he’s a consistent driver and finisher.
Vegas wins: 1
Vegas top 5s: 6
Vegas top 10s: 11
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
Chase Briscoe
Chase Briscoe is still a good driver, we just haven’t seen much out of him yet. Give him a minute. But don’t give him the odds in Vegas.
Vegas wins: 0
Vegas top 5s: 1
Vegas top 10s: 1
Aric Almirola
Aric Almirola and Las Vegas Motor Speedway are not on good terms. He has as many DNFs here as top-ten finishes, and that’s never a good sign. Keep him out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup this weekend.
Vegas wins: 0
Vegas top 5s: 0
Vegas top 10s: 4
William Byron
It’s not that William Byron is terrible at this track, it’s just that I haven’t seen much from him in the first two races of the season and there are plenty of others on the hot streak, right? Take a pass on the 24 for now.
Vegas wins: 0
Vegas top 5s: 1
Vegas top 10s: 3
