Last week’s Brilliant Pick Kevin Harvick broke a 65-race losing streak and nabbed his first win of the season in Michigan last Sunday. Despite his impressive record at this two-mile track, the number 4 was hardly on anyone’s radar last week, as expressed by NBC announcers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Stever Letarte, Rick Allen, and Jeff Burton. (I couldn’t help but proclaim out loud in my living room that his win certainly didn’t surprise any readers of my weekly article.) I said that he was going to work hard to get into the playoffs, and work he did. This could be the start of a hot run by the number 4 team, making things interesting as we roll into the last three races before the playoffs.
Michigan was a heartbreaker for second-place driver Bubba Wallace (a bold NASCAR fantasy pick last week). Wallace was clearly dejected after the race, wiping away tears as he voiced disappointment in himself for not getting the job done. The number 23 has come a long way and found his footing in the Cup Series over the last several weeks. Richmond has never been a strong place for Bubba, but I think the hot streak will continue. This driver seems to think he has something to prove, if not to his Team Owners, then to himself.
NASCAR stays with familiarity when it heads to Virginia this weekend. With only three races left until the playoffs, watch out for these Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway.
Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Denny Hamlin
It’s his home track, after all. Last week his car was the fastest, but a pit road penalty set him back. This week, barring any errors, he’ll either end up with a top-five finish or drive the 11 right into victory lane.
Wins at Richmond: 4
Top five finishes: 16
Top ten finishes: 20
Kyle Busch
This is it. The week for Kyle Busch to get back on the horse and ride it through to the finish line. Bad breaks and lousy luck since Sonoma have all but crushed the spirit of the number 18, but back at a track where he’s so comfortable and familiar, there’s only one way to go: Up.
Wins at Richmond: 6
Top five finishes:18
Top ten finishes: 26
Kevin Harvick
Yes, I do think that the real Kevin Harvick will show up at the rest of the races this season. He and his team have finally figured out the NextGen cars and that’s going to be dangerous for anyone else around him. I don’t know if a win is certain, but a top-five is highly likely.
Wins at Richmond: 3
Top five finishes:16
Top ten finishes: 28
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Christopher Bell
Sixth place last time around, who knows where he’ll be this week. This is a great track for all of the Gibbs boys so why should the 20 be any different? I can see him in the top-five already. As long as he doesn’t get an unlucky penalty, or shoved by Ross Chastain, it’s smooth sailing for Christopher Bell.
Wins at Richmond: 0
Top five finishes: 2
Top ten finishes: 3
Martin Truex Jr.
There’s no way that Martin Truex Jr. is missing out on the playoffs. You’re a fool if you think he isn’t going to try as hard as Kevin Harvick tried the week prior. However, Martin Truex Jr. is in the bold category because he has four DNFs in Richmond, though it doesn’t really concern me at this stage of the game. He’ll either make a desperate move for the win, or the loss.
Wins at Richmond: 3
Top five finishes:9
Top ten finishes: 15
Alex Bowman
The driver of the Ally Bank car has seen good days and bad, but this is a relatively good track for him. Things have been quiet for Alex Bowman in recent weeks, and while I hesitate to say he’ll get the last laugh in the last lap, I do think he’s good for a top-five and some stage points.
Wins at Richmond: 1
Top five finishes:1
Top ten finishes: 3
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
Cole Custer
Poor Cole Custer’s car caught on fire last week and his luck has kind of gone that way lately. He hasn’t been here enough times for me to put him on a path of good or bad right now, but I’d say you’re better off leaving him out of fantasy contention this week.
Wins at Richmond: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 0
Ryan Blaney
Another driver with so much potential who is on the teetering edge of the playoffs. Ryan Blaney has yet to see a win this season, and despite the many top finishes he’s achieved, it might not be enough to take him to the next level. I think he’ll step it up, but not at one of his worse tracks. Maybe next week at The Glen.
Wins at Richmond: 0
Top five finishes:0
Top ten finishes: 2
Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell might not have a win this season, but he has more top-ten finishes than ever before. I have 10 DNFs backing me up on why you should leave him out of your fantasy NASCAR lineup this week. Wait until Daytona or Talladega.
Wins at Richmond: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 0
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