Here is my selection of Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers picks for this weekend’s race at Road America.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win at Road America
Kyle Larson
It might be a long time before Kyle Larson isn’t a top consideration for a NASCAR win. His record is fantastic at all types of tracks, and he knows his way around a road course. After his bad luck at Pocono, I’m sure he’s looking forward to getting back on top at Road America.
Wins at Road Courses: 1
Top-5 finishes: 3
Top-10 finishes: 6
Chase Elliott
I imagine that just about everyone is banking on Chase Elliott for the win on Sunday. After all, he’s the road course King right now with the most wins at this type of track of all active drivers. It’s almost too easy to pick the No. 9—but sometimes the easiest is the most obvious.
Wins at Road Courses: 6
Top-5 finishes: 8
Top-10 finishes: 10
Joey Logano
Though he doesn’t have a win in recent years, Joey Logano has been consistent at the road courses on the Cup Series Circuit. With a majority of finishes inside the top-five, this might be the week he changes all that.
Wins at Road Courses: 1
Top-5 finishes: 9
Top-10 finishes: 16
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for Road America
Martin Truex Jr.
The last few races have been pretty sad for Martin Truex Jr., but this could be a good opportunity for his team. The 19 is pretty good on road courses, one of the best in the Cup Series, and I imagine he’ll be riding in the front with everyone else as long as both his car and his crew are in top shape.
Wins at Road Courses: 4
Top-5 finishes: 12
Top-10 finishes: 18
Denny Hamlin
No one knows what’s happened to Denny Hamlin in recent weeks, but he’s always been fun to watch at a road course. Let’s see if this team can regain their strength and make something happen this weekend at Road America.
Wins at Road Courses: 1
Top-5 finishes: 10
Top-10 finishes: 16
Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman has three wins under his belt this season, and this week could make it four. I don’t know if he’s got enough in the tank for a win, but I’m putting his odds right up there with the best of them. His road course runs have been solid. Let’s see how far this hot streak can go.
Wins at Road Courses: 0
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 7
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup for Road America this weekend
Austin Dillon
Forget Austin Dillon this week. He’s never made it into the top-10 on the road and though he may get there at some point, I think there’s too much talent ahead of him for a win on Sunday.
Wins at Road Courses: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Aric Almirola
Pocono wasn’t the best for the No. 10 team, but it wasn’t the worst. It’s possible that Aric Almirola comes around before the playoffs and works his way into a spot, but he’s not great at road courses. So it’s a no-go for Road America.
Wins at Road Courses: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 2
Ryan Newman
Many times Ryan Newman has been on a road course. Many times he’s lost. 43 runs plus zero wins equals: a seat on the bend when it comes to picking your NASCAR fantasy lineup this weekend.
Wins at Road Courses: 0
Top-5 finishes: 3
Top-10 finishes: 11
