There’s never a dull moment in a NASCAR race, whether it’s for points or money. The All-Star race last weekend was no exception; fans and viewers were treated to high tension, hot tempers, and a scary moment when Ross Chastian’s car slammed into Kyle Busch’s and flipped. Luckily, all those involved in collisions checked out okay after the incidents, but most were unhappy about their loss of a million bucks.
After a very late caution thrown at the last possible minute, much to the chagrin of Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney won the All-Star race and took home the major prize. This Memorial Day Weekend, NASCAR heads home to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the long Coca-Cola 600. That means drivers will start in the light and go to the night as they travel 600 miles without ever leaving Mecklenburg County.
I’d like to take a moment this Memorial Day to remember all of those who served our country and lost their lives in the process of fighting for freedom. I’d also like to take a second moment to think of the families of those who lost their young, innocent lives to senseless violence in the Texas tragedy on May 17th.
And now, I offer you my expert, yet humble, opinion on the most brilliant, bold, and bonkers picks for your NASCAR Fantasy team this weekend.
Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Kyle Larson
It’s a fact that Kyle Larson is good at Charlotte. After all, he won the last time he was here and led 327 laps. Though his luck as of late has been concerning, I think that this is the track that can get the Number 5 back on track—literally.
Charlotte Wins: 1
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 5
Martin Truex Jr.
Truex Jr. is one of the winningest active drivers at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He’s led over a thousand laps and has zero DNFs here, making him a smart NASCAR fantasy pick this weekend. Though he has yet to win a race this season, if his luck and car hold up, that could change on Sunday night.
Charlotte Wins: 3
Top 5 finishes: 7
Top 10 finishes: 13
Chase Elliott
This is a Hendrick Team track, and the Number 9 is just one of Mr. H’s cars that has a great record here. With the exception of a handful of races, he’s been single digits here since he came up to the Cup Series. After his early All-Star exit last week, he’s ready to kick butt, take names, and get his second win of the season.
Charlotte Wins: 1
Top 5 finishes: 5
Top 10 finishes: 6
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Tyler Reddick
At some point, the luck of the Reddick is bound to turn. It’s been a promising, yet disappointing season for the No. 8, but it’s not for lack of trying. Just when you think he’s got it under his belt, something happens to his car internally or externally. This weekend, Tyler Reddick just might pull out all of the stops and get himself into a well-deserved winning position.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 2
Alex Bowman
With the exception of Darlington, Alex Bowman has been steady this season. He’s been quietly finishing in the top ten each week and that means he’s on a warm streak that borders on hot. Bowman has a few laps led, a bunch of stages won, and enough experience here to convince me to give the No. 48 a thumbs-up at Charlotte.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Top 5 finishes: 1
Top 10 finishes: 3
Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has never won a race at Charlotte, but he has lots of top-fives and tens. Building off a second-place finish in the All-Star race last Sunday and a fourth-place finish in Kansas the week prior, there’s a good chance of a solid run this weekend.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Top 5 finishes: 10
Top 10 finishes: 19
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell has been impressive, but not everyone can win at Charlotte, right? The number 20 might hold his own, but I don’t think it will be enough to win it all. Take a pass on Bell when you set your NASCAR fantasy lineup.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 1
Aric Almirola
In his 16 runs at this track, the number of great finishes has been few and far between for Aric Almirola. Take a pass on the Number 10 until we hit a more compatible track.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 1
Cole Custer
No laps led, no stage points, and a high finish of 12th place. These are the things that make me put Cole Custer on the bonkers list at Charlotte.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 0
