Did you hear the one about the NASCAR Cup Series Champion who kept everyone on the edge of their seats until he finally announced his plans for the 2023 season? Yeah, I heard that one, too, and I am happy to report that Kyle Busch announced this week that he will remain in a car next season as he changes teams to race with RCR.
Kyle Busch will take over Earnhardt-Senior’s number 8 from Tyler Reddick when 2023 rolls around. Richard Childress did not mention which number Reddick will pilot in his last season at RCR before he moves to 23XI in 2024, but it makes sense that this iconic number will become part of the Rowdy Nation legacy going forward.
This week the boys head to Bristol under the lights. And it’s the last race in the round of 12, so this means that four of your favorites will be out of contention for the remainder of the Championship run. I’m banking on two of the veterans to duke it out for a win, and I expect a highly entertaining race as The Last Great Colosseum lays down the hammer on these drivers once last time.
Here are the expertly researched and crafted Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Kyle Busch
This renewed lease on his NASCAR life will push Rowdy to the win and into the next round of the playoffs. He’ll do it just to spite Coach Gibbs, you just watch. I’d expect a fun show from the No. 18 car either way on Saturday night.
Wins at Bristol: 8
Top five finishes: 14
Top ten finishes: 19
Joey Logano
You need a guy who drives as aggressively as the 4 and the 18 if you want competition, and the 22 is as aggressive as they come. He’s hot, his numbers are good, and he’s gunning for another Championship. Keep your eye on Joey Logano at Bristol under the lights.
Wins at Bristol: 2
Top five finishes: 6
Top ten finishes: 10
Chase Elliott
No one really thinks of Chase Elliott as a top performer at Bristol, but he is. He holds his own here and I think he’s stern enough to hold off some of the more aggressive drivers when push comes to shove—literally. Zero DNFs mean this kid knows how to hang on in tight spots at Bristol.
Wins at Bristol: 0
Top five finishes: 3
Top ten finishes: 5
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman has been heating up in recent weeks, and that’s perfect for keeping him in playoff contention. I think that the number 48 has enough in the system to push through and run close to the front all night. This is the last season he’ll spend with Crew Chief Greg Ives, and he wants to make the most of the next several weeks. Win or not, expect good things from this guy on Saturday.
Wins at Bristol: 0
Top five finishes: 2
Top ten finishes: 3
Tyler Reddick
I toyed with the idea of putting Erik Jones in the lineup, but would he really play spoiler again for this last race in the round of 16? Probably not. So, I decided that Tyler Reddick is the best option when it comes to such an important race. This guy is hungry for a shot at the title, and he’s as aggressive as they come. Right now he’s two spots above the cutoff and wants to level up, so I think he’ll push anyone out of his way, including the 43, to better his position. Keep an eye on this NASCAR fantasy sleeper pick Saturday night.
Wins at Bristol: 0
Top five finishes: 1
Top ten finishes: 1
Kevin Harvick
This is the last chance for Kevin Harvick to make it into the next round of the playoffs. This is a historically good track for him, and it’s coming right when he needs it to. You can expect a few stage points from him if you’re into that kind of thing, but you might also get a win. It’s do-or-die time for Number 4.
Wins at Bristol: 3
Top five finishes: 14
Top ten finishes: 21
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
William Byron
William Byron is sitting pretty in points for the playoffs, so I don’t expect he’s going to push himself on Saturday night. He’ll ride this easy and he’ll probably get pushed out of the way by more aggressive drivers who need a win to stay in.
Wins at Bristol: 0
Top five finishes: 1
Top ten finishes: 2
Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell is all set for the playoffs and while he’ll probably run well, maybe even finish well, I don’t think he’ll take the top spot away from someone else. His numbers here aren’t very strong, and though he’s hot right now, I think that Bristol might be a little bit tough on the 20.
Wins at Bristol: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 1
Brad Keselowski
I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that Brad Keselowski isn’t a smart NASCAR fantasy pick, despite his impressive record in Bristol. He’s rebuilding right now, and with four drivers trying to get above the cutoff line, and four who want to stay there, it’s not a good time for the number 6 right now.
Wins at Bristol: 3
Top five finishes: 6
Top ten finishes: 8
