The All-Star Race is usually a lot of fun, but this year it seemed a tad on the boring side. No big wrecks, no big fights, and no big moves except one: once Brilliant Pick Kyle Larson got to the front, he stayed there until the race ended—and he became a million dollars richer. 23XI drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick put up a heck of a fight, coming in second and third, respectively. And everyone else was just everyone else.
This week NASCAR heads to Charlotte for a weekend of excitement. Jimmie Johnson is back behind the wheel for this long night race. He’s conquered this track eight times and has led more laps than any of the current full-time drivers. He’s not on my brilliant or bold list this week, but consider him an honorable mention. Alex Bowman will make his return after a back injury that sidelined him. And, as it does every Memorial Day weekend, NASCAR honors the men and women who are serving, or have served, in the military as the drivers do their best to put on a great show.
And now, here are my Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the annual Memorial Day Weekend Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson has not finished outside the top ten at this track since 2017. Well, with the exception of one accident in 2019. Even though he just won the All-Star Race, there’s no reason why NASCAR’s top driver can’t make it a double victory with a win in Charlotte.
Charlotte Wins: 1
Charlotte Top 5s: 2
Charlotte Top 10s: 6
Chase Elliott
Don’t look at his last race here in 2022, look further back at the last several races where Chase Elliott has finished with single-digit placement. With the way he’s been running since his return, and the need to win his way into the Championship run, count on the number 9 for a fantastic Sunday night finish.
Charlotte Wins: 1
Charlotte Top 5s: 5
Charlotte Top 10s: 5
Denny Hamlin
He won the race here last year, and he might just win it again this time around. But, even if he doesn’t win, he’s going to have a great finish. I mean, he has more single-digit finishes than doubles, and that’s impressive in itself. Keep your eye on this Coca-Cola driver at the 600 on Sunday.
Charlotte Wins: 1
Charlotte Top 5s: 11
Charlotte Top 10s: 20
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Alex Bowman
He’s back just in time to get on the bold list. It’s a great time for Alex Bowman to reestablish himself and head for victory lane. I know it’s a long shot, but the last five years have brought him more success at this track than the awful years prior. Don’t be surprised to see that 48 cross the finish line in a top spot.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Charlotte Top 5s: 1
Charlotte Top 10s: 4
William Byron
And though he may not have the best record at this track yet, there’s plenty of time. He had two really bad finishes, and those were both the results of accidents. When he runs well, he runs really well. And with the streak William Byron is running, he’s going to run well. He’s always a good pick for the NASCAR fantasy lineup.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Charlotte Top 5s: 1
Charlotte Top 10s: 1
Martin Truex Jr.
In the last 6 or 7 years, Martin Truex Jr. has been really good at this track. He’s led over a thousand laps and has zero DNFs. As long as he keeps himself out of trouble, the 19 is going to have a happy Memorial Day weekend.
Charlotte Wins: 3
Charlotte Top 5s: 7
Charlotte Top 10s: 13
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
A.J. Allmendinger
A.J. Allmendinger has had a poor first half of the 2023 NASCAR season. And this week won;t be any better. But as we head off to more road courses, I think we’ll see a spark. For now, leave him off of your fantasy list on Sunday.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Charlotte Top 5s: 1
Charlotte Top 10s: 2
Erik Jones
Erik Jones has never had much luck at this Charlotte track. His last top-ten finish was in 2018 and it’s been rough going since then. Take a pass on the driver of the 43 this weekend.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Charlotte Top 5s: 0
Charlotte Top 10s: 1
Daniel Suarez
Daniel Suarez has not been able to capitalize on his good luck yet this season. Despite winning poles and starting in the top, he’s fallen back and finished poorly. This isn’t his best place to run, so hold off on the driver of the 99 until he gets to a track that’s a better fit for him.
Charlotte Wins: 0
Charlotte Top 5s: 0
Charlotte Top 10s: 1
