Leave it to a rookie to fool me this week. Just when we thought that Martin Truex Jr. was in the clear, Cole Custer came through with his first-ever series win. It was pretty exciting to see a new team and driver celebrate when the race ended, though.
The all-star race will be held at Bristol this year. In a crazy season of ups, downs, double-headers, and reschedules, it seems fitting. The field is limited, of course, and we won’t know everyone who will be in the race until the results of the fan-favorite vote and the winners of all three stages in the All-Star Open just prior to the All-Star race.
My fantasy picks are based on who I know will be there at this time. (For example, Clint Bowyer would be a smart choice for this race, but unless he races his way in during the open, or gets the fan vote, he’ll be sitting this one out.)
With such a limited field and absolutely crazy action at “The Last Great Colosseum,” each category will give you two picks instead of three.
Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice guiding you to the Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers drivers for the NASCAR All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway:
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot at winning in The All-Star Race
Kyle Busch
Wins at Bristol: 8
Top 5 finishes: 13
Top 10 finishes: 18
This might be one track where the lack of practice and qualifying won’t bother the No. 18 team. After all, with eight wins and 18 top-ten finishes, this guy has mastered Bristol. If he can’t get it done here, it’s going to be worrisome for Rowdy Nation. I have a hunch, though, that the cheers and the boos will be raining down on Kyle at the end of this race. (Remember, fans are allowed at the track this week.)
Denny Hamlin
Wins at Bristol: 2
Top 5 finishes: 9
Top 10 finishes: 14
Denny wasn’t very hot at Kentucky, but you can imagine he’ll be back to fun form at Bristol. Hamlin thrives in big situations like the All-Star race and I’m sure he’s chomping at the bit to put that cool million to good use.
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks
Kurt Busch
Wins at Bristol: 6
Top 5 finishes: 12
Top 10 finishes: 21
Kurt Busch is on a bit of a role here after a 5th place finish at Kentucky. I think that he has a great shot at a win at Bristol, as long as he can stay out of trouble.
Jimmie Johnson
Wins at Bristol: 2
Top 5 finishes: 13
Top 10 finishes: 22
Jimmie Johnson gets me every time. I pick him, and he lets me down. But—BUT—this is not only the All-Star race, but it’s also Johnson’s last All-Star race. And he’s an all-star, for sure, so it only makes sense that he’s gonna pull this thing out of his helmet for the win. Don’t let me down, Jimmie.
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup this week
Martin Truex Jr.
Wins at Bristol: 0
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 3
Truex has never done well at Bristol. I mean, look at those numbers! He’s great on the intermediate tracks, but I’d keep him out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week.
Ryan Newman
Wins at Bristol: 0
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 19
He sure has a lot of top-ten finished at Bristol, but Newman has struggled to get into to top-five more than twice. Best to take a pass on the No. 6 car at the All-Star Race this week.
No Comment! Be the first one.