Here is my selection of Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers picks for this weekend’s Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win at Texas Motor Speedway
Kyle Busch
Kyle Bush had a great summer, but over the last couple of months, his results have been less-than-desirable. It’s crunch time for the No. 18, and his winning numbers at Texas show that he’s hitting the right track at the right time.
Texas Wins: 4
Top-5 finishes:12
Top-10 finishes: 23
Joey Logano
Joey Logano has put up some good numbers through the playoffs, and that’s not going to stop. He’s looking for another championship—whether it comes his way is another story. But with his numbers here and his determination to move to the next round, I expect good things from the No. 22 this week.
Texas Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 11
Top-10 finishes: 14
Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin kicked his NASCAR season into high gear at the first playoff race, and he’s far from finished. Of all the driver’s gunning for a championship, it means the most to the No. 11. You can bet he has no intention of slowing down, making him a smart pick for Texas on Sunday.
Texas Wins: 3
Top-5 finishes: 7
Top-10 finishes: 14
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500
Tyler Reddick
Overall, I think that Tyler Reddick and his team have a lot to be proud of in this 2021 NASCAR season. Last week was a great finish, and he’ll continue to build on that for the rest of this year into next. Don’t slouch on the No. 8 when making your fantasy picks this weekend.
Texas Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 1
Kurt Busch
Kust Bush seems to be having a great time on the track. Sure, last week was a bust, but Texas is a different place, and the driver of the No. 1 is well-acquainted with this track. Expect him to run hard and fast for a great finish on Sunday.
Texas Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 3
Top-10 finishes: 23
Kevin Harvick
Oh, Happy Harvick, what happened? I can only imagine the frustration the No. 4 has felt this season. It’s the first time he’s been eliminated before the round of eight since NASCAR installed this stage formula. I can’t see Harvick going without a win this season, though, and I expect one at Texas or Phoenix—maybe both.
Texas Wins: 3
Top-5 finishes: 12
Top-10 finishes: 23
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup for Texas Motor Speedway
WIlliam Byron
William Byron fought long and hard last week to try to get into the round of eight. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to make it. Pressure is off now, but on a track like this where so many others are pushing for a first-place finish, the No. 24’s win chances are slim to none.
Texas Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 2
Aric Almirola
Aric Almirola is one driver who is probably looking forward to getting this season over with. Though he’s had a few strong runs at Texas, he’s never really mastered the track. It’s best to leave the No.10 in the pits until next week.
Texas Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 5
Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell has hit this track 22 times with nothing but seven DNFs to show for it. Take a pass on the No. 34 in your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week at Texas.
Texas Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
