Here is my selection of Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers picks for this weekend’s Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders at Richmond Raceway.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win in Richmond
Martin Truex Jr.
It’s one step forward and two steps back for Martin Truex Jr. these days. Car trouble, penalties, pit mistakes—he’s faced them all. But just when it looks like all is lost, the No. 19 barrels his way back to the near-front each week. I have a feeling that he’s going to run clean in Richmond and secure his way into the next round with his Darlington-winning teammate.
Richmond Wins: 2
Top-5 finishes: 7
Top-10 finishes: 13
Kyle Busch
I think that Kyle Busch’s place on the bubble is going to fuel his fire in Richmond. His record here is stellar and if anyone is a shoo-in for Saturday night racing under the lights, it’s the driver of the Gibbs 18. If you go back to when this guy first ran Richmond in the Cup Series in 2005, he’s only finished with double digits seven times. That’s an incredible run, but it shows just how likely he is to grab another win this weekend.
Richmond Wins: 6
Top-5 finishes: 18
Top-10 finishes: 24
Denny Hamlin
This is Denny Hamlin’s home track. After finally grabbing his first win of the season last weekend in Darlington, there’s a good chance he’ll keep that streak alive just when he needs it the most. The No. 11 excels on night runs, so don’t count him out on Saturday under the lights in Richmond.
Richmond Wins: 3
Top-5 finishes: 14
Top-10 finishes:18
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for the
Christopher Bell
There’s really no time to fool around with non-playoff drivers this week. Everyone in the top-16 is looking to stay one step ahead of everyone else, and that’s why this guy is here. Christopher Bell knows that it’s time to step up and secure his place in the round of 12. He finished fourth here early in the season and I think he has the stamina and the will to top that by three on Saturday night.
Richmond Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 1
Brad Keselowski
Now that the Gibbs boys are out of the way, here come the spoilers. Brad Keselowski has been eerily quiet since getting into the playoffs, which is quite unlike him. I think that the No. 2 needs a win this week as bad as the bubble drivers do. With his level of experience, there’s no reason why he can’t get it done in Richmond.
Richmond Wins: 2
Top-5 finishes: 6
Top-10 finishes: 12
Joey Logano
Joey Logano has had some tough breaks this season, with fewer wins than he would like to have. I like the No. 22 at night, though, and if he can stay out of trouble, there’s a good chance you’ll see him in victory lane at the end of the ride.
Richmond Wins: 2
Top-5 finishes: 11
Top-10 finishes: 14
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup in Darlington
Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney has a week or two to kick back and relax since he’s not on the bubble for this round. Richmond somehow escapes him every time, and I doubt it’s going to get much better this week. Hold off on the No. 12 until he gets to a better track.
Richmond Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Michael McDowell
His playoff run began quickly at the Daytona 500, and it’s probably going to end just as quickly in the first round. After an early exit last week, Michael McDowell’s chances of moving on are slim to none. Especially with this record at Richmond Raceway.
Richmond Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
William Byron
Yes, he came in 7th last time around, but he was on a super-hot streak at the time. William Byron has cooled off these past few weeks and this is one of his worst tracks. It’s going to take a different track to get him back in the playoff race.
Richmond Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
