Here is my selection of Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers picks for this weekend’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win at Michigan International Speedway
Joey Logano
Though Joey Logano hasn’t really seemed like himself these past few races, I don’t expect him to sit back at this track and watch the rest blow by him. These are the last two regular-season races, and I think that a few of the veterans will pull out all the stops and go for a final victory before the playoffs begin. The No. 22 is one of them.
Michigan Wins: 3
Top-5 finishes: 7
Top-10 finishes: 17
Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr. has yet to finish first in Michigan, but that could change this weekend. His last four races here have been super-hot, and I don’t expect that to change now that things are heating up for the drivers. Look for a solid finish from the No. 19 on Sunday.
Michigan Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 10
Top-10 finishes: 13
Kyle Larson
Just gonna put this right here and leave it. I mean, do I really need any words to describe what this kid has done since his return? And he’s on the pole. Enough said.
Michigan Wins: 3
Top-5 finishes: 5
Top-10 finishes: 6
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for the FireKeepers Casino 400
Kevin Harvick
Though his status as a driver and his record at Michigan International Speedway give him an edge over all other drivers, it’s his proximity to the cutoff line that makes me think Kevin Harvick will work hard to get a win this weekend. That’s not a guarantee, though, as we’ve seen at previous tracks; this is why the No. 4 is a Bold rather than a Brilliant.
Michigan Wins: 5
Top-5 finishes: 15
Top-10 finishes: 21
Matt DiBenedetto
This is not the time for Matty D to take even one step backward. True: his numbers at this track are pathetic. But; he’s on a streak right now with a determination in his heart that borders on desperation. DiBenedetto knows that it’s gettin’ real, and he’s ready for his shining moment.
Michigan Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
Denny Hamlin
Ay Caramba—last week seemed like Denny Hamlin’s chance to score a big win at the Indy road course. Unfortunately, Chase Briscoe forced a hand that didn’t quite work out for either of them. The No. 11 is determined to win in the regular season, and he’ll keep trying until he gets there. This is his second-to-last chance.
Michigan Wins: 2
Top-5 finishes: 9
Top-10 finishes: 15
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup at Michigan International Speedway
Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman has slowed down a bit in recent weeks, and this is not the track where he’s likely to make a resounding return. He’s already clinched his playoff spot, so I think he’ll lay low until the race for the chase begins.
Michigan Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 2
Chris Buescher
Chris Buescher came up with a few impressive top-10 finishes early in the season, then sort of fizzled out. His runs haven’t been terrible, but he still has a ways to go. Leave him off of your NASCAR fantasy lineup this weekend.
Michigan Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
Aric Almirola
Aric Almirola isn’t bad at this track, but he’s not great considering how many times he’s run here. He already has a win, and with so many others desperate to get into the chase, it’s best to take a pass on the No. 10 in Michigan.
Michigan Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 2
