Here is my selection of Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers picks for this weekend’s Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win in New Hampshire
Kyle Larson
It’s a serious faux pas to leave Kyle Larson out of any NASCAR fantasy lineup on any given week. There’s no denying this season is shaping up to be a championship run for the driver of the No. 5. Who knows how far he’ll go, but he’s a good bet for New Hampshire on the way there.
Wins in New Hampshire: 0
Top-5 finishes: 4
Top-10 finishes: 5
Ryan Blaney
Ryan Blaney has been a quiet, but firm presence in the NASCAR Cup Series for the last few races. New Hampshire seems to be a preferred track for Penske in general, but the No. 12 does especially well here. Keep this team on your radar for a possible win.
Wins in New Hampshire: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 3
Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch has the pole and the streak to make me believe that he’s a top contender for the lobster on Sunday. He certainly didn’t hide his displeasure at losing to his big brother in Atlanta, and that just might fuel him to a possible trip to victory lane.
Wins in New Hampshire: 3
Top-5 finishes: 11
Top-10 finishes: 16
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for New Hampshire
Joey Logano
It’s been a long time since Joey Logano hoisted up the trophy lobster in New Hampshire, but he’s consistent in top-10 finishes at this track. His last few weeks have been difficult, with very few positive results. This is a good place for the No. 22 to turn things around.
Wins in New Hampshire: 2
Top-5 finishes: 7
Top-10 finishes: 12
Matt DiBenedetto
After losing his ride at Wood Brothers (as was expected) to Harrison Burton (as was not expected), and finding out that the No. 2 Penske ride was going to Austin Cindric (as no one expected), Matt DiBenedetto has expressed his new purpose in life: To win the Cup Series Championship. He and his new crew chief have made some fantastic adjustments in recent weeks, and I would not be surprised to see the long-suffering driver of the No. 21 do a 180 at the start/finish line on Sunday.
Wins in New Hampshire: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 2
William Byron
William Byron has finished just outside of 10th position in each of his Cup Series races in New Hampshire. Hendrick is so hot right now, William Byron is the driver outside of Larson that has a good shot at a win this weekend.
Wins in New Hampshire: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup for New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend
Austin Dillon
It’s been a mediocre season for the driver of the No. 3. Most finishes are just outside of the top-10, which is good, but rarely inside the top-10, which is not-so-great. Give Austin Dillon a pass for New Hampshire, where his finishes are closer to the upper teens.
Wins in New Hampshire: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman should be proud of his first season running in the No. 48, with three wins under his belt and a whole lotta top-five finishes. But New Hampshire isn’t one of his better tracks. Though I expect to see him running well for a good portion of it, I just don’t see the No. 88 with a win this Sunday.
Wins in New Hampshire: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell has run here 18 times in the past, and not much to show for it. Leave the driver of the No. 34 out of your fantasy lineup when the NASCAR Cup Series gets to New Hampshire.
Wins in New Hampshire: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0