We’ve been quarantined for months — no school, no work, no TP, and no sports. Before I go any further, let me say that our hearts go out to anyone who has been touched by COVID-19 and suffered a loss in any way. Whether you’ve lost a person, a job, or just a sense of security, we feel you. We’re all in this together, and together we’ll regain our footing and become better than ever before.
This weekend, on Sunday May 17th, NASCAR returns to the televised sporting world. Any fans cheering for their favorite drivers will be required to do so from the comfort of their own home. While this is mildly depressing for those of us who live less than two hours from Darlington and would love to have gone to see the race live, the pure joy of watching a real, live sporting event on TV overrides any disappointment.
But things will be different. Kyle Larson will not be driving the No. 42 after getting released by Chip Ganassi last month. Matt Kenseth will come back to the track in his place after two years away from the Cup Series. Ryan Newman has been cleared to get behind the wheel and will race for the first time since his devastating wreck at the Daytona 500.
Jeff Gordon and Mike Joy will be calling the race from a safe socially-distant location in Charlotte, with Larry Mac in studio for commentary and Regan Smith as the only on-track commentator in the pits (and likely adorned with a fun face mask).
There will be a mandatory caution at lap 30 and a limit of 16 members on a team (that includes the driver, crew chief, spotter, and owner). I imagine social-distancing and disinfecting will be everywhere. But despite all of this—we’re ready to get back to the track.
Are you ready for this week’s NASCAR expert picks?
Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice guiding you to the Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers drivers for this week’s race at Darlington as NASCAR returns on May 17th. (Please check back on May 19th for updates to the picks for the subsequent race at Darlington on May 20th.)
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot at winning at Darlington
Denny Hamlin
Wins at Darlington: 2
Top 5 finishes: 7
Top 10 finishes: 11
If anyone is ready to get back to the track, it’s Denny Hamlin. He’s been enjoying the iRacing series and has one heck of a practice rig at home—and you can bet he’s been practicing for this moment for weeks. Don’t be surprised to see the No. 11 doing a socially-distant celebration on Sunday.
Erik Jones
Wins at Darlington: 1
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 3
Erik Jones is probably more excited than anyone for a Darlington return as this is one of his best tracks. He’s had two months to gear up and get ready and I expect he’s going to put on a great show on Sunday.
Brad Keselowski
Wins at Darlington: 1
Top 5 finishes: 4
Top 10 finishes: 6
Brad is no slouch at Darlington, with a win in 2018 and a top 5 last September. As tricky as this track will be, the No. 2 is ready to get back out there and make some magic. I wonder if he’ll still be able to take the American flag at the end of the race?
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks
Jimmie Johnson
Wins at Darlington: 3
Top 5 finishes: 9
Top 10 finishes: 12
Sure it’s been awhile since he’s had a win, but times have changed and so has Johnson. This is his last season and he’s already missed out on a chuck of great tracks. I predict the No. 48 to hit it hard and get back to form at Darlington this weekend.
Kyle Bush
Wins at Darlington: 1
Top 5 finishes: 4
Top 10 finishes: 10
The first four races of the season were disappointing to fans of the No. 18 team. Could the cold streak continue? Maybe—which is why he’s a sleeper pick. But could this short break be just what ole Rowdy needed to find his fire again? Maybe—which is why he’s a sleeper pick. But anyone who has a win at Darlington has a chance to come alive when NASCAR resumes on Sunday so don’t count him out just yet.
Kevin Harvick
Wins at Darlington: 1
Top 5 finishes: 8
Top 10 finishes: 12
Always a bridesmaid and never a…okay, Happy Harvick was a bride at Darlington once, but he’s come so close so many times. The last time Harvick finished outside the top 10 was in 2012. He’s a driver who has a good handle on this tricky track, and I expect him to come out swinging on Sunday.
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup this week
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 0
Darlington is not his best track. Period. Though we are living in strange times, I don’t see Stenhouse doing a 180 to make anything spectacular happen this weekend.
Alex Bowman
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 0
He’s young and he’s hungry, but Bowman will have to wait until Charlotte to eat. Darlington numbers say that the No. 88 isn’t comfortable here yet and without a practice run or a qualifying lap, it will be tough to secure a victory.
Ryan Blaney
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 0
Blaney was having a hot season before everything came to a halt in March. With a return at Darlington, it seems like the hot streak could come to an end. Look for Blaney to have a better shot when NASCAR returns to Charlotte on May 24th.
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