Here are my Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers picks for this week’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway.
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot to win in Sonoma
Martin Truex Jr.
Sonoma was left out of the Cup Series circuit in 2020, but before that, Martin Truex Jr. held the top spot two years in a row. When he doesn’t get caught in an accident or blow an engine, he’s aces at this track. I’m betting on a solid run and finish as long as nothing causes an early exit.
Wins at Sonoma: 3
Top-5 finishes: 4
Top-10 finishes: 5
Kevin Harvick
With the season that Kevin Harvick is having, it’s tough to say if he’ll pull off a win at Sonoma. This is, however, a track where he typically runs well. He’s finished in the single digits here for the last five years here, so it’s not impossible for him to finally get that long-awaited first win of 2021 on Sunday.
Wins at Sonoma: 1
Top-5 finishes: 6
Top-10 finishes: 10
Joey Logano
He won on the dirt, finished second on the Daytona road course, and took home a third-place victory at COTA. His last few visits to Sonoma have been sub-par, but I have a feeling he’s going to haul ass and surprise everyone with his first win at this track on Sunday.
Wins at Sonoma: 0
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 4
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks for Sonoma
Kyle Larson
He’s on a roll and he’s on the pole. Kyle Larson knows his way around a road course whether it’s in the Cup Series or on the dirt. His numbers here don’t quite reflect his road course talent, but I think a lot would have to go wrong in order for the No. 5 to have a poor finish at Sonoma. Expect a stage win or two at the very least.
Wins at Sonoma: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
Alex Bowman
Someone has been hot since his win at Dover—and that someone is Alex Bowman. This driver typically holds his own on a road course. Though his numbers here are paltry, he’s only been here four times in the Cup Series, after all. Do not sleep on the driver of the No. 48 this weekend at Sonoma—you might be surprised at what he can do.
Wins at Sonoma: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
Matt DiBenedetto
Despite the last few poor finishes, Matty D was running pretty well for a stretch. He finished well here in Sonoma the last time around, and with all of the rumors swirling about a possible ride with Penske next season, it should propel Matt DiBenedetto to a great finish, if not a win.
Wins at Sonoma: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 1
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup for Sonoma this week
Daniel Suarez
Daniel Suarez isn’t terrible at this track; most of his finishes have been around 15th place. But it’s not enough to make me think that he’s going to have a great run this weekend. Hold off on the No. 99 until he gets to a track that suits him. I expect to see a better run as the season progresses.
Wins at Sonoma: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Erik Jones
Erik Jones usually finishes somewhere close to the top 10 here, but don’t let that fool you. He’s had a tough time getting used to the new ride. While I’m sure he’ll have a sweet finish, I don’t think he’ll hold off the rest of the field this weekend in Sonoma.
Wins at Sonoma: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 2
Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace has yet to crack the top ten this season, though he came pretty close with an 11th place finish at Dover. The driver of the 23 has not mastered the road course yet, so give him some time before you add him to your fantasy lineup.
Wins at Sonoma: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
