Sonoma Bold Pick Martin Truex Jr. dominated the Toyota / Save Mart 350 two weeks ago, while Brilliant Pick Kyle Busch was a close second. These two veterans are no longer teammates, but they both found a second wind in this 2023 NASCAR season. So far both are locked into the playoffs and show no signs of stopping.
This week, the boys will return to their country roots at Nashville Superspeedway. Opened in 2001, this newly-revived hosted the NASCAR Truck Series and Xfinity, along with Indy Car, but closed in 2011 when it seemed like the Cup Series would never make its way there. As they say, dreams do come true: The track changed ownership and reopened in the 2021 NASCAR season to bring a little racing to the music city area.
But don’t let all those dormant years fool you—several current Cup Series drivers have won on this track either with Xfinity or the Truck Series, including Kyle Busch, Joey Logano, Austin Dillon, Kevin Harvick, and Brad Keselowski. Carl Edwards was a monster on this track, winning six races between 2006 and 2011. That’s probably why he’s going to be a special guest at the race this week.
This 1.3-mile superspeedway is the longest concrete track in NASCAR, and it’s gonna be tons of fun when the drivers return on Sunday night. Keep your eye on my Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Chase Elliott
He’s cruising for a win to get him into the playoffs, and he’s going to push it until he does. That pretty much makes Chase Elliott a safe bet every week until he gets it done. But also, he won here last year so that factors in, too.
Nashville Wins: 1
NashvilleTop fives: 1
Nashville Top tens: 1
Kyle Larson
Like his teammate above, the driver of Rick Hendricks’ number 5 will remain on the brilliant list this week because a) he’s been a success here in both of the last two seasons and b) he’s Kyle Larson. Mic drop.
Nashville Wins: 1
NashvilleTop fives: 2
Nashville Top tens: 2
Ryan Blaney
He had an accident his first time here two years ago, but he came out of the gate swinging last season and ended up with a third-place finish. Even last week when he got sent back a bazillion times, Ryan Blaney fought his way to the front. Until a final shake-up took him out. But still, the number 12 has turned the beat around and he’s on his way to another win shortly.
Nashville Wins: 0
NashvilleTop fives: 1
Nashville Top tens: 1
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Kevin Harvick
You seriously cannot go wrong with Kevin Harvick. This guy has so many top-ten and five finishes that you’re sure to get something if you pick him. And with the experience of winning in Nashville in his youth, maybe it’s fitting for the 4 to take his first bow of his last season at a place like this.
Nashville Wins: 0
NashvilleTop fives: 1
Nashville Top tens: 2
Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain would probably be up on the brilliant list if not for the way he’s been driving lately. The guy can’t seem to win if he behaves, but he gets an earful when he doesn’t. So, if the misbehaving driver of the one car shows up in Nashville, he’ll totally finish in the top five. Mark it.
Nashville Wins: 0
NashvilleTop fives: 2
Nashville Top tens: 2
Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell finds his way back to the top every week, and that suits me just fine. He may win, he may not, but he’s going to finish well no matter what.
Nashville Wins: 0
NashvilleTop fives: 0
Nashville Top tens: 2
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Tyler Reddick
This poor kid has suffered a string of bad luck. Yes, he may end up doing okay, but I don’t know if he’ll do well enough to put in your NASCAR fantasy lineup. Hold off until we hit the streets in Chicago.
Nashville Wins: 0
NashvilleTop fives: 0
Nashville Top tens: 0
Alex Bowman
Not that he can’t get up there and surprise us, but Alex Bowman has had a poor showing at each Nashville race. And I think he still needs time to recover, so give him a pass this week.
Nashville Wins: 0
NashvilleTop fives: 0
Nashville Top tens: 0
Brad Keselowski
Do I want to see him here in the bottom for yet another week? No. But I gotta put him here. Brad Keselowski may have experience on this track, but he’s not going to drag out his golden fire suit and make a magic brew of winning. Or whatever. Steer clear of the 6 this week.
Nashville Wins: 0
NashvilleTop fives: 0
Nashville Top tens: 0