The regular NASCAR 2023 season comes to an end on Saturday night, and we’re reeling at who’s there, who’s not, and who still has a chance to join. Chase Elliott is all but out this season thanks to poor showings at the last two road courses—where we all thought he’d win at least once—and a not-so-great reputation in Daytona. And let’s not even talk about how he ran out of gas at The Glen. Like crew chief Alan Gustafson: Not. Talking. About it.
Is it impossible for them to win and get in? No, but it’s highly unlikely. Ty Gibbs is breathing down Bubba Wallace’s neck to take that final spot, which Bubba holds for now by a slim 32 points. Austin Dillon and Erik Jones have both won at this track and while it was tempting to consider Dillon, both drivers have had sub-par seasons. Allmendinger? Stenhouse Jr.? No one really knows what will happen in the end, but I can hope that one of my drivers hits the sweet spot and ends the regular season with a bang.
So, here’s how I pick the NASCAR fantasy drivers for Daytona: I throw a dart and see what numbers I hit. Ha, not really. But, umm, kind of. That’s pretty much the only way to figure out who has a shot at winning this end-of-regular-season race; on a crazy superspeedway; at night; in the hottest days of summer; in Florida. Get what I’m trying to say? I rely on who has the best record here, who has the better pit crew, and who has the fewest DNFs.
So get ready to rumble on Saturday night and check out my Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the last regular season NASCAR Cup Series race: The Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Denny Hamlin
Does anyone know how to manage the chaos at Daytona Superspeedway like Denny Hamlin? Nope. And he’s dying to pull ahead of Martin Truex Jr. to take home the regular season championship before the playoffs start next week. Count on the 11 to get it done under the Saturday night lights in Florida.
Wins in Daytona: 3
Top 5s: 11
Top 10s: 12
Ryan Blaney
Why do I have Ryan Blaney on this list? Because Ryan Blaney runs in the middle for 390 laps to avoid the big wrecks and then gets up front for the last 10 to ensure a good finish. It’s kinda his thing. So, take a chance on the number 12 when you set your NASCAR fantasy lineup.
Wins in Daytona: 1
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 7
Joey Logano
As long as Joey Logano can stay out of the way and avoid the big wrecks, I think he’ll finish just fine. Watch out for the number 22 as we roll into the final regular season race of 2023.
Wins in Daytona: 1
Top 5s: 7
Top 10s: 10
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace has no choice but to run well all night long. He’s only 32 points above the cutoff line and it would crush his spirits to get left out of the playoffs at this stage of the game. If the 23 does not win, I think he’ll still finish top 10, even during the stages. Good thing he knows his way around this track.
Wins in Daytona: 0
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 4
Austin Cindric
So, will Austin Cindric actually take this all the way home? Probably not, but maybe. Either way, he’s good on this track, and I know that he’ll be right up front when it counts. Keep your eye on him Saturday night.
Wins in Daytona: 1
Top 5s: 2
Top 10s: 2
Chris Beuscher
Believe it or not! I went out on a limb for this particular pick this week. Chris Beuscher is not bad here in Daytona, and I think that RFK will have a strategy to keep him out of trouble. The 17 will play it right and stick around until the end of the race for a strong finish.
Wins in Daytona: 0
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 6
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Daniel Suarez
It’s been quite the season for Daniel Suarez, but it wasn’t all for not. He showed some great stuff and I’m sure he’s not done yet. Just with this track.
Wins in Daytona: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 1
Kyle Larson
Superspeedways just aren’t his thing, man. And he has 9 DNFs. And Kyle Larson is already solidly in the playoffs. And that’s my story.
Wins in Daytona: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 5
Ross Chastain
Laying low until the playoffs begin, that’s Ross Chastain. Do not put your bets on the number one to end up number one unless everyone wrecks and he’s in the right place at the right time.
Wins in Daytona: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 3
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