Seriously, the full name of this week’s race is the Enjoy Illinois 300 Presented by TicketSmarter at World Wide Technology Raceway. It sometimes amazes me at the new NASCAR sponsorships and affiliations; we sure have come a long way since the Winston Cup.
Oh, did I mention that last week’s NASCAR fantasy Bold Pick Denny Hamlin won the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday night? Though it was not without its share of drama.
This week we head to a new track, yet again, but it’s not a complete mystery. World Wide Technology Raceway, AKA Gateway, is a one-mile intermediate track (okay, 1.25 mile), much like Dover, Louden, and Phoenix. And when you take a peek at the driver’s records at these track types, the same names pop up over, and over, and over again. That helps me formulate a selection of solid NASCAR fantasy picks. But, the Camping World Truck and XFinity Series have been running here regularly for years, so some of the drivers who ran here in the past might feel more at home. And, of course, we can’t overlook the streak.
It’s never easy to pick the best fantasy team for a NASCAR race, but I present to you the drivers who have the best, and worst, chance to taste victory at this week’s Enjoy Illinois 300 Presented by TicketSmarter at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Kevin Harvick
Yea, he’s won at this track before. Two years in a row, 2000 & 2001, and again in 2010. And though it’s been a long time since then, he excels at tracks like this, including both Phoenix and Dover, where he finished in the top ten this season already. This is the week Kevin Harvick has needed and with his recent third-place finish in Charlotte last week giving him an extra boost, I have a feeling that Happy Harvick will be smiling by Sunday night. It’s his to lose.
Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr. won here in 2004, leading 123 of 200 laps in an Xfinity race—and he won the title that year. Truex is always great on intermediate tracks. He made a mission out of conquering them when he ran in the XFinity, then moved it to the Cup Series. The 19 has been so close this season, he’s gotta have a win in there somewhere. Maybe this is the week he breaks free.
Ross Chastain
He’s familiar with this track after winning a Camping World Truck Series race in 2019. Ross Chastain has just enough speed and guts to take the challenge of WWT Raceway and make some watermelon magic. He just needs to stay out of trouble and race clean enough to get him to the finish line.
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Denny Hamlin
The hot streak coupled with solid performances on tracks like this allows me to take a chance on Denny Hamlin this week at Gateway. Though his lack of past experience here, or lack of wins, rather, gives me pause, I think he’ll ride high off of last week’s win. He just needs to overcome pit penalties, mistakes, and the No. 4.
Christopher Bell
In 2016, Christopher Bell won a Camping World Truck Series race by leading 38 of the final 42 laps. Bell has been impressive this season, finishing in the top ten in eight of the last ten races. Hot-streak! I’ve got a good feeling about the No. 20 this week when he returns to Gateway.
Brad Keselowski
Just in case you’re in need of someone different by this point in the fantasy season, consider NASCAR driver/owner Brad Keselowski. He ran and won at this track in a 2010 Xfinity race, and he has a great record on intermediates. I can’t say for sure if he’ll pull it off completely, but he should give a good show.
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell has 26 DNFs at intermediate tracks. Save him for superspeedway racing in Nashville later in the month.
Austin Cindric
Dover and Phoenix were not fun for Austin Cindric this year, and I don’t suppose WWT will show him much love, either. Think about the No. 2 at Nashville, but leave him in the pits this week when it’s time for your fantasy run.
Ryan Blaney
Not fortunate on the intermediate tracks, Ryan Blaney has been all over the place this season. Great at Phoenix, not-so-much at Dover. Winner of the All-Star race, but that’s about it. Take a pass on the No. 12 when you set your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week.
