Phoenix Raceway is on my bucket list. It’s such a pretty track, all the way out there in the desert with the mountain scenery in the distance. I love the hill that the spectators can sit on to watch their favorite drivers; I love the blue sky and sunshine that seems to permeate every race; I love that this is the place where the final four Championship drivers will learn their seasonal fate in November.
If you take time out to watch this week’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Phoenix, enjoy the scenery while you bite your nails and fret over the standings. This short, one-mile track has the potential for some dust-ups; Michael McDowell has seven DNFs, Joey Logano and Martin Truex Jr. each have four, and pretty much every other driver has at least one. This can make it a very interesting finish, yet again. Let the good times roll at Phoenix Raceway and consider the following drivers when you choose your expert fantasy picks for NASCAR this weekend.
Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Kyle Busch
Racing his way from the back to the front was easy for Rowdy—getting the win was not. But he was so impressive at Las Vegas, conquering every hindrance that crossed his path. If Kyle Busch doesn’t get a win at Phoenix, it will be a surprise, but there’s a lot of competition out there so anything is possible.
Phoenix Wins: 3
Top-5 finishes: 12
Top-10 finishes: 23
Denny Hamlin
The No. 11 had a really good shot at the win last week, but operator error ended those dreams in a flash. This week, you can bet that Denny Hamlin will take extra pains to become one with his race car and drive it into victory lane instead of the garage. With numbers like this, he could secure his ticket to the playoffs in Phoenix as long as he and his crew can keep it together.
Phoenix Wins: 2
Top-5 finishes: 16
Top-10 finishes: 20
Kevin Harvick
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve banked on Kevin Harvick to do much of anything in a NASCAR Cup Series race. But, as in previous years, I call on him to perform to his abilities in Phoenix. Do you see his record here? While I think he has his work cut out for him to get the win, there’s always a good chance he’ll hold the rest of these crazy drivers off and do his thing. If you need to pick Harvick for a fantasy lineup, this is the best place to use him. I can pretty much guarantee he’ll at least get stage points and finish near the top.
Phoenix Wins: 9
Top-5 finishes: 18
Top-10 finishes: 27
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
William Byron
Last week William Byron finally looked like the driver who blew through last season with ease, gaining him a spot on my NASCAR fantasy list for Phoenix. It’s not exactly a hot streak, but I think it’s the start of a warm one. Expect good things from No. 24 when the green flag flies in the desert on Sunday.
Phoenix Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 4
Christopher Bell
Chris Bell broke out in 2021, completing a season full of impressive finishes, including his first Cup Series win. He’s been a little slow this season, but last week sparked a competitive edge and he showed just what he’s capable of coming back from. Keep an eye on the 20 car if you need a secondary NASCAR fantasy driver in Phoenix.
Phoenix Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 2
Aric Almirola
Aric Almirola is enjoying his final season in a Cup Series car by finishing in the top-10 for the first three races. I am betting on the hot streak to continue this week. I’m not sure about a flat-out win, per se, but I can’t rule it out. Stage points and a really, really good finish are likely in the cards for the 10 car if nothing else.
Phoenix Wins: 0
Top-5 Finishes: 2
Top-10 Finishes: 7
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
Alex Bowman
Never say never, but I’m not so sure that Alex Bowman has the capability at Phoenix to repeat his win from last week. It’s a sad situation here, with 12 of his 13 runs ending in the double-digits, an average finish of 23rd, and three DNFs. Take a pass on Bowman the Showman in your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week.
Phoenix Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
Ty Dillon
Though he’s sitting down here with a suggestion that you do not pick him this weekend, I can’t say enough about Ty Dillon’s season thus far. For a guy whose average finish is typically in the mid-20s, he’s already averaging 16th place, which is impressive. Keep an eye on the younger Dillon brother this season because I think he has more to give; just not in Phoenix.
Phoenix Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace was impressive at the Daytona 500, but fell off in the last two races thanks to unfortunate events that put him in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think that 23XI will gain some ground this season—and Wallace right along with it—but when it comes to its 23 car at Phoenix, take a pass on your fantasy team.
Phoenix Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
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