No one expected Chris Beuscher of RFK Racing to repeat his win from the week before. I mean, I surely didn’t. Though I did tap his boss/teammate Brad Keselowski to have a hot day — and he showed up for it and finished fourth. Chris Beuscher held off Martin Truex Jr., who is riding a hot streak of his own, and I’d be so bold to give him an honorable mention as a possible winner this week.
As for the other drivers I expected more from in Michigan, I think that this proves that Kevin Harvick is simply going to enjoy the rest of his season without drama. Might he win one of these last few races? Eh; probably not unless the top contenders wreck and he rolls out to the front because of it. But, that’s okay. Happy Harvick has given us plenty to be thankful for over the years, and now we can look out for the young guys who will replace him.
A couple of things happened this week, including the suspension of Noah Gragson. Unfortunately, Gragson seemed to forget that the internet is a big place, but when enough people follow you, it can become very small. And enough folks noticed his support of an incredibly controversial post on social media to grab the attention of the powers that be at NASCAR and Legacy Motor Sports. After initially suspending Noah Gragson indefinitely, Legacy announced that they would be parting ways with the troubled driver. It remains to be seen what the follow-up will be here, whether Gragson will be required to attend classes and then vie for reinstatement—or not. The other bit of NASCAR news, that is far less dramatic, is the announcement that Todd Guilliand and Michael McDowell will both return to Front Row Motorsports for the 2024 season.
Are you ready for The Brickyard? Are you ready to watch these drivers turn the world inside out to get into or cement their place in the playoffs? I’m not only ready, I’m waiting with bated breath. Take a peek at the Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks I’ve decided on for the Verizon 200 at The Brickyard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.
Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Chase Elliott
Do I believe that Chase Elliott will get the win here? Kinda. Do I believe he’ll work his ass off to get near the top in the end? You bet. Regardless of how it goes, the number 9 will have a dang fine day at The Brickyard.
Wins at The Brickyard Road Course: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 1
Tyler Reddick
Road courses are no match for Tyler Reddick, and after a stretch of bad luck, this guy is gonna find his four leaf clover on Sunday and show ’em all how it’s done.
Wins at The Brickyard Road Course: 1
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 1
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson finished third here in the inaugural Brickyard Road Course, but an accident knocked him out last year. It won’t happen twice; Kyle Larson is overdue and he’s gonna get paid in dividends this weekend in Indy.
Wins at The Brickyard Road Course: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 1
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
A.J. Allmendinger
A.J. Allmendinger has been the most consistent driver out of all of them at this track, with one win and a seventh-place finish the year after. He’s so close to the bubble, but a win will put him right in. The season is winding down, and if not this week, then next for the driver of the number 16.
Wins at The Brickyard Road Course: 1
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 2
Bubba Wallace
He’s gonna turn it on and fly through this course like butter. Bubba Wallace may not take the checkered flag, but he’s gonna be up there at the end just like he was last year. You just watch.
Wins at The Brickyard Road Course: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 1
Chris Beuscher
Yeah, I’m not saying it’s gonna be a three-peat, I’m just saying that the finish is gonna be fine. 10th place last year, 12th place the year before, and a hot, hot, hot streak tells me this guy is the one to watch.
Wins at The Brickyard Road Course: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 1
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Ross Chastain
I’m going out on a limb here, but I don’t see the number 1 taking number 1 at the Brickyard. Stranger things have happened, but past experience dictates a different finish for Ross Chastain.
Wins at The Brickyard Road Course: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Kevin Harvick
Sorry, Charlie. The number 4 just don’t got it at this course, or any course, this season. Take a pass on Kevin Harvick when you set your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week.
Wins at The Brickyard Road Course:0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Kyle Busch
Why not go all in and put three good drivers down here? Except, they aren’t really good here yet so…what the heck.
Wins at The Brickyard Road Course: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
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