Last weekend, Brilliant Pick Denny Hamlin raced his behind off, took a little revenge on Ross Chastain, and won the race at Pocono. Shortly thereafter, both he and his teammate, second-place finisher Kyle Busch, were disqualified from the race. Chase Elliott, who finished third, was declared the winner. Both Hamlin and Busch failed post-race inspection due to unapproved modifications that were hidden in the front of each car under the wrap: two clear pieces of tape, each measuring 2 by 5-½ inches, placed in front of the left and right wheel openings.
JGR has announced that it won’t appeal the disqualifications.
As a person who doesn’t race or work on stock cars, I can’t help but wonder what the teams are thinking when they go for something, even this small, that has the potential to hinder careers, cause suspensions, and bring about hefty fines. But, every sport is a game, every game has an element of risk, and every player is going to take a risk if it means taking home the prize. Sometimes you get lucky and win, but sometimes you lose, and that’s the unfortunate position for the 11 and 18 teams right now.
But, as we look toward this weekend, allow me to predict this week’s Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks 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
Chase Elliott won last week’s race by default, and he knows it. He was disappointed in his car and felt like he didn’t really win it on his own. In fact, he told Hamlin to keep the trophy. This week, Elliott returns to his wheelhouse; he has dominated road courses since he came up to the Cup Series. If he doesn’t acquire his fourth win of the season, pretty much securing his spot in the final four, he’ll at least come in near the top.
Wins at Road Courses: 7
Top five finishes: 13
Top ten finishes: 16
Kyle Larson
The reigning NASCAR Cup Series Champion has been up and down this season, but he’s fought hard to get where he is. I’m honestly surprised that he only has one win, and that was way back in February. But, you can count on the number 5 when it comes to road courses, superspeedways, and dirt tracks, so he’s a smart NASCAR fantasy pick from now through August.
Wins at Road Courses: 3
Top five finishes: 7
Top ten finishes: 10
Ryan Blaney
In last year’s inaugural race at the Brickyard Road Course, Ryan Blaney finished second. He’s usually good for a sweet ending position, if not a win, as long as he can stay out of a wreck. The good news about the number 12 is that he has not DNFd at a road track yet, so let’s hope he can keep that streak going.
Wins at Road Courses: 1
Top five finishes: 5
Top ten finishes: 12
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
A.J. Allmendinger
He won it here last year, he’s aces on road courses, and he finished in the top ten at Road America a few weeks ago. Though he only races Cup Series on occasion, he’s gotten better with each run. Give A.J. Allmendinger a second look if you need a fresh face in your NASCAR fantasy lineup.
Wins at Road Courses: 2
Top five finishes: 5
Top ten finishes: 13
Tyler Reddick
His first win came at a road course, will his second come this weekend? Tyler Reddick has been hot this season, except when bad luck has reared its ugly head. I suspect that he’s going to feel right at home this weekend at the Brickyard Road Course, and since there isn’t much action that can take a driver completely out, look for the number 8 to have a great day.
Wins at Road Courses: 1
Top five finishes: 3
Top ten finishes: 6
Daniel Suárez
I am going out on a limb just a bit for this one. I think that Daniel Suárez is a contender for this week’s road race, but anything could happen to push him back in the field. I think that as long as he has a good starting position, he’ll be up near the front when it counts the most.
Wins at Road Courses: 1
Top five finishes: 4
Top ten finishes: 4
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
Austin Dillon
Never the best at road courses, keep Austin Dillon on the sidelines until we head to a superspeedway.
Wins at Road Courses: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 1
Aric Almirola
Aric Almirola has seen his share of ups and downs this season. But, like Dillion, Almirola has better luck on superspeedways. Take a pass on the number 10 this week at the Indy Road Course.
Wins at Road Courses: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 2
William Byron
William Byron wasn’t too bad at Sonoma this year, and he can sometimes slip into the high single digits, but he still has yet to win or run top-five on the road. So, I’d say it’s safe to leave him out of your fantasy lineup on Sunday.
Wins at Road Courses: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 6
