Just a few races remain for any postseason hopefuls to break in, and we’ve come to a two-race road-course stretch. This leaves the door open for drivers who may not typically be in the hunt — Shane Van Gisbergen (while not eligible for the Cup Series Playoffs) won the last road course NASCAR encountered. We’ve got two new drivers in Brodie Kostecki and Kamui Kobayashi (also not eligible) making their first career Cup starts today. Who can get it done today? One of the usual suspects, or does someone surprise this time around, too?
Here’s what to look for:
–Daniel Suarez has had a rough couple of weeks, but he’ll start from Pole today in Indy. He’s also had success on road courses, and this could be just what the doctor ordered. He’s currently on the outside looking in, and simply finishing 1st today would catapult him into the postseason.
-There have only been two races on this configuration, and Tyler Reddick was our most recent winner. He’s also got the most points over those two races than any other driver. Reddick had a shot at the Pole yesterday, but he’ll start 2nd.
–AJ Allmendinger, like Suarez, is a driver on the outside looking in. Allmendinger, like Suarez, had had all sorts of road course success in the past. Allmendinger, unlike Suarez, has won here before! He was the inaugural victor at this race in 2021, and will certainly be in the hunt today. ‘Dinger will have some work to do rolling off 26th, but will no doubt work his way to the front early.
–Harrison Burton isn’t someone we typically think of as “the guy to watch” at any track, but he finished 3rd in his only attempt here last year (best average of any driver). A fluke, perhaps? We can’t be sure until we see how things go this time around; he’ll start 24th.
-A lot of eyes will certainly be on Chase Elliott in 3rd (personally, I think his time will be next week at the Glen), but the last driver I’m going to highlight is Michael McDowell. He’s been driving above his paygrade recently, and he’s very comfortable with road course racing. Even better for McDowell: he’ll start 4th.
Coverage of the race starts on NBC at 2:30pm, green flag scheduled for 2:44pm.
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