Kansas Preview

By Nate Ryan

The second round of the NASCAR playoffs will conclude at Kansas Speedway with four drivers entering the race in virtual must-win situations to continue racing for a championship. Here are my Predictor app picks for the 1.5-mile track: 

STAGES

First stage (Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Clint Bowyer, William Byron):

PICK: Bowman. He finished well here in May and needs every point in case he doesn’t win to secure advancement.

Second stage (Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Larson):

PICK: Busch. The regular-season champion needs to course correct a disappointing first half to the 2019 playoffs.

Third stage (Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr.)

PICK: Elliott. Defending race winner at Kansas makes one last push to remain alive for the title.

Top 3 Overall:

1. Martin Truex Jr.: The Joe Gibbs Racing contender restores order by returning to his first-round form.

2. Kyle Busch: He won’t feel as badly about being beaten by a teammate as his team starts turning things around.

3. Denny Hamlin: Call it a Toyota Racing Development sweep to end the second round.