Texas Preview

By Nate Ryan

Texas Motor Speedway will play host to the middle race in the Round of 8 in the NASCAR playoffs with seven contenders vying to join Martin Truex Jr. with guaranteed spots in the championship round. Here are my Predictor app picks for the 1.5-mile track: 

STAGES

First stage (Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Brad Keselowski, Erik Jones):

PICK: Byron. He might be the hottest driver in Cup after Martin Truex Jr., and the first win is just a matter of time.

Second stage (Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, Martin Truex Jr.):

PICK: Elliott. He’ll be pushing for the win, and Hendrick Motorsports ran well at the track in March.

Third stage (Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano)

PICK: Hamlin. Most recent winner at Texas will take a major step toward cementing his title round slot.

Top 3 Overall:

1. Denny Hamlin: A clean sweep of the Lone Star State carries the No. 11 to the title race.

2. Chase Elliott: A valiant effort for the No. 9 but will need to win in Phoenix to advance.

3. Kyle Larson: Darkhorse contender keeps himself solidly in the championship conversation.