Richmond Preview

By Nate Ryan

The NASCAR playoffs continue at Richmond Raceway with some drivers in trouble and $10,000 at stake for Predictor app players after several winners at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Here are my picks for Sunday’s race:

STAGES

First stage (Clint Bowyer, Matt DiBenedetto, Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace):

PICK: Clint Bowyer. He needs stage points being outside the top 12 after Vegas disappointment.

Second stage (Kurt Busch, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano):

PICK: Busch. Also in need of stage points after a disappointing opener at Las Vegas.

Third stage (Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr.)

PICK: Denny Hamlin. Though these four drivers probably will finish in the top five.

Top 3 Overall:

1. Denny Hamlin: After a disappointing start at Las Vegas and a lackluster finish at Richmond a year ago, there’s much to prove at his hometown track.

2. Kyle Busch: Also motivated and better than virtually anyone on short tracks … except his teammate at this 0.75-mile oval.

2. Martin Truex Jr.: Make it a Joe Gibbs Racing sweep.