The NASCAR Cup Series continues today with the 2021 Instacart 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Read on below to see my prediction for who will win the race, as well as my top 10, dark horse, and driver to fade predictions.
Winner: Kyle Larson- Larson’s comeback story came around full circle last Sunday with his win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Larson will carry that momentum into one of his better tracks in Phoenix Raceway, where he has 6 top 6 finishes in his last 8 starts. It’s tough to win in back to back races, but I believe Larson now has the confidence to go along with the momentum to bring home another victory today.
Top 10: Kevin Harvick- Three things in life are certain: death, taxes, and Kevin Harvick finishing in the top 10 at Phoenix Raceway. In 36 career starts here, Harvick has 9 wins, 18 top 5’s, and 25 top 10’s, as well as 1662 laps led along the way. Harvick has been consistently running in the top 10 throughout the season, but has been missing just a little bit of speed that has kept him from contending for the victory. I believe he will get all the cylinders firing today for another 10 result today, but don’t be surprised if he is contending for the win late in the going.
Dark horse: Aric Almirola- Although Almirola has had a rough start to the season, he has raced well at Phoenix in recent races, finishing the top 10 in 5 of his last 7 starts here, with 2 top 5’s to boot. Almirola doesn’t have the speed to go up there and win this, but I believe he will continue his recent success here and bring home another top 10.
Driver to fade: Austin Dillon- Phoenix Raceway has not been kind to Austin Dillon, who has only 2 top 10 finishes here in 14 career starts. Dillon has also finished outside the top 20 here 6 times, including in 3 of his last 4 starts. You’re best to stay away from Dillon this week, as I predict him to finish 15th at best, but wouldn’t be surprised if he finishes outside the top 20 entirely.
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