The NASCAR Cup Series continues on today as it visits Darlington Raceway for the Goodyear 400. The Lady in Black, the Track Too Tough to Tame, whatever name you want to call her, the 1.37 mile, egg-shaped track that is Darlington Raceway has continued to befuddle drivers each year dating back to 1950. Darlington is also well known for its throwback weekend, as evidenced by all of the fire throwback paint schemes the drivers are running this weekend. Last year’s edition was won by Joey Logano, who led 107 laps on the day and moved William Byron late in the running to secure the checkered flag.
Driver to Fade:
This may be low- hanging fruit, but BJ McLeod feels like a safe fade this week.
Dark Horse:
The king of road courses, A.J. Allmendinger is not having an ultra-successful 2023 campaign, as he has just one top 10 finish across the first 12 races. Darlington presents favorable conditions for Allmendinger, and I think a top 20 finish is well within his purview this week.
Top 10:
Kyle Larson is having a solid 2023 campaign, with two wins, five top fives, and five top tens on the year. One of the best drivers in the game will continue his success today, easily finishing within the top 10.
Winner:
Denny Hamlin has the highest finishing position on average at Darlington, finishing in the neighborhood of seventh place at the track. Hamlin has a solid position on the starting grid, and that will lead to a successful run for him. Last week’s winner will continue the success this week, as I predict Denny Hamlin takes the checkered flag today!