So, what are your thoughts on the Chicago Street Course so far? Yesterday was telling. Wrecks in qualifying by Top-10 perennials Chase Elliott and Kevin Harvick make it hard to believe either will be factors today…although Cinderella stories do happen. And how ‘bout the speed shown by both Shane van Gisbergen and Jenson Button? Will weather be today’s biggest contender? And will the typical road course contenders be the usual suspects again today, or is the Chicago Street Course a beast unto itself? Let’s find out.
Driver to Fade:
Austin Dillon’s 2023 campaign has been marred by uninspiring finishes, and one has to wonder what’s going on with the #3 team…especially given his teammate Kyle Busch’s flourishing successes. Needless to say, Dillon hasn’t even been a factor on road courses this year. A 33rd place finish at COTA and a 19th place finish at Sonoma? Don’t look to find the #3 up front today. We’ll leave it at that.
Dark Horse:
It was tempting to pick Van Gisbergen or Button for this spot, but I’m not wondering if knowing how to navigate the field is going to be just as important as navigating this course today. Michael McDowell is a guy who, equipment withstanding, has been around long enough to do just that. Today, he begins 6th and, with only one DNF and sitting on the bubble of the playoff standings (20th), his opportunities may be limited to punch his ticket. Look for the #34 crew today.
Top 10:
Here’s where it gets really tough. Tyler Reddick’s got a road course win under his belt already this year and, starting 2nd today, I look for the #45 to hang tight. Last week, his luck came up short when a loose tire and a spin knocked him from contention in Nashville. This week, I look for the young driver to seriously compete in a crowded field with the potential to win today’s race, not to mention Toyota’s enduring dominance on road courses.
Winner:
Denny Hamlin, the man has dominated all weekend long. Our pole sitter, the fastest points driver in practice, and driving the #11 Yahoo! Toyota today, we’re taking the JGR man from Chesterfield, VA, to take home the big prize. If the Xfinity race has taught us anything so far, passing will be an art form today, and Hamlin starts the race in prime position to head out of Chicago on top.