Ahhhh, feel that breeze. The sixth contest of the season brings us to The Magic City in the form of Homestead-Miami Speedway, where 37 drivers will try to wheel their hot rods as close to the outside wall as they can in hopes of quicker speeds and prolonged tire lives. Kyle Larson hasn’t been shy at all this weekend- he’s participated in both the Craftsman Truck and Xfinity Series’ races, winning in the Trucks. The track, which usually plays host to a Cup Series playoff race in October (and which used to be the venue for the Championship race for years), was moved up the schedule in the midst of the past year’s schedule shake up. As rumors abound that the recently revamped facility may return as the host city for the Championship in 2026, 37 drivers will compete here to punch their ticket to the 2025 playoffs on Sunday afternoon. Grab yourself a beachy beverage and buckle-up- it’s time for Homestead!
Driver to Fade:
The 2023 Xfinity champion has been off to a rocky start to begin the 2025 season. Cole Custer currently sits 35th in the series standings as the lone driver for the Haas Factory Team and has had disastrous results in recent weeks. Granted, there’s more than enough time for Custer to get his season turned around, but his times this weekend don’t look too promising. His previous finishes here in the Cup series reflect 24th, 23rd, and 22nd, respectively. Maybe today he finishes 21st? We’re taking the #41 crew for the fade this weekend.
Dark Horse:
Here’s a name you haven’t heard much to start the 2025 season. Noah Gragson hasn’t really shown what he’s capable of yet- the JR Motorsports alum is making his debut with Front Row Motorsports this season, but hasn’t had the results he’s hoped for out of the gate. BUT, the glimmers of hope have been there. He’s been fast this weekend- 4th fastest in practice yesterday and rolls off P3 today. Look out for Gragson.
Top 10:
Our Dark Horse winner last week just so happens to take up our “Top 10” spot this week. There’s no reason not to feel good about Josh Berry- seemingly, he’s leading the charge to bring Wood Brothers Racing back on the map. You’ve been under a rock if you missed last week’s headline, not just in NASCAR, but around the sports scape, that Berry picked up his first career Cup win at LVMS. To top it off, he rolls on P2 today. Yeah, he’s for real.
Winner:
Surprised? Shouldn’t be. Kyle Larson’s pulled not double, but TRIPLE duty this weekend with both his starts in the Craftsman and Xfinity Series. He was successful in his bid on Friday night when he wheeled home the win after a late race spin that tested his prowess with a handful of laps to go. Yesterday, he came damn close to a repeat win until a late-race caution thwarted his P1 status and spoiled his restart. Today, don’t look for the same thing to happen- no driver has more track time than Larson does this weekend, and that’s why we’re taking him for the W in today’s Straight Talk Wireless 400! Who do YOU think will bring home the bacon today?
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