Driving on Marbles

Fantasy Nascar Pool

You are here: Home / BLOG / Grant Park 165: Expert Predictions For The Top 10 Finishers In Chicago’s Ultimate NASCAR Race

Grant Park 165: Expert Predictions For The Top 10 Finishers In Chicago’s Ultimate NASCAR Race

Buckle Up, Race Fans!

Hey there, race fans! This Sunday, July 7th, the NASCAR Cup Series is blasting into Chicago for the adrenaline-pumping Grant Park 165 at the Chicago Street Course. Picture this: engines roaring, tires screeching, and the Windy City’s streets morphing into a high-octane battlefield. It’s where speed, strategy, and a whole lot of guts will crown the champ.

Whether you’re a NASCAR fanatic or just someone who loves the thrill of fast cars and fierce competition, this race promises to be a nail-biter. Buckle up, and let’s dive into what to expect from this electrifying event and how last week’s action in Nashville might just shake things up.

Recap of the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway

Last week’s Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. It had a record five overtime restarts, for crying out loud! Joey Logano snatched his first win of the season, securing a spot in the 2024 Playoffs. The race was packed with intense moments, including some wild moves by Christopher Bell and Brad Keselowski that ended their runs and sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Nashville reminded us that in NASCAR, every second counts, and every decision can make or break a race. With that chaos fresh in mind, drivers are gearing up for the tight and technical Chicago Street Course, hoping to carry forward lessons learned and momentum gained from Nashville.

Logano’s win sets a high bar and boosts his confidence heading into Chicago. The chaos and multiple restarts in Nashville underscored the importance of strategy and keeping cool under pressure—essential for the tricky Chicago course. Here are some drivers to watch out for in the upcoming race:

Top Drivers to Watch

As the NASCAR Cup Series shifts gears to the challenging Chicago Street Course, get ready for a whole new ball game. Street courses demand precision, adaptability, and nerves of steel. It’s not just about who’s the fastest, but who can master tight corners, varied surfaces, and make split-second decisions. Let’s take a closer look at ten drivers who are likely to shine and leave their mark on this exhilarating race.

Kyle Larson

After his dominant victory in Nashville, Kyle Larson is the man to beat. His exceptional car control and knack for finding speed on any surface make him a top contender. If he keeps up his current form, expect him to be battling for the top spot again.

Chase Elliott

Chase Elliott’s track record on road and street courses speaks volumes. Known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, he’s always a threat. If he can keep his car clean and avoid mistakes, a top 10 finish is well within his reach.

Denny Hamlin

A veteran with a wealth of experience, Denny Hamlin’s strategic mind and consistency are his greatest assets. His recent podium finish in Nashville has given him a confidence boost, and he’ll be looking to capitalize on that in Chicago.

Martin Truex Jr.

Martin Truex Jr. has a knack for excelling on road courses, and his technical skills will be crucial on Chicago’s tricky street layout. He’s been consistent all season and is likely to be a strong contender for a top 10 finish.

Joey Logano

Joey Logano’s aggressive driving style can be both a blessing and a curse. He’s fearless and willing to take risks, which can pay off big on a street course. If he can manage his aggression and stay out of trouble, he could easily find himself near the front.

William Byron

William Byron has shown significant improvement this season and is starting to make a name for himself. His adaptability and growing confidence make him one to watch. Don’t be surprised if he pulls off a strong performance in Chicago.

Tyler Reddick

Tyler Reddick has been quietly impressive this season. His adaptability and fearless driving style could see him surprise everyone with a strong finish in Chicago.

Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch’s tenacity and skill are undeniable. He’s had a mixed season, but his ability to rise to the occasion on challenging tracks is well-known. If everything falls into place, he could be a major player in this race.

Ryan Blaney

Ryan Blaney’s versatility and smooth driving style suit street courses well. He’s had some impressive runs this season and will be looking to continue that trend in Chicago. A top 10 finish is definitely within his capabilities.

Ross Chastain

Ross Chastain has been a dark horse in several races this season, consistently punching above his weight. His fearless approach and determination make him a potential surprise contender in Chicago.

Drivers to Stay Away From

While the excitement of the Grant Park 165 has everyone buzzing, not every driver is set to conquer the Chicago Street Course. Street racing demands precision, adaptability, and a sharp sense of strategy—qualities not all drivers have consistently shown. Here are a few racers you might want to avoid betting on for this weekend’s race, based on their recent performances and struggles on similar tracks.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has had a season filled with ups and downs. While he has potential, his inconsistency, especially on street and road courses, makes him a risky choice. His aggressive driving style can lead to costly mistakes, which are particularly unforgiving on a tight street course like Chicago.

Austin Dillon

Austin Dillon has shown flashes of brilliance but has been largely unpredictable this season. His struggles with adapting to different track conditions and lack of strong finishes on street courses suggest he may face challenges in Chicago. Unless he can pull off something extraordinary, it might be best to temper expectations.

Daniel Suarez

Daniel Suarez has shown potential but has been inconsistent, especially on street and road courses. While he has had some decent finishes, his tendency to get caught up in incidents and struggles with maintaining pace make him a risky bet for Chicago. He’ll need to overcome these hurdles to be a serious contender.

Bubba Wallace

Bubba Wallace has had a mixed season with some high points, but his performance on street courses hasn’t been particularly strong. He’s shown improvement, but the technical and strategic demands of the Chicago race may highlight his weaknesses. It’s wise to be cautious about his chances this weekend.

Dark Horses of Chicago

Every NASCAR race has its surprises, and the Grant Park 165 is no exception. Amidst the seasoned veterans and top contenders, there are always a few under-the-radar drivers who have the potential to upset the status quo. These dark horses may not be the obvious picks, but their skill, determination, and sometimes just a bit of racing luck can propel them to unexpected heights. Here are three drivers who might just surprise everyone with a standout performance in Chicago.

Tyler Reddick

Tyler Reddick has been quietly impressive this season, consistently putting in solid performances. His adaptability and fearless driving style make him well-suited for the challenges of a street course. Reddick has shown he can handle pressure and navigate tricky tracks with skill. Don’t be surprised if he finds himself in contention for a top finish.

Christopher Bell

Christopher Bell’s talent is undeniable, and he’s had some strong showings on road courses in the past. His ability to stay calm under pressure and make strategic moves can give him an edge on the Chicago Street Course. Bell’s growing experience and knack for pulling off impressive performances when it matters most make him a dark horse to watch.

Erik Jones

Erik Jones has faced a challenging season, but his potential to upset the established order is always present. He’s shown flashes of brilliance and has the capability to pull off a strong performance when least expected. Jones’ determination and skill could see him break through and deliver a standout result in Chicago.

Chris Buescher

Chris Buescher has flown under the radar for much of the season but has steadily improved his performances. His patient driving style and ability to capitalize on others’ mistakes can pay dividends on a street course. If he can stay out of trouble and maintain a steady pace, Buescher could find himself in a strong position by the end of the race.

Michael McDowell

Michael McDowell has a knack for surprising fans with strong runs on road courses. His experience and strategic mind can help him navigate the complexities of the Chicago Street Course. While he may not be the first name that comes to mind, McDowell’s potential to deliver a strong finish makes him an intriguing dark horse candidate.

These dark horses have the talent and potential to turn heads in the Grant Park 165. While they may not be the most talked-about drivers, their skill and determination could see them rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that leaves everyone talking. Keep an eye on these under-the-radar racers as they take on the streets of Chicago in what promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable race.

My Picks for the Grant Park 165 at the Chicago Street Course

Alright, race fans, it’s time to talk picks! Based on current NASCAR standings, past performances, and just a bit of gut feeling, I’ve got my eye on a few drivers who are set to make a splash at the Grant Park 165 at the Chicago Street Course. These racers have shown they’ve got what it takes to handle the tight turns and unpredictable challenges of street racing. Whether they’re seasoned pros or dark horse contenders, here are the drivers I’m banking on to put on a show and possibly take home the win. Let’s break it down!

Drivers Currently in the Top 12:

  • Martin Truex Jr.: Truex Jr. excels on road courses and has been consistent this season. His technical skills and experience make him a strong contender for a top 10 finish in Chicago.
  • Kyle Larson: Larson’s recent win in Nashville and his overall performance this season show he’s in peak form. His adaptability and speed make him a favorite for another top finish.
  • Chase Elliott: Elliott’s prowess on road courses is well-known. His aggressive and calculated driving style, combined with his strong season, position him well for a top finish in Chicago.

Drivers Outside the Top 12:

  • Kyle Busch: Despite being outside the top 12, Busch’s tenacity and skill on challenging tracks make him a strong dark horse. He has the experience and capability to break into the top 10.
  • Erik Jones: Jones has had a challenging season, but his potential for a breakthrough performance is always present. His determination could see him surprise everyone with a top finish.
  • Michael McDowell: McDowell has shown a knack for performing well on road courses. His strategic approach and past performances on similar tracks make him a solid bet for a top 10 finish in Chicago.

Wrapping Up This Week’s Grant Park 165 Fantasy Picks

As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the streets of Chicago for the Grant Park 165, the stage is set for an exciting showdown. With top contenders like Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott poised to dominate, and dark horses such as Kyle Busch, Erik Jones, and Tyler Reddick ready to surprise, this race promises thrilling twists and intense competition. Whether it’s the veterans or the rising stars, every driver will be pushing their limits to secure a top finish. Don’t miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable race this Sunday!

Author Profile

Bryan
"🏁 Cruising the fast lane for over a decade at DrivingOnMarbles.com! 🚗 Passionate about all things NASCAR and dedicated to connecting fellow fans. Gear up and join the race with me! 🏎️💨 #10YearsAndCounting"