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Fantasy NASCAR Picks: Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway

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Hey NASCAR fans! Bryan here—time to gear up for another exciting weekend of racing. We’re heading to Phoenix Raceway for the Shriners Children’s 500, and after the wild twists and turns at COTA last week,

I’m ready for some classic short-track action.

Let’s dive right into my picks and see who’s going to shine this weekend in the Arizona sun.

Short-Track Action in the Arizona Desert

Phoenix is one of those tracks that drivers either love or love to hate. It’s flat, fast, and sneaky tricky, with tight corners, a crazy wide dogleg that drivers dive-bomb through on every restart, and just enough space for plenty of bumping and grinding. This isn’t just a horsepower game—it’s about finesse, tire management, and strategy.

Pit stops and timing those restarts are crucial, and you can bet there will be at least a few drivers who let their tempers boil over.

Basically, it’s everything you could want from NASCAR packed into one mile of pavement. I’m here for it!

Alright, let’s get into who I’m choosing for this weekend’s fantasy lineup:

My Picks For the Shriners Children’s 500

Main Driver (Locked-In for the Season)

Tyler Reddick (#45 Toyota – 23XI Racing)

✔ Why he’s still my guy: Reddick’s been rock-solid lately, coming off a strong third-place finish at COTA. Phoenix might not be his top track historically, but his confidence and form this year give me plenty of reason to trust him here.

Top 12 Picks (Detailed Breakdown):

Christopher Bell (#20 Toyota – Joe Gibbs Racing)

✔ Why he’s in my lineup: Bell is absolutely on fire right now, winning the last two races in a row. Confidence is king in NASCAR, and he has plenty of it heading into Phoenix.
✔ Phoenix Raceway Outlook: Bell won this exact race last year, and he’s become one of the sport’s most consistent drivers on short tracks. Joe Gibbs Racing cars always perform well at Phoenix, so expect Bell to be leading or challenging for the lead most of the day.
✔ Fantasy Risk Level: Low (A no-brainer pick—Bell is about as safe as you can get at Phoenix right now.)

Ryan Blaney (#12 Ford – Team Penske)

✔ Why he’s in my lineup: Blaney has quietly become one of the most reliable picks in fantasy NASCAR. He currently sits second in the standings, consistently finishing near the front, and he’s proven he can get it done at Phoenix before.
✔ Phoenix Raceway Outlook: Remember when he snagged a huge win at Phoenix in the championship race in 2023? He knows how to navigate the tricky corners and flat banking, and Team Penske consistently provides him with a fast Ford. Look for him to battle at the front and maybe even take home a victory.
✔ Fantasy Risk Level: Medium (He’s consistent, but Phoenix always brings surprises.)

Outside the Top 12 Picks (Detailed Breakdown):

Kyle Busch (#8 Chevrolet – Richard Childress Racing)

✔ Why he’s in my lineup: Busch might be having a rollercoaster season, but Phoenix is one of his best tracks historically. He knows every inch of this circuit, has multiple wins here, and thrives on the kind of aggression short-track racing demands.
✔ Phoenix Raceway Outlook: Busch’s aggressive style matches Phoenix’s personality perfectly. If there’s any pushing and shoving late in the race (and there usually is), he’ll be right in the middle of it. If he stays clear of trouble, expect him to snag a solid finish, if not compete outright for the win.
✔ Fantasy Risk Level: Medium (A high-ceiling pick—he could win or get caught up in something wild.)

Chase Briscoe (#19 Toyota – Joe Gibbs Racing) 

✔ Why he’s in my lineup: Briscoe is stepping up to elite-level equipment at JGR, and the #19 Toyota immediately boosts his potential. Briscoe got his first Cup win at Phoenix back in 2022, and he’s always strong on flat, short tracks.
✔ Phoenix Raceway Outlook: This team upgrade is massive for Briscoe. Joe Gibbs Racing consistently brings top-tier cars to Phoenix, and now Briscoe gets to capitalize on that power. He’s got the driving style and the skills to compete for a top-5 finish here.
✔ Fantasy Risk Level: Medium (There’s some risk with adjusting to a new team mid-season, but the upside is huge.)

Ross Chastain (#1 Chevrolet – Trackhouse Racing)

✔ Why he’s in my lineup: Chastain has demonstrated strong performances on various track types, including short tracks like Phoenix. His aggressive driving style and recent successes make him a potential high-reward pick.

✔ Phoenix Raceway Outlook: While he hasn’t secured a win at Phoenix yet, Chastain’s adaptability and determination position him well for a solid finish. With Trackhouse Racing’s continued development, he could be a dark horse this weekend.

✔ Fantasy Risk Level: Medium (Chastain’s aggressive approach can lead to high rewards but also carries some risk.)

Final Thoughts:

Phoenix Raceway always delivers memorable moments, and I’ve put together a lineup built for exactly that. Bell and Blaney should anchor the team with consistency, Busch provides a dash of bold aggression, and Briscoe and Chastain add that perfect mix of upside and hometown flavor.

Alright, we’re all set—let’s go racing in Phoenix! Who’s on your fantasy team this week?

Oops… My Bad! Fantasy NASCAR Lineup Correction

Hey everyone, Bryan here—time to own up to my mistake. Turns out I made a bit of a goof when setting my fantasy lineup this week. I originally picked Kyle Busch as one of my drivers outside the top 12… but, uh, minor detail—I somehow didn’t realize he’s actually inside the top 12. Whoops.

Now, before you revoke my NASCAR fan card, let me just say in my defense… okay, no real defense. I just dropped the ball on that one. Maybe I got caught up in the excitement, maybe I had a little too much confidence in my quick math skills, or maybe I was just distracted thinking about finally getting to use my new Graco paint sprayer to prime the 2 rooms upstairs (which worked incredibly well btw!). Either way, Busch is ineligible for my bottom three picks, and that means I am illegal this week and will only receive 1 point for him!

Author Profile

Bryan
Hey there race fans, welcome to Driving on Marbles, where I break down NASCAR with real insight, smart strategy, and race by race analysis. This isn’t just race recaps and highlight talk, it’s trends, track history, driver momentum, and the little details that actually make a difference on race day.

Whether you’re setting your fantasy lineup, looking for betting angles, or just want to understand why things happen on the track, I’ve got you covered. My goal is simple: help fans see the race the way teams and strategists do, one decision, one adjustment, one edge at a time.

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