The NASCAR Cup Series continues in the Round of 16 in the playoffs with the Enjoy Illinois 300 on Sept. 7 at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Gateway marks the second race of the first round of the playoffs after last week’s dominant Southern 500 victory by Chase Briscoe.
This year is the Cup Series’ fourth trip to the 1.25-mile track, with Penske drivers winning two of the first three events.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Gateway:
NASCAR predictions for Cup Series Gateway race: Here’s who wins the Enjoy Illinois 300
Mike Organ’s pick: Tyler Reddick No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
Reddick finished second in the first race (Daytona 500) and the last race (Darlington), but is winless on the season. Last week’s run in the playoff opener was his best of the season and should make him that much more determined to get a win this week
Nick Gray’s pick: Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
Blaney should have won this race last year if not for running out of gas with a lap to go. He’s the next Penske driver in line to win at Gateway.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Don’t count out Larson after one playoff race. Larson leads his teammates to the checkered flag and Hendrick Motorsports is again the conversation one week before the cutoff to the Round of 12.
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