The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Homestead-Miami Speedway earlier than usual with Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 400.
Last week, Josh Berry surprised with his first career Cup win at Las Vegas. What a positive for Berry and the Wood Brothers Racing team to have a playoff spot locked up with months to go in the regular season.
Six months ago, Tyler Reddick won at Homestead in the finish of the season. Reddick charged around Ryan Blaney on the outside in the final corner to get the victory.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead:
NASCAR predictions for Cup Series Homestead race: Here’s who wins the Straight Talk Wireless 400
Mike Organ’s pick: Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Bell will become only the third driver in history to win four of the first six NASCAR Cup Series races in a season joining Bill Elliott (1992) and Dale Earnhardt (1987). Bell traditionally runs well at Homestead making him an easy favorite.
Nick Gray’s pick: AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
Yeah, this will surprise some. But Allmendinger has three finishes in the top-8, including two top-5s, in three races with Kaulig at Homestead-Miami. And coming off an 8th-place finish at Las Vegas, things are trending up for the No. 16 team.
Austin Chastain’s pick: Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford
Blaney had a close call at Homestead last year, getting passed on the final lap by Tyler Reddick. This trip to Miami will be the beginning of a turnaround for a struggling No. 12 team.
Tom Kreager’s pick: William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
The Daytona 500 winner wins again in Florida. He’s had a top-five finish at Homestead since 2022. This season, he’s had four top-five finishes in five races. There is no reason to believe he won’t finish in the top-10.
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