The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs begin on Aug. 31 with the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
The 367-lap race might be the longest and most difficult race to win overall due to tire wear and the numerous pit stops that provide strategy and possible pit road penalty obstacles. And that’s not even counting how difficult and physical Darlington is no matter the distance.
The Round of 16 opens with the first of three races, with Gateway and the Bristol Night Race to come.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington:
NASCAR predictions for Cup Series Darlington race: Here’s who wins the Southern 500
Mike Organ’s pick: Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford
Logano will rebound from a disappointing finish at Daytona due to a late crash after being in contention for much of the race by winning for the first time since Texas in May. After the race Logano took to social media to express how much he looked forward to the playoffs.
Nick Gray’s pick: Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
I went back and forth between Briscoe, Denny Hamlin and William Byron, and I landed on Briscoe. I’ve been really impressed by the No. 19 team’s summer run. Briscoe is a legit championship contender and makes a statement this weekend by repeating as Southern 500 winner.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Hamlin goes for the Darlington season sweep. This is his type of track. It should also be a welcome distraction from the troubles 23XI Racing is facing as it sues NASCAR.
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