Bristol Motor Speedway, hailed as the “Last Great Colosseum,” will host one of its two races on the 2026 NASCARCup Series schedule — the Food City 500. The series hits the short track after one weekend off, and the top drivers expect to be among the most likely winners.
Refer to the Bristol Entry List for the best and worst performers.
Kyle Larson enters the race weekend as the betting favorite, chased behind by Denny Hamlin. The duo has combined to win 5 of the 8 races in the NextGen Era (Since 2022). As is always the case in a Fantasy NASCAR analysis, there are favorites, mid-shots, and longshots to provide winning, top-5, and/or top-10 fantasy NASCAR value.
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Top Picks
Chase Elliott after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway on March 29, 2026, in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
It is vital to bet against the top drivers this Sunday, especially if playing in a DFS format. Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin are the most expensive drivers, as they are going to be among the most highly owned. Chase Elliott is the 8th-most expensive driver on FanDuel, yet he has flashed the best and most consistent speed all season long. Elliott’s short track package will be up to form, as he literally won the last race at a short track (Martinsville).
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Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Bell is a winner at Bristol, flashing 6 top-10 finishes in 8 starts. The Toyotas have been very strong all season long, and with Bell, you can fade the Toyota of Denny Hamlin yet and get the same or better results. Bell is the 4th-most expensive driver on FanDuel, which is just fine given his upside.
Mid-Tier Picks
Chris Buescher, No. 17 RFK Racing Ford
Buescher is a 1-time winner at Bristol in the NextGen era. That comes along with 4 top-10 finishes, while averaging a start of 23.6. The RFK Racing team has been very strong this year, with all 3 cars in the current playoff picture. Assuming Buescher flashes a top-15 start, he can be an absolute top-5 threat, and a win threat if he qualifies in the top-10.
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Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
The Trackhouse Chevrolet’s have struggled at times this season, but they expect to flash decent speed at Bristol. Both Shane van Gisbergen and Chastain finished in the top 16 at Bristol. Historically, Chastain is an elite short-track driver, with 3-for-7 top-10 finishes at Bristol. He is also the 2nd-highest mover from start to finish per race in the Next Gen era, averaging 21.1 starts and 13.4 finishes.
Longshot Picks
Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford
Preece is a short-tracker, turned Cup Series driver. He won the Clash at Bowman Gray, despite unique circumstances. Preece only has one top-5/top-10 at Bristol, but he has often been stuck in a poor car. The No. 60 has been the best ride of Preece’s career. He averages a 14.3 finish, despite a 21.0 start. Preece will move more easily than many towards the back, if in the back.
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Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
We have reached a point where Busch is a long shot to win. Since joining Richard Childress Racing, Busch has struggled, as has the team. If he can get right at any track, it will be Bristol, where he has won 8 times. Busch knows how to run this track, and that is all that really matters. If RCR can actually field a half-decent car, Busch can finish top-5. Even with a subpar car, Busch can finish top-10 with a top-20 qualifying position.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Racing section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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