The NASCAR Cup Series continues on in the playoffs with the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Formerly the track that held the season finale, Homestead-Miami has found a spot in the Round of 8 as a unique challenge for drivers. Handling will be critical, as will keeping cars from bouncing off the wall. Set the over/under on toe link issues at 3.5 on Sunday.
Christopher Bell won here in 2023, and he could use a win to lock up a Championship 4 berth this weekend. But Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney all have large deficits to make up after separate struggles last week at Las Vegas.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead:
WEEKEND SCHEDULE: NASCAR Homestead full weekend track schedule, TV schedule for the Straight Talk Wireless 400, other races
NASCAR predictions for Cup Series Homestead race: Here’s who wins the Straight Talk Wireless 400
Mike Organ’s pick: William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Byron punches his ticket to the championship at the track where he has been dominant in the past. Hendrick Motorsports has claimed two of the last three events at the 1.5-mile oval in southern Florida and Byron will make if three out four with his fourth win of the season.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Larson won the last time I picked him to win. Maybe Rick Hendrick should have asked me to pick him to win last week too. This is another good Larson track. He’s got a win and two top-five finishes from his past three trips to Homestead. Barring a disaster, he should be near the front late in the race.
Nick Gray’s pick: Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
Not a data decision (even if Reddick has three top-five finishes in four races at Homestead) but a matchup of a driver who thrives riding near the wall and a track that demands it. Reddick locks up a Championship 4 spot on Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Homestead predictions 2024: Expert picks for Cup Series race
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