/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69316394/1318351302.0.jpg)
It’s time to talk NASCAR!
Race Information
Race: EchoPark Texas Grand Prix
Laps: 68
Date: May 23rd at 2:30pm
Venue: Circuit of the Americas
2020 Winner: N/A
Network: FS1
Track
Circuit of the Americas — Opened in 2012, this is one of the seven road races that NASCAR is using in 2021. This track will also be utilized for Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series events. This track has an Asphalt surface and runs approximately 3.4 miles with 20 total turns involved. Expect this to play as a normal road race, which will favor those who know how to pit efficiently and maximize returns on each turn.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22527658/1203490419.jpg)
Favorites
Christopher Bell (second selection this year) — Well, we had one authentic road race and Bell won it, so I’m doubling down to see if he can do it again.
Joey Logano (fourth selection this year) — Joey has been arguably the best road/dirt track racer this year. He was 2nd at Daytona Road Race and he won the Bristol Dirt Track race. He has eight top 15’s across the last 10 races.
High Risk/High Reward
Kurt Busch (third selection this year) — I called Kurt a top 12 lock and he finished 13th (so close). It was tied for his best finish in nine races. For that reason and the fact that he was 4th earlier this year at the road race, I’m doubling down to see if he can be a top 10 finisher at Circuit of the Americas.
Ryan Preece (first selection this year) – Ryan finished among the top 20 in both the Daytona Road Race and the Bristol Dirty Race this year. He also finished among the top 20 last week at Dover, this likely isn’t a top 10 finisher but he should be inside the top 15-20.
The Dark Horse
Cole Custer (second selection this year) – Fresh off his season best 10th place finish at Dover, he comes to a road track after having finished 13th at Daytona’s earlier this year.
Fun Fact: There was consideration to shorten the race from it’s current 3.4 miles to 2.2 miles but it was rejected.
2021 Results
Favorite: Avg Finish 13th (33rd Percent)
High Risk/High Reward: Avg Finish 18th (46th Percent)
Dark Horse: Avg Finish 14th (37th Percent)