The middle race of the Round 8 has no clear favorite based on the picks of NBC Sports’ writers.
Here are today’s picks:
Nate Ryan (@nateryan)
Brad Keselowski
He led 312 of 334 laps last year before having his championship round hopes crushed by Jimmie Johnson. He finally breaks through today for a Texas win and some consolation for already being eliminated.
Dustin Long (@dustinlong)
Kevin Harvick
He won’t need to win at Phoenix to advance to the championship round. He’ll score his first Cup win at Texas.
Daniel McFadin (@danielmcfadin)
Joey Logano
The Team Penske driver gets his second win at Texas in two years to join Jimmie Johnson in the championship race.
Jerry Bonkowski (@JerryBonkowski)
Carl Edwards
Edwards is one of the best at Texas: In 23 starts there, he has three wins, seven top fives and 12 top 10s. He could be the first Joe Gibbs Racing driver to make the final round.
Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall)
Jimmie Johnson
Not only is he coming off a big win at Martinsville, but he’s been unbeaten at Texas in the fall race since 2012.