Once again there is no consensus among the NBC Sports writers on who will win today’s Sprint Cup race. Also, not all the picks are Chase drivers.
Here is each writer’s selection:
Nate Ryan (@nateryan)
Brad Keselowski
The most consistent contender in the first round kicks it into a higher gear to start the Round of 12, winning despite an average qualifying effort.
Dustin Long (@dustinlong)
Denny Hamlin
It’s time for this team to step up and assert itself in the Chase. It begins today.
Daniel McFadin (@danielmcfadin)
Chase Elliott
After a few near misses, the rookie will add his name to the list of first-time winners at Charlotte that includes Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray and Bobby Labonte.
Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall)
Alex Bowman
All eyes will be on Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. as the favorites, in addition to every other Chase driver who wants to lock up a spot. But we can’t ignore the underdog and what a story it would be if the No. 88 team and Alex Bowman can steal the spotlight.
Jerry Bonkowski (@JerryBonkowski)
Kyle Busch
Hard as it may seem to believe, the younger Busch brother has never won a Sprint Cup race at Charlotte. Plus he has not won a race since the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, a nine-race winning drought. For Busch, that’s practically an eternity.