NASCAR Richmond predictions 2024: Expert picks for Cup Series race

The NASCAR Cup Series returns from Olympic break with the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday.

The Cup Series has been off since the July 21 race at Indianapolis, when Kyle Larson won the Brickyard 400.

Denny Hamlin won the Richmond spring race in March, his fifth career victory at the track.

Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Richmond:

WEEKEND SCHEDULE: NASCAR Richmond full weekend track schedule, TV schedule for Cook Out 400, other races

NASCAR predictions for Cup Series Richmond race: Here’s who wins Cook Out 400

Mike Organ’s pick: Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Christopher Bell will be without crew chief Adam Stevens in Sunday’s race due to a recent knee surgery, but I still like Bell in the No. 20 Toyota this week. Bell has won two of the last nine races and if coming off a fourth-place finish at Indianapolis. I also like Bell’s chances for winning a championship this season as he peaks at the right time.

Tom Kreager’s pick: Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Truex is winless this season after three wins a year ago. But after a two-week break, he’s ready to cook. Truex gets win No. 1 in the Cook Out 400.

Nick Gray’s pick: Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Hamlin has five top-2 finishes in the last eight Richmond Cup races. It’s rare to see a driver have this much sustained consistent success at a track. Hamlin goes 2-for-2 at Richmond this year and earns his sixth career win at the 0.75-mile oval.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Richmond predictions 2024: Expert picks for Cup Series race