The NASCAR Cup Series returns to the Chicago street course for Sunday’s Grant Park 165.
Shane van Gisbergen’s race win defense will be the main storyline on Sunday. The Kaulig Racing driver by way of Trackhouse stunned the NASCAR world by winning this race last season in his first Cup start.
He’ll start fifth in the Grant Park 165 with Kyle Larson sitting on pole. The Cup Series field continues to become more adept in road course racing, and it makes these races much less predictable. Still, SVG will be the betting favorite leading up to the green flag especially after Saturday’s Xfinity Series win over a strong field.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race in Chicago:
STARTING LINEUP: NASCAR Chicago Street Race: Starting lineup, TV schedule for Sunday’s race
JOSH BERRY FINDS A NEW RIDE FOR 2025: What to know about Josh Berry joining Wood Brothers in 2025, replacing Harrison Burton
NASCAR predictions for Cup Series Chicago street race: Here’s who wins the Grant Park 165
Mike Organ’s pick: Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, No. 11 Toyota
After running out of luck (and fuel) in the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway last week, Hamlin will bounce back with a victory this week at the Chicago street race. Hamlin is one of four drivers with three wins this season and will pull in front of the pack here.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Shane van Gisbergen, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
It was beautiful to see SVG maneuver the course a year ago. There is no reason to think we won’t see much of the same in 2024. This is his course. Someone is going to have to step up or he have a car issue to lose
Nick Gray’s pick: Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Bell was the second best driver in this race last year, and he has a second and ninth-place finishes in two road course races this year. Bell gets win No. 4 of 2024 on Sunday, and his third career win on a road course circuit.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Chicago predictions 2024: Expert picks for Cup Series race
Read the full article here