Get Ready for the Food City 500: NASCAR’s Ultimate Showdown at Bristol
As the engines roar and the tires screech, NASCAR enthusiasts are gearing up for one of the season’s most anticipated events—the Cup Series Food City 500 at the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway. Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, this half-mile, high-banked oval track is famously known as "The Last Great Colosseum." With its electrifying atmosphere and fierce competition, it’s a must-watch for any racing fan!
Race Day Picks: Top Drivers to Watch
With the NASCAR season revving up, fantasy racing enthusiasts are flocking to platforms like DraftKings to assemble their ultimate lineups. Here, we present our top driver picks for the Food City 500, curated by racing expert Pearce Dietrich.
1. Kyle Larson ($11,000)
Kyle Larson is a force to be reckoned with! His stellar performance in the 2024 Bristol Night Race remains etched in memories, where he nearly led all 500 laps. If you’re looking for a driver who can deliver 200 DKFP, Larson is your guy!
2. Denny Hamlin ($11,100)
Hot off a string of impressive performances, Denny Hamlin is on a winning streak. While he may not boast the fastest car in the lineup, his top-three placement in driving skills makes him a formidable contender. With strategic pit stops on his side, he can easily outmaneuver the competition.
3. Ryan Blaney ($10,500)
Despite facing some tough luck this season, Ryan Blaney remains a strong contender, especially at Bristol. Although he’s struggled to finish races in the past, his ranking as one of the more skilled drivers on this track keeps him on our radar.
4. Christopher Bell ($10,200)
Known for thriving on this steeply banked concrete track, Christopher Bell has consistently delivered strong finishes across different racing series. Though he’s yet to seal the deal in the Cup Series here, his three top-five finishes in recent races highlight his potential.
5. Chase Elliott ($9,600)
Chase Elliott, the "King of Concrete," has had a dry spell in terms of victories, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. However, with two impressive second-place finishes in the latest Gen-7 races at Bristol, Sunday could very well be the day he breaks his winning drought.
More Exciting Driver Picks
Chris Buescher ($8,300): Speed is the name of the game at Bristol, and Buescher’s win at the 2022 Bristol Night Race showcases his capability to score big—especially with 70 Hog Points up for grabs!
William Byron ($9,900): Often overshadowed by his teammates, Byron’s recent stellar performances make him a hidden gem. Expect him to draw more attention after his dominant last week’s DFS score.
Ryan Preece ($7,500): Bristol has been a pivotal point in Preece’s career. With a special connection to this track, he’s consistently performed above expectations, even without top-tier equipment.
Michael McDowell ($7,100): Don’t let his under-the-radar status fool you; McDowell is on a roll with a solid track record here, finishing in the top 15 in six of his last seven races.
- Bubba Wallace ($8,500): Under the guidance of a new crew chief, Wallace is primed for success with his history of strong finishes—like that third place at Bristol last fall.
Value Picks for Your Lineup
Alex Bowman ($8,000): An affordable option who consistently earns top-10 finishes, making him a worthy candidate for any lineup.
Kyle Busch ($8,800): While he may not be at his former dominant self, Busch knows the intricacies of Bristol well. Can he leverage his experience for a strong finish?
Ty Dillon ($5,600): A potential sleeper pick, Dillon’s recent performances suggest he might be ready to shine, especially in competitive racing.
Riley Herbst ($5,300): Sometimes it pays off to take risks. With the unpredictability of a 500-lap race, a driver like Herbst might just outperform expectations.
Todd Gilliland ($6,200): Gilly is back on track after recent strong finishes, making him a solid mid-range selection.
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ($6,500): Once a Bristol favorite, can “Wrecky Spinhouse” reignite his passion and regain his footing on this iconic track?
Get Set for the Race!
The Food City 500 promises to be a thrilling spectacle of speed, strategy, and heart-pumping action! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, be sure to catch all the excitement. And don’t forget to set your fantasy NASCAR lineups on DraftKings! For expert insights and the latest updates, follow Pearce Dietrich on Twitter at @Race4thePrize.
Make sure to check out the DraftKings Fantasy NASCAR contest here and join in the fun! Prepare yourself for another unforgettable race at Bristol!
