The Wide World of Dirt

A new aero package for short tracks debuted last week in Phoenix with significant aerodynamic reductions being made to decrease the impact of dirty air.

Drivers, including winner William Byron, made sure to let everyone know that dirty air was still prevalent, but it didn’t stop the Cup Series stars from putting on a great show in the desert.

Fights throughout the field and comers-and-goers were highlights for me as I was in attendance taking in the action. Watching Kevin Harvick rip through the field and take the lead at Phoenix was a genuine joy to watch as a lifelong Harvick fan.

The racing line spread out from the apron to the outside wall with drivers finding speed anywhere they could on a loose racetrack.

Though Harvick’s winning day would be foiled by yet another quick late-race caution, I still thought this race was a quality event, but since Fox’s broadcast is so weak as a whole, it’s no surprise they’re incapable of conveying that to the viewers at home.

I’m hoping Harvick’s addition to that booth next year as a permanent fixture will bring light by a Fox booth that’s declined in quality since the inclusion of Jeff Gordon in 2016.

Anyhow, the Cup Series streaks into the A this weekend to bring NASCAR to the Dirty South with high-speed, high-intensity pack racing.

Here are my Friday 5 for the Ambetter 400, brought to you by Google number generator:

1. Ryan Blaney

This racetrack used to be one of my favorite races of the year, even during the 550hp era because its gravelly surface still put the result in the driver’s hands.

That would explain why Ryan Blaney won the spring 2021 race at Hotlanta after pulling off a late pass on a dominant Kyle Larson. Combining his record at the old track with his résumé on superspeedways, Blaney will be in the mix at the end of this; he almost always is.

Don’t be surprised if the Blaney revenge tour hosts its first date in Hampton this weekend.

2. Harrison Burton

The second-year, second-generation driver shows speed every time he goes to Daytona and Talladega because Wood Brothers are in Penske’s shop. Harrison essentially has two Daytona 500 winners and Ryan Blaney to siphon knowledge from to better himself.

Great guys to have in your corner, just my opinion!

The Fords brought the horses to Daytona, and I don’t expect that to change in Georgia. If Harrison can keep himself composed and collected, he can achieve that elusive first victory for himself and 100th victory for WBR.

3. Christopher Bell

The pit road entrance is on the apron at the entry of turn 3, and had it been there last year, I don’t think Christopher Bell would’ve dove beneath Ross Chastain and cost himself a good finish in last year’s spring race.

Even still, the Oklahoman was a contender at the end of both Atlanta races last season while also taking home an impressive 3rd at Daytona in this year’s 500.

Bell is quietly becoming a successful and efficient plate racer under the tutelage of teammate Denny Hamlin, and he could start clicking off wins at them soon.

The rise of Bell has been something I’ve questioned in recent years, but I’m starting to see the ruthless consistency become a more prominent factor in his driving. His improvement is quiet but large.

Expect the #20 Toyota Camry to navigate his way to a good result on Sunday.

4. Ty Dillon

The younger Dillon brother popped off his first top-30 of the season at Phoenix, and let’s just be blunt: I don’t think it can get any worse.

Ty won’t show a ton of speed on Sunday, but he’s the reason why I chose to do this by Google number generator: there’s no true rhyme or reason to predicting success at these races anymore because they just devolve into chaos and stupidity, especially towards the end of races.

Of the drivers featured on this list, Dillon has the best chance of finishing this race by virtue of not having a fast car, barring any sort of mechanical issue.

This race my provide Dillon with his best result of the season, so make sure to see look out for Ty on the ticker by the end of the race.

5. AJ Allmendinger

AJ has done well at superspeedway races in the past, and he’s a lot less squirrelly than he is at road courses and short tracks. I wouldn’t call Dinger a refined plate racer by any stretch, but he is good at keeping the car moving.

The returning veteran needs to lean on Justin Haley (maybe perhaps literally) to pick his way through the narrow confines of the 1.5mi oval to pick up some much-needed stage points after this week’s huge penalty.

I could see Allmendinger finishing like, 7th on Sunday if he can manage not to get caught up in something dumb. Let’s see if he can do it.

Dirt’s Favorite: [Your Favorite Driver]

You could make an argument for just about anybody in the field to win this race regardless of practice or qualifying. The only laps that really matterare the last 50, so any incident or tangle until then is just really stupid and utterly pointless.

Risky Business: Bubba Wallace

I love Bubba, and he is a great superspeedway racer. He nearly won this race last year, but some bad decisions on the final lap ended with his car smoking in the infield.

In the summer event, Wallace was a non-factor. No speed all day long and impossible to advance himself through the field.

I’d like to think 23XI and his team have reigned in their setup, but again, superspeedway racing is an utter crapshoot.

Dark Horse: Daniel Suárez

I do mention Daniel here often, but the man earned two top-10s in Atlanta last season. To me, it’s perfectly within the realm of possibility he will win this weekend.

I feel Suárez has been due for a superspeedway win ever since his rookie year. Unfortunately, Daniel has some of the worst luck in the garage, so he hasn’t gotten the job done.

I think we could see Daniel snatch his first oval victory this weekend in the Peach State.