Pre-Race Predictions: Homestead-Miami

 

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    The Dixie Vodka 400 is right around the corner, as the NASCAR Cup Series will run its final race in the state of Florida until August (when they return to Daytona). The annual race at Homestead-Miami Speedway will be run on Sunday, February 28th at 3:30 PM ET and will be aired on Fox.

In big races like these, virtually anything could happen, but there are some drivers to watch at Homestead.

Possible drivers for the win:

• Kyle Busch [No. 18 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Busch has two wins here, but they were fall races, back when Homestead was the final race of the season. He won both of the races in his championship years of 2015 and 2019.
• Denny Hamlin [No. 11 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Hamlin also has two wins at Homestead, proving that he has it in him. Could he make it three? 
• Tyler Reddick [No. 8 Chevrolet / Richard Childress Racing] - The 2x NASCAR Xfinity Series champion has won here twice in the Xfinity series. He had a 4th place finish with 3 laps lead in laps years Cup race at the track, this experience could help him make it to victory lane this time around.
• Martin Truex, Jr. [No. 19 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Truex wrapped up the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series season with a win at Homestead, and the championship. Assuming he has similar equipment, there really isn't any reason why he couldn't come back to victory lane here this year. 

Other drivers to watch out for:

• Kyle Larson [No. 5 Chevrolet / Hendrick Motorsports] - Larson has had good luck here, and could be a potential winner at Homestead this weekend.
• Austin Dillon [No. 3 Chevrolet / Richard Childress Racing] - Dillon has a good reputation here at Homestead. Since 2015, the RCR driver has finished no worse than 14th at this track.
• Ryan Blaney [No. 12 Ford / Team Penske] - Blaney could be a big lap leader in the 2021 Dixie Vodka 400. He doesn't have a problem leading, but has never won here before. This might just be his chance.
• Joey Logano [No. 22 Ford / Team Penske] - Logano is another winner here at Homestead, so we shall see what he can do this weekend in his attempt to make it back to victory lane.
• Brad Keselowski [No. 2 Ford / Team Penske] - "Bad Brad” could be a contender here to steal the stage points at this race, but I'm not sure where we will see him finish when the checkered flag waves. For Keselowski, I predict this race will be hit or miss.

 

While I’m fairly confident in my choices, there could be a driver I missed, or one that I was completely wrong about. Let us know what you think about my picks, and we’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as possible!