Pre Race Predictions: Darlington

 

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    As the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season moves on to Darlington, the track "too tough to tame", we might start to see some repeat winners. The "Goodyear” 400 will mark the 12th race of 2021, and thus far we have had 10 different winners. 

Kevin Harvick won 2 of the 3 races at Darlington Raceway in 2020. Denny Hamlin won the other race, but in 2021 both drivers remain winless. Will either of these drivers have an opportunity this weekend to win the “Goodyear” 400?

One's to watch for the win:

• Kevin Harvick [No. 4 Ford / Stewart-Haas Racing] - Could Harvick possibly snag his first win of 2021 here? He's won here 3 times in the past, so there is no reason why he couldn’t win this time around (aside from his poor luck this season).
• Denny Hamlin [No. 11 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Hamlin still hasn't won in 2021 either, therefore his situation is very similar to Kevin Harvick’s. Hamlin has 2 wins at Darlington, and plenty of other wins elsewhere, so could he finally break into the win column?
• Kyle Busch [No. 18 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Busch has a win here, but could he make it 2, and become the second driver to win 2 races in 2021?
• Erik Jones [No. 43 Chevrolet / Richard Petty Motorsports] - Erik Jones has a lot of pressure to perform well in the famous No. 43, but coming to Darlington is winners territory for him. One of his 2 Cup Series wins, was at Darlington raceway, so don’t count him out! 
• Martin Truex, Jr. [No. 19 Toyota / Joe Gibbs Racing] - Truex has only one win here, but very well could add a third for 2021 coming to Darlington this weekend! 

A few others to keep an eye on:

• Chase Elliott [No. 9 Chevrolet / Hendrick Motorsports]
• Austin Dillon [No. 3 Chevrolet / Richard Childress Racing]
• Tyler Reddick [No. 8 Chevrolet / Richard Childress Racing]
• William Byron [No. 24 Chevrolet / Hendrick Motorsports]

Make sure to tune into the "Goodyear” 400, throwback race at Darlington on Sunday, May 9th. Live coverage will start at 3:30 PM EST, and will be aired live on FOX Sports 1.