This weekend is NASCAR’s annual throwback weekend in Darlington, South Carolina, where teams, drivers and everyone else involved with the sport celebrates its long heritage and history.
Most teams run paint schemes reminiscent of iconic schemes from the past, whether it honors themselves, a member of the crew or something to do with the sponsor or another iconic driver or scheme. Broadcasters bring out old graphics packages, legends of the sport make their way back to the track and even the design on the tires looks back to days past.
The throwback weekend is an important celebration. In a sport that is always moving forward, it gives an opportunity to look back on the past and reminisce on all of the great things that have happened.
Now more than ever, in a time where our mental health may not be in a good place, harkening back to good times can be just what everyone needs. While we should absolutely be glad to have moved on from many parts of history, it’s vital that we don’t forget the most important parts of it. This throwback celebration, a tradition that will hopefully last long into the future, is the perfect way to do that.
Another tradition that has gone quite some time is Kyle Busch winning races. His victory at Kansas ensured a 17th straight Cup Series season in which the driver of the No. 18 has gone to victory lane. The younger of the Busch brothers is hitting a hot streak and is definitely worth playing in just about any fantasy format. With races at Darlington and Dover upcoming, things could continue to be shaken up at the front of the field.
Buy
William Byron: The No. 24 team hasn’t finished outside of the top 10 since the duo of races in Daytona, a streak of nine races that began with William Byron’s win at Miami. He’s been flying under the radar in most of these performances, but his consistency can no longer be ignored. Byron should be looked at as one of the top plays from here on out.
Sell
Kyle Larson: Another Hendrick team is spiraling downhill, however. Kyle Larson has finished outside of the top 15 in four of the last five races. The No. 5 team’s hot streak has faltered enough that it’s worth looking at steering clear for now, especially when it comes to Hendrick Motorsports. I anticipate the team will be heavily focused on getting Chase Elliott to victory lane, which could slightly hurt the lightly-sponsored No. 5 team.
Thanks for reading. For more fantasy NASCAR and life advice, follow me on Twitter, @EHicks39, or check out more of my work at Elliot-Hicks.com.