Chase Elliott finally broke through with his first win of the season Thursday night in Charlotte, now is it Kyle Busch’s turn?
Or Martin Truex Jr.’s?
Elliott’s first win, after two unlucky misses, propelled him into third place in the Cup Standings as the circuit heads to Bristol, Sunday, for the ninth race of the season.
And Busch, last year’s Cup Champion, and Truex, last year’s runner-up, are still winless. Eight races and no wins for two of the circuit’s best drivers.
Busch, who is the 4-1 favorite this week at a track he has basically owned over the years (eight wins, back-to-back wins in this race the past two years) currently sits in 12th place in the standings, 114 points behind leader Kevin Harvick.
Truex, the 2017 Cup Champion and one of the four finalist last year, has moved up to seventh place overall, 68 points in back of Harvick, but has yet to finish in the top 5 this season. His odds are 8-1 this week.
The Eckel 3, which as always includes Scott “Tobacco Road’’ Baker and Mike “Left Turn’’ Sweeney, correctly predicted Elliott’s win Thursday night and will look for its fifth correct prediction Sunday. Here are the selections.
Ryan Blaney (16-1): All three of the Eckel 3 put Blaney in the mix this week, with “Left Turn’’ putting him on top. Blaney, in sixth place overall, has raced well this season and has also raced well at Bristol with four top 5 finishes. Those odds are too good to resist.
Kyle Busch (4-1): “Tobacco Road’’ looks for a repeat of 2019 when Kyle held off brother Kurt to win for the eighth time at Bristol. And “Left Turn’’ feels he’s way overdue. Which is how my bill collectors feel some time. Bottom line is you can’t leave him out.
Joey Logano (13-2): Logano has already won twice this season and sits in second place behind Harvick. He also has two wins on his resume at Bristol. Don’t overlook him here.
Denny Hamlin (8-1): Those are good odds for a two-time winner this season and a two-time winner at Bristol. He raced very well Thursday night coming from way behind to finish second to Elliott.
Longshot Pick: Matt DiBenedetto (40-1)