Racing Insights predicts final finishing order in NASCAR Quaker State 400

This weekend’s Quaker State 400 might be a race for one driver to make the playoffs, or for others to extend their dominance. When it comes to predicting a NASCAR race, it can be almost impossible. Thankfully, there are algorithms for that stuff now.

Atlanta Motor Speedway has been kind to Hendrick Motorsports since the reconfiguration. Last season, William Byron won the spring race while Chase Elliott came away with the win in the summer.

This season, what does Racing Insights tell us about the Quaker State 400? This is the race Elliott won a year ago. So, can we expect to see the No. 9 back in Victory Lane? Racing Insights says, not so fast.

Finishing Order – Racing Insights:
1. William Byron
2. Chase Elliott
3. Ryan Blaney
4. Martin Truex Jr.
5. Denny Hamlin
6. Ross Chastain
7. Kyle Busch
8. Brad Keselowski
9. Kevin Harvick
10. Joey Logano

Out of that top-10 there aren’t many surprises. I think that the finishing order will be something very similar. However, there are some names that are missing from that list that I suspect could end up in that top group.

Kyle Larson and Chris Buescher are the first two drivers on the outside looking in as far as the top-10 is concerned. Those two could not only earn a top-10 finish but might compete for the win in the Quaker State 400. It is also surprising that Joey Logano, the March 2023 winner, is not among the top group. He will be one to watch as Ford as a whole tries to bounce back.

Quaker State 400 odds, favorites

While we appreciate what Racing Insights has to tell us, there is more than one way to pick a race winner. Of course, the tried and true method of sports betting is always there. Heading into the Quaker State 400, we do have a favorite according to the folks in Las Vegas.

Kyle Busch is the favorite ahead of this weekend’s qualifying session. It is a very interesting choice as the odds-on-favorite. Yes, Busch has three wins this season. But he has finishes of P33, P20, and P10 since the reconfiguration on this track.

While Rowdy is getting love from Vegas, don’t sleep on those Hendrick Motorsports drivers. Elliott in particular. This is his home race, he won the Quaker State 400 last year, and he’s had three straight top-5 finishes heading into this race.

Elliott needs to break through, Rowdy and others want to start putting the hammer down on the competition – it should be a very exciting race.