Coming off an absolutely thrilling race that saw the closest finish in the history of the sport, NASCAR hopes to keep the momentum going at the Track Too Tough to Tame. The 2024 Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway represents a massive test for the drivers as they hope to avoid finding the wall as they take on one of the more challenging ovals on the circuit.
Can Kyle Larson ride the momentum of his fantastic win over Chris Buescher to yet another victory this season or will we see a new face in Victory Lane? Let’s dive in.
2024 Goodyear 400 Entry List
Of note on the entry list – Erik Jones returns to the #43 after missing the last two weeks due to the injury he suffered at Talladega. Jones likely always fell in the must win category to qualify for the postseason but now he truly feels like a must win if he hopes to qualify for NASCAR’s playoff.
The wall at @TooToughToTame is either your best friend or your worst enemy. #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/wswF0XeylR
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 10, 2024
Darlington’s unique shape created an incredibly difficult track for NASCAR’s best. The exit of turn two narrows rapidly, often leading to collisions when drivers attempt to make it through the first two turns side by side. The track regularly delivers exciting finishes – such as the previous closest finish in NASCAR history between Kurt Busch and Ricky Craven. I expect fireworks once again this Sunday. Of course if the on-track action in the 2024 Goodyear 400 isn’t tantalizing enough, the throwback paint schemes and tributes ought to serve as a bit of a bonus.
2024 Goodyear 400 Race Odds and Predictions
Stop me if you heard this one before.
Denny Hamlin (+450) and Kyle Larson (+380) sit at the top of the odds lists as favorites once again. The drivers of the #11 and the #5 seem destined to duel for race wins till the end of the season but the rest of the field hopes to upset the current order of things.
Chief among the other contenders sits Martin Truex Jr. at +700 to win. MTJ showed speed last week at Kansas and feels like he’s overdue for a trip to Victory Lane at this point. After Truex Jr., William Byron comes in at +750. Byron won last year’s chaotic affair at the Lady in Black.
.@WilliamByron called the tomfoolery at @TooToughToTame! 😅 #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/vBySGf8bFv
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 10, 2024
However, I’m going in a bit of a different direction with my race winner pick – though I am sticking with Hendrick Motorsports. I think Chase Elliott finds a way to claim his second victory of the season at a track he’s been successful at before.
For other race props, last week’s runner-up Chris Buescher feels like a driver that will top the Ford camp for the second straight week. The value on the pick also isn’t terrible at +350.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action from Darlington Raceway!
Friday 05/10
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Qualifying – 2:35 p.m. CT on FS1
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – 4:35 p.m. CT on FS1
Buckle Up South Carolina 200 (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) – 6:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Saturday 05/11
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 10:20 a.m CT on FS1
Crown Royal Purple Bag Project 200 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) – 12:30 p.m. CT on FS1
Sunday 05/12
Goodyear 400 (NASCAR Cup Series) – 2:00 p.m. CT on FS1
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