Join me as I test my wits against various AI programs in picking the 2026 Cup races. Once they’ve made their picks, I’ll make my normal Favorite, Next Favorite, and Dark Horse picks (in addition to my regular O’Reilly & Truck Series picks). At the end of the year we’ll see who knows more—me, or a soulless machine gobbling up water and electricity.
iAsk sez: “The Case for Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick enters the DuraMAX Grand Prix as the statistical favorite. Historically, Reddick has demonstrated elite proficiency on road courses, a skill set documented in modern racing compendiums as essential for the "Next Gen" car era. Reddick won at COTA in 2023 and has consistently been a front-runner on technical layouts. His 2026 season has begun with unprecedented momentum; by winning the first two races of the season, he became the first driver since Matt Kenseth in 2009 to achieve this feat. If Reddick wins at COTA, he will become the first driver in NASCAR history to start a season with three consecutive victories. His No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota has shown remarkable durability, winning the previous race at Atlanta despite losing a right-front fender in a mid-race incident.”
Meanwhile, here’s MY human picks:
Truck Series (1 win) OnlyBulls Green Flag 150 Saturday 12pm ET on FS1: CHANDLER SMITH—I think we have a new winner for “Oddest Race Name”.
O’Reilly Series Focused Health 250 Saturday 3pm ET on CW: JUSTIN ALLGAIER—glad to see Creed get off the schneid, but its back to normal at COTA.
Cup Series DuraMax Grand Prix Sunday 3:30pm on Fox FAVORITE: SHANE VAN GISBERGEN—yeah it’s an easy pick, but I want a win in Cup. NEXT FAVORITE: KYLE LARSON—a real “ok, the season’s back to normal” moment if a Hendrick or Gibbs driver wins. DARK HORSE: CONNON ZILISCH—if any rookie can do it, he can.
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