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.
Meta AI (5 wins) sez: The Southern 500 is Darlington — the hardest track to pick. No one can know for sure, but if you want the smart money, it's still Denny Hamlin. Why Hamlin is the favorite:
Most Darlington wins of any active driver — 5 wins, 20 top-10s in 27 starts
Historically leads the way with four wins in South Carolina including three Southern 500 trophies. Hot in 2026 — already won the All-Star Race at Dover, the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville, and the FireKeepers 400 at Michigan.
Truck Series (2 wins) off
O’Reilly Series (4 wins) Fleetio 200 Saturday 7:30pm ET on CW: JUSTIN ALLGAIER—The Lady in Black won by a guy in red (well, usually).
Cup Series Cook out Southern 500 5pm ET on USA FAVORITE (1 win): RYAN BLANEY—Team Penske seems to be the only team capable of “turning it on” in the Playoffs/Chase (well, two of them). NEXT FAVORITE (2 wins): JOEY LOGANO—see previous entry. DARK HORSE (2 wins): JOSH BERRY—as always, all “Dark Horse” picks in the Chase are non-Chase drivers.
www.spaderacing.com updated four times weekly
Visit the store https://www.cafepress.com/spaderacing
Buy the book 100 Stock Car Racing What Ifs Unauthorized
A MOXOC Media production
