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.
Claude AI (Sonnet 5) (5 wins) sez: Based on current form, Denny Hamlin leads the 2026 points standings with 4 wins…If I had to bet, I'd lean toward Denny Hamlin.
Truck Series (2 wins) Black’s Tire 250 Friday 7:30pm ET on FS1: LAYNE RIGGS—where will he wind up in 2027? Well, hopefully not RWR.
O’Reilly Series (4 wins) off
Cup Series Cook Out 400 7pm ET on USA FAVORITE (1 win): TYLER REDDICK—back on track heading into the playo—er, Chase. NEXT FAVORITE (2 wins): CHASE ELLIOTT—perhaps punting someone out of the way? DARK HORSE (1 win): CARSON HOCEVAR—definitely punting someone out of the way.
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