The NASCAR Cup Series continues the Chase into Bristol for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Sept. 19.
Denny Hamlin has a nine-point lead over Kyle Larson in points heading into the weekend. Larson ended a lengthy winless streak with a victory last week at Gateway.
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It’s already getting late to factor into the championship for several Chase drivers, including Bubba Wallace (-90 behind Hamlin), Chase Elliott (-93) and William Byron (-114).
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol:
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
MADISON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 13: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on September 13, 2026 in Madison, Illinois. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
MADISON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 13: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on September 13, 2026 in Madison, Illinois. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
MADISON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 13: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with his crew after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway on September 13, 2026 in Madison, Illinois. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after finish first of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates with sons, Cooper Larson and Owen Larson and daughter Audrey Larson after finish first of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after finish first of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps presents the Bill France NASCAR Cup Series Championship trophy to Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, in victory lane after after finish first of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, and wife, Katelyn Larson celebrate in victory lane after finish first of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 drivers to win the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 25: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Hendrick 1100 Chevrolet, spins into the infield with flames after an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
(Logan Riely, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Arrow McLaren driver Kyle Larson (17) is helped out of his car after a crash Sunday, May 25, 2025, during the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(JEF I RICHARDS, Jef Richards/For IndyStar)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Arrow McLaren driver Kyle Larson (17) stands with his wife, Katelyn, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during qualifying for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Kristin Enzor, Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – MAY 11: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on May 11, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson celebrates winning the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 13, 2025.
(Randy Sartin, Imagn Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, and son, Owen Larson celebrate in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 23, 2025 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
(James Gilbert, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – MARCH 23: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 23, 2025 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Nov 22, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) and his wife Kelly during the NASCAR Awards Banquet at Charlotte Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Sep 21, 2024; Bristol, Tennessee, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) and his son Owen after winning the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
(Randy Sartin-Imagn Images)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates Sunday, July 21, 2024, after winning the 30th running of the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates his win by kissing the Yard of Bricks on Sunday, July 21, 2024, after the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Brett Phelps/IndyStar)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson celebrates with a goblet of wine after winning the Toyota/Save Mart 350, Sunday at Sonoma Raceway.
(Stan Szeto, USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Arrow McLaren/Rick Hendrick driver Kyle Larson (17) walks through pit lane with his family Sunday, May 26, 2024, during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Bob Goshert/For IndyStar)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Arrow McLaren/Rick Hendrick driver Kyle Larson (17) makes a pit stop Sunday, May 26, 2024, during the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Gary Mook/For IndyStar)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
May 24, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; IndyCar Series driver Kyle Larson climbs into his car during Carb Day final practice for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(USA TODAY)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
May 5, 2024; Kansas City, Kansas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) wins the Advent Health 400 at the Kansas Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
(Reese Strickland, Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Rookie IndyCar driver Kyle Larson (17) gets prepared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, for open testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway ahead of the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Mar 31, 2024; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) makes a pit stop during the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
(Peter Casey, Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Mar 3, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates his victory of the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Mar 3, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates his victory of the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Mar 3, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates his victory of the Pennzoil 400 with son Owen at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
(Gary A. Vasquez, Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson and his wife Katelyn Larson poses on the red carpet for the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.
(Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Jeff Gordon, left, and Kyle Larson, right, sit in the Arrow McLaren pit box at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during practice for the 2023 Indianapolis 500 Thursday.
(Kristin Enzor, USA TODAY Network)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson talks with Chip Ganassi in pit lane Thursday, May 18, 2023, during the third day of practice for the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
(Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
April 2: Kyle Larson celebrates after winning the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway.
(John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson celebrates winning the NASCAR Cup Series Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 23, 2022.
(John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) makes a pit stop during the Ally 400 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 26, 2022.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson speaks during the NASCAR Awards and Champion Celebration at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson speaks after driving in the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson, center, celebrates with No. 5 Hendirck Motorsports team in victory lane after winning the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson celebrates in victory lane after winning the Bank of America Roval 400 on the Charlotte Motor Speedway road course.
(Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.
(Josie Norris / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson does a burnout during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson with his wife Katelyn Larson walk the red carpet before the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Awards at Music City Center Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
(Larry McCormack / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson celebrates by drinking wine after winning the Toyota-Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway.
(Stan Szeto, USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
May 30: Kyle Larson celebrates his win of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
(Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports)
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Kyle Larson, NASCAR driver, 2-time Cup champion in No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson (32) flies into the catchfence after a crash on the final lap of the 2013 Nationwide Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway.
(Kevin Liles, USA TODAY Sports)
NASCAR predictions for Bristol Cup Series race: Here’s who wins the Bass Pro Shops Night Race
Mike Organ’s pick: Denny Hamlin, No. 11, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Hamlin hasn’t been as steady at the start of the Chase as he was for most of the regular season. It’s time for him to clean things up before he starts to slip in the standings.
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Nick Gray’s pick: Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Larson has had a noticeable uptick in performance over the last three races, and he led a race-high 284 laps in the spring. Back-to-back victories after a year-and-a-half winless drought sounds like a Kyle Larson special.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Elliott has never won at Bristol, but does have a couple second-place finishes. He does have nine top-10 finishes at the short track.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Bristol predictions 2026, expert picks for Bass Pro Shops Night Race
