Racing on dirt can be a great equalizer in the NASCAR Cup Series, as not many drivers have experience racing on such a track at the highest level. In the second running of the Food City Dirt Race at Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt track, who is going to come away with a win? Check out below some of the favorites, sleepers, and a long shot to win the 2022 Food City Dirt Race.
Larson has been dealing with some struggles this season to date, but he still has managed to get three top 5s, including a win in the 2022 Wise Power 400 back in February. What makes him a driver considered a favorite to win this coming Sunday’s race is his extensive experience in racing on dirt tracks. He has won the Chili Bowl Nationals twice before and has also emerged victorious in the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway and the Knoxville Nationals.
Christopher Bell
Like Larson, Bell has a strong background in dirt racing. Even though he was just 34th (accident) in last year’s edition of the Food City Dirt Race, that shouldn’t take away from his status among the few NASCAR drivers with elite chops when it comes to driving on dirt tracks. Bell heads to Bristol this week on the heels of a three-race stretch in which he managed to finish inside the top 10 twice. He was third in the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix and sixth in the Toyota Owners 400.
Martin Truex Jr.
The hunt for his first win of the season continues this week for Truex. That being said, he’s been consistently driving good enough. He has four top 10s on the season and has cracked the top 10 in three of his past four starts, including a fourth in the Toyota Owners 400. He also took the checkered flag last year in the Pinty Truck Race at Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt.
SLEEPERS
Daniel Suarez
The Richard Childress Racing driver is coming off his second podium finish of the season, placing third in the Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400 at Martinsville Speedway. Not only that but he’s also finished 10th or better in each of his last three starts.
Aric Almirola
Suarez is looking to bounce back after a 29th-place performance last week in the Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400 at Martinsville Speedway. He’s got two top 5s this season, though, and three top 10s overall in eight starts.
LONG SHOT
Cody Ware
The Rick Ware Racing driver hasn’t finished better than 17th since Daytona and has not cracked the top 25 even in seven starts. If anything, he finished the race in the 2021 edition of the Food City Dirt Race 32nd overall.
