Dale Earnhardt Jr. Overlooks Denny Hamlin and Bets on Kyle Larson to Win Michigan Cup Race

The NASCAR Cup Series race on this Sunday at Michigan is expected to be another entertaining event, with the many predicting a Toyota versus Chevy battle for the victory. Joe Gibbs Racing veterans Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell are the picks of most of the pundits this weekend, but Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has another choice.

In the latest episode of his Dale Jr. Download podcast, the two times second division champion predicted the that two times Cup winner Kyle Larson will win on Sunday over the JGR duo. The No:5 team haven’t been to the Vicory lane for over year and Michigan might be the breakthrough race they desperately need. It’s a strong prediction, considering the veteran has won thrice in 17 outings here.

I think Larson wins it. I’m going with Larson. I mean, we could sit here and just tic-tac back and forth between Denny [Hamlin] and [Christopher] Bell all day long, but somebody, you know, we got to get off this island eventually.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Dale Jr. Download.

But Hall of Famer Kevin Harvick doesn’t see the HMS driver coming out victories, as on his Happy Hour podcast, he predicted a Denny Hamlin win over Kyle Larson, as he expects the No:11 team to have their most dominant year ever. The 23XI Racing co-owner has the opportunity to match late legend Kyle Busch career win record.

I’m going to take Denny Hamlin. Hamlin might get to 70 wins this year.

Kevin Harvick said on Happy Hour podcast.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. names six elite driver that will be the front runners to win the 2026 title

With 14 races in the 2026 season, 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick is the favorite of many to be the first winner under the new format with his boss Denny Hamlin in close second. But junior doesn’t think it is going to that straight forward after 36 races.

He highlighted that there are four more elite drivers in the last list that will be given the current top 2 a run for their money. The list includes 2020 champion Chase Elliott, who has won twice this season and 2023 champion Ryan Blaney, who is the only race winner of the year.

The next two in the list are Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell. The duo hasn’t won a single race in the season and is desperate to end their winless streak. But unlike the rest, their superior consistency gives them a massive advantage.

I’m going to predict as we’ve said that the champions coming out of the top six ,and I would say that um you know Christopher Bell may leapfrog into the top six. Anyhow, I like Denny hamlin and then I like it’s Kyle Larson or Chase Elliot for me. Blaney, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick.

Dale Eranhardt Jr. said.

The comments and observation made by the legend are rational. The top-6 have been the most consistent this year and had also been often given the best cars. It would be interesting to if an outsider can arise as a challenger from the remaining 22 races of the season.

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