NASCAR Cup Series at Gateway: Predictions, odds and expert picks

NASCAR's Cup Series heads to Illinois this weekend for the Enjoy Illinois 300 at Gateway. Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi take a closer look at Daniel Suarez and dig into the intricacies of this course. They explain the busy weekend that A.J. Allmendinger is about to experience.

Daniel Suarez is fast but not consistent enough to consistently finish in the top five. He's on the wrong side of the playoff cut line and needs a win to qualify for the postseason. Jordan and Jeff think Suarez will win the race at Gateway. They think he's capable of it. Jordan thinks Suarez's teammate Ross Chastain has two wins this season. Jeff thinks he will not.

Jeff and Jordan discuss the history of the new NASCAR Cup Series race at Gateway. They discuss how to pick the winner. They also discuss similarities and differences between the two tracks. The winner will be decided on Friday's practice session. It's a new venue and teams will have more practice time. Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott have never raced at the track.

Kyle Larson is the favorite to win the race at Gateway. Jeff and Jordan think the drivers who have been fast all year would be fast again at the track. Kyle Larson won at Nashville Superspeedway last season. Jordan thinks Kyle is a favorite most weeks. Jeffrey thinks the Hendrick Motorsports team is starting to round into form.

Jeff and Jordan expect a similar race at Gateway as the Coca-Cola 600. The track is smaller and flatter than Charlotte. Tire wear and attrition could affect the outcome of the race.   The race is scheduled for Sunday at 7 pm ET. It is a NASCAR Cup Series race between the 2nd and 3rd place teams.

AJ Allmendinger is running for the Xfinity championship this weekend. He can't practice and qualify at Gateway because he's busy in Portland. Ben Rhodes will drive his Cup car for him in St. Louis. Jordan finds it surprising that Kaulig Racing tabbed All mendinge to race its Cup cars at the Gateway.

Xfinity Series is racing in Portland this week. NASCAR hasn't had a race in the Pacific Northwest in more than two decades. The Xfina Series race is a trial run to see if it draws a good crowd. It rains in Oregon until June and IndyCar has a Portland race every September.