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The NASCAR Cup Series heads to World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois this weekend following a rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway last Sunday.
The 1.250-mile oval, previously known as Gateway Motorsports Park, boasts a unique shape with different degrees of banking in each corner. The Enjoy Illinois 300 will be contested over 240 laps this Sunday, June 2.
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Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch won the previous edition of the race, in which multiple drivers were taken out of contention due to brake rotor failures caused by the unique shape of the oval. Joey Logano won the inaugural edition of the race in 2022.
Since the NASCAR Cup Series is making its third visit to the track this weekend, there are no clear favorites heading into the race. Let us take a look at five drivers who are expected to be in the mix this weekend.
5 NASCAR drivers to watch out for in the Enjoy Illinois 300
#5 Kyle Larson
The #5 Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson had a disappointing end to his historic Indy 500-Coca Cola 600 Double attempt last weekend. Inclement weather conditions delayed the Indy 500 start, forcing him to miss out on the Coca-Cola 600, which was also affected by weather.
Larson heads to Gateway this weekend seeking clear skies in Madison, Illinois. He has previously finished fourth and 12th in his two starts at the 1.250-mile oval.
#4 Kyle Busch
The #8 Richard Childress Racing driver is the defending winner of the Enjoy Illinois 300. Although his recent form suggests he will not be in contention this weekend, the stats are in his favor.
Kyle Busch boasts the best average finishing position at the track, having finished first and second in the previous two editions. He has also led the most laps on both occasions. Returning to Gateway might bring an upturn in results for the two-time NASCAR Cup champion.
#3 Ryan Blaney
The reigning NASCAR Cup champion had a solid start to his title defense this season. However, he has lost momentum in recent weeks, after recording two consecutive DNF results.
NASCAR's visit to Gateway might bring a change in form, as Ryan Blaney has the third-best average finish at the track, with a sixth and a fourth-placed result under his belt.
#2 Brad Keselowski
The 2012 NASCAR Cup champion has been on a stellar run of form in recent weeks having finished second or better in four of the last six races. He broke his winless streak at Darlington Raceway.
Although Brad Keselowski's stats at Gateway might not be impressive, his recent form suggests he will be in contention during the Enjoy Illinois 300.
#1 Joey Logano
The #22 Penske driver is another veteran who has been anonymous this season, although he managed to win the All-Star Race. He is yet to win a points-paying race this season and is currently out of the playoff contention.
Joey Logano might overturn his form at Gateway, a track where he emerged victorious during the Cup Series' maiden visit in 2022. He backed it up with a third-place finish last season.
