NASCAR 2023 Crayon 301 Preview

NASCAR has returned to the “Magic Mile” in Loudon, New Hampshire for the Crayon 301. This race is a particularly special one for me, as it is right in my backyard as a New England resident. Living in New Hampshire for most of my life, and completing my studies at the University of New Hampshire. At that, this race will be the first NASCAR Cup Series race I will witness live and in person! But let’s not get too personal here.

This race is nicknamed the “Magic Mile” as the track is nearly a mile exactly in distance, and is typically a well-loved track among the series. Although, this race should, scratch that, needs to be run in the fall. Summer in New England is rainy, humid, and disgusting. While the fall is nationally renowned as a fantastic time of year in New England. But as usual, I’ll deliver you five drivers you need to be watching this weekend, or on Monday if this rain keeps up. So without further delay, here is your Crayon 301 preview!

#4 Kevin Harvick

Kevin Harvick is still searching for his first win of his final season. As of today, he sits ninth in the playoff standings, firmly in the picture. But a win to secure the spot would surely be nice. New Hampshire Motor Speedway has been very kind to Harvick throughout history. In 39 races he’s got four wins, and an additional 10 top-five finishes. In the last three races here, the #4 car has posted a 114.7 driver rating at the Magic Mile. He’s absolutely a factor here in Loudon and will be a solid pick to win.

#6 Brad Keselowski

If not for rain, Keselowski might be in victory lane after last weekend in Atlanta where he was absolutely dominant and was pushing for a huge stage three. Unfortunately, the race against rain didn’t work in his favor, and he finished sixth after leading 19 laps. But this is a very different course, as we’re shrinking how much we’re running and how much room we have to work with. Keselowski though has had some success in New Hampshire. In 22 races he’s got two wins and seven more top-five finishes. His latest win came in 2020. I don’t typically enjoy doubling up on a driver in back-to-back weeks, but the #6 is a viable candidate to see a huge weekend in Loudon.

#8 Kyle Busch

What a year it’s been for Kyle Busch. A bit of a revenge tour after leaving Joe Gibbs Racing this off-season and joining up with Richard Childress. It’s worked out, he’s got three wins at three very different tracks. Collecting the checkered flags at Talladega, St. Louis, and Auto Club. He’s also got four additional finishes inside the top five. Busch has a rich history in New Hampshire himself. With three career wins in 31 races with eight more finishes inside the top five. His last three races have not been fruitful at the Magic Mile. Having an average finish of 29th and a driver rating of 50.8. The worst of any track he’s run since 2020. But this has been a major rebound year for KFB. Him in victory lane anywhere wouldn’t shock me.

#10 Aric Almirola

Aric Almirola has flown under the radar this season, as has most of the Stewart-Haas Racing team that’s just been really struggling all season long. The 39-year-old driver hasn’t been particularly special in 2023. He’s got one top-10 finish and posts an average finish of 22nd. Last week at Atlanta the #10 car started in first and finished 18th by the night’s abrupt end. So, why’s he here? Well, New Hampshire Motor Speedway seems to be a track he runs particularly well. In 20 races he’s got a win in 2021, and two more top-five finishes. Leading 43 laps at the Magic Mile in his career. The Crayon 301 can be unpredictable and could be even more unpredictable with maybe another race delayed until Monday. Almirola might be an underrated shout this weekend if you’re feeling dangerous.

#20 Christopher Bell

Christopher Bell took home the checkered flag at the magic mile last year, but that’s not the only reason he’s on this list. He’s quite dominant at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Not only winning last year but coming in second the year before that. Outside of the cup series, Bell has three wins in three races in the Xfinity Series. In the Truck Series, he also has a win. No matter what he’s racing, Bell races in Loudon as if it’s his hometown course. Something sticks with him here and I don’t see any reason why it won’t continue to be the trend.

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