The NASCAR Cup Series returns on July 6 to the Chicago streets with the Grant Park 165.
Shane van Gisbergen, the surprise winner at Chicago in 2023, is the race favorite and for good reason after dominating the Mexico City race last month.
This is a key stretch for SVG coming up, with three road course races in the next six weeks. The Charlotte Roval looms at the end of the Round of 12, and if SVG can advance through the Round of 16 he could be a dangerous driver heading into the next round and beyond with enough playoff points to mitigate any issues on oval tracks.
Here are The Tennessean’s expert picks for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicago:
NASCAR predictions for Cup Series Chicago street race: Here’s who wins the Grant Park 165
Mike Organ’s pick: Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
Bell is eager to recover from last week’s DNF when he took out Ryan Blaney in Atlanta. Bell won at Circuit of the Americas in March and has consistently been a contender on road courses.
Nick Gray’s pick: Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
This is too easy of a pick. SVG is the auto pick at the Chicago street course until proven otherwise, and especially now that he has more experience in this car.
Austin Chastain’s pick: Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
Bowman won last year’s Chicago street race and had a great chance to win last week at Atlanta, pushing his teammate to a victory. This week, Bowman will be the one getting the season-changing win.
Tom Kreager’s pick: Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
SVG already has one win on a road course this year. A second Chicago street-race victory might quiet some that think he isn’t worthy of being in the playoffs with just one win sitting 32nd in points.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Chicago predictions 2025: Expert picks for Cup Series race