NOW or NEVER for These Contenders | Talking Byron, Blaney, SVG and More Ahead of Iowa!

What’s Happening?

NASCAR heads to Iowa Speedway for the second race in a three-week stretch of short, flat tracks, and the Chase picture is becoming increasingly important with just four races remaining in the regular season. Eric is joined by Ryan Stevens of WinTheRace.info to break down the drivers with the best statistical profiles heading into Sunday. Ryan sees Ryan Blaney as the favorite, while Christopher Bell is his pick to win, and Ryan Preece gets the nod as his dark horse. William Byron, Joey Logano, Shane van Gisbergen, Chase Briscoe, and the rest of the Toyota and Ford contenders also enter the conversation.

• Can William Byron finally break through for his first win of 2026 at a track where he has finished first and second in the first two Cup races?
• Why does Ryan Stevens consider Ryan Blaney the clear favorite, and could Joey Logano once again contend for the win after dominating at North Wilkesboro?
• Can Ryan Preece and Brad Keselowski gain valuable points at Iowa and close the gap on Austin Cindric for the final Chase spot?
• Why is Christopher Bell Ryan’s pick to win, and can he finally capitalize on his speed at Iowa after two frustrating races at the track?

With the Chase cutoff approaching, Iowa is a major opportunity for drivers on both sides of the playoff bubble. From Blaney and Logano at the front to Preece and Keselowski fighting their way in, Sunday’s race could have major implications for the championship picture.

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