Robert Criscola, a veteran analyst of the NASCAR circuit, has released a set of long‑shot forecasts for the upcoming eero 400, spotlighting three drivers who could defy their odds and take the checkered flag.
Ryan Blaney brings a strong résumé to Chicagoland Speedway. Over four appearances at the Illinois venue he averages a ninth‑place finish, and his recent form includes six consecutive top‑ten results, highlighted by a ninth at San Diego and a sixth at Sonoma.
Blaney’s statistical edge is underscored by his tie for fourth in terms of wins over the last 40 intermediate oval races, a testament to his ability to convert speed into victories when the stakes rise.
Erik Jones, another name on Criscola’s sleeper list, has demonstrated resilience on the same class of tracks. He has not finished lower than thirteenth in his last five intermediate‑circuit outings, and a second‑place finish at Michigan on June 7, followed by a sixth at Pocono, illustrate his upward trajectory.
At Chicagoland specifically, Jones has cracked the top‑ten in each of his last two starts, suggesting that the 1.5‑mile layout may finally reward the momentum he has built.
Why These Picks Matter
While the eero 400 is traditionally dominated by established front‑runners, the convergence of recent form, statistical consistency and favorable odds makes Blaney, Jones and Smith compelling dark‑horse candidates. Their trajectories illustrate how momentum, track‑specific expertise and occasional breakthroughs can reshape the narrative of a race before the green flag even drops.
Zane Smith, listed at 99‑1 odds, rounds out the trio of predictions. Though his career has been marked by modest results, recent outings at Charlotte and Nashville saw him inside the top‑ten, and a fourth‑place finish on a road course at San Diego on Father’s Day highlighted a rare surge of performance for Ford.
Smith has also led laps in three of his last six starts, excluding the Michigan and Pocono events, indicating that he can capitalize on brief moments of dominance to climb the running order.