Illinois

NASCAR Fantasy Picks for the Enjoy Illinois 300 From Gateway

Published

2 years ago

June 2, 2024

NASCAR Fantasy Picks for the Enjoy Illinois 300 From Gateway

Our NASCAR Fantasy picks are in for the Enjoy Illinois 300 from World Wide Technology Raceway. Who should you have selected in your lineup?

Formerly known as “Gateway Motorsports Park,” the race will be the third-ever stop at the Illinois venue for the NASCAR Cup Series. The green flag will fly shortly after 3:30 pm ET (12:30 pm PT) on Sunday, June 2nd with televised coverage on Fox Sports 1. Radio coverage will be available on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM’s NASCAR Radio.

NASCAR Fantasy Live gives fans the chance to partake in driver selection each Cup Series race weekend. One will pick five starters and one “garage” driver per event. The garage driver will not receive any points but can replace a starter who may face trouble in the first part of the race. At the end of stage two, picks will lock, and no changes can be made. Points are awarded based on stage points and finishing positions in addition to four “head-to-head” driver picks. A driver may only be picked ten (10) times across the 26-race Regular Season and then five (5) times in the 10-race Playoffs. See NASCAR’s website here for rules of how to play.

My suggestions below are NOT my personal lineup for Sunday. See my results from last weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway and my picks for the 2024 Enjoy Illinois 300 from World Wide Technology Raceway.

STARTERS

William Byron – 3 uses left
- 34 Place Points (3rd) + 19 Stage Points (S1 – 1st, S2 – 2nd) = 53 Total Points
Alex Bowman – 7 uses left
- 28 Place Points (9th) + 13 Stage Points (S1 – 3rd, S2 – 6th) = 41 Total Points
Ty Gibbs – 8 uses left
- 31 Place Points (6th) + 9 Stage Points (S1 – 2nd, S2 – N/A) = 40 Total Points
Chase Elliott – 6 uses left
- 30 Place Points (7th) + 4 Stage Points (S1 – N/A, S2 – 7th) = 34 Total Points
Martin Truex Jr. – 5 uses left
- 25 Place Points (12th) + 6 Stage Points (S1 – 5th, S2 – N/A) = 31 Total Points
Kyle Busch – KEPT IN GARAGE, 8 uses left
- 22 Place Points (15th) + 0 Stage Points (S1 – N/A, S2 – N/A) = 22 Total Points

FEATURED MATCHUPS

Justin Allgaier vs. William Byron
- PICK: Byron
- RESULT: Correct (Allgaier = 13th, Byron = 3rd)
Jimmie Johnson vs. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
- PICK: Stenhouse Jr.
- RESULT: Incorrect (Johnson = 29th, Stenhouse Jr. = 31st)
Kyle Busch vs. Ryan Blaney
- PICK: Busch
- RESULT: Correct (Busch = 15th, Blaney = 39th)
Joey Logano vs. Tyler Reddick
- PICK: Reddick
- RESULT: Correct (Logano = 14th, Reddick = 4th)

RANKING (after 14 of 36 races)

Weekly Points = 229 PTS.
Total Season Points = 2,796 PTS. (199.7 average points per race)
Collective Rankings = 3,147th (+109 positions from Darlington Raceway)

GATEWAY STARTERS

PICK #1 – Kyle Busch

In two starts at Gateway, Kyle Busch has been the standout performer.

He enters race day as the defending track victor, claiming the one-and-a-quarter mile track in dominant fashion. Busch led 121 laps, won Stage One, and added nine points with a second in Stage Two for his 63rd Cup Series win. It does, surprisingly, stand as his last as he rides the second-longest winless streak of his career. He looks promising ranking at 10th in both five-lap averages and qualifying position. Can “Rowdy” snap a skid of underwhelming performances?

PICK #2 – Joey Logano

Joey Logano follows in similar footsteps to the aforementioned driver.

The No. 22 won the inaugural race at Gateway in 2022 and finished 3rd last year, joining Busch as the only two drivers with Top 5s in both races. Fords appeared to have the upper hand in practice with Logano having the single-handed fastest lap of the bunch. Additionally, his 5-lap, 10-lap, and 15-lap averages ranked 1st, 1st, and 3rd, respectively, amongst the 36-car field. It has been a tough season for the former Champion, and he will roll off from 12th, but this looks like the weekend to turn his year around.

PICK #3 – Ryan Blaney

Bad luck has bit Ryan Blaney over the last two NASCAR events.

A crash leading to a 36th at Darlington and a flat tire causing a 39th at Charlotte have seen the defending Series Champion plummet to 12th in the standings. Luckily, his Penske team and teammates fair great at Gateway. He joins Busch as one of only two drivers with Top 10 stage appearances in all four track stages as well as the only driver with over 50 laps led (Busch = 187, Blaney = 95). Blaney also has the second-best Average Running Position (A.R.P.) of 4.70 behind Busch’s 3.05. On Sunday, he starts shotgun.

PICK #4 – Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin’s incredible streak came to an end at Charlotte.

The Joe Gibbs Racing talent had led in 17 consecutive Cup Series races before failing to lead a lap in the rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600. Nonetheless, he enters Gateway with four Top 5s in a row dating back to his third win of the season at Dover Motor Speedway. Hamlin finished Stage One 4th in 2022’s track debut and 3rd in both of last year’s stages. A runner-up finish in 2023 was accompanied by the third-best A.R.P. Picking Hamlin is always a good move for NASCAR Fantasy who starts 6th on Sunday.

PICK #5 – Martin Truex Jr.

The last suggestion of the week sees a second straight JGR driver of Martin Truex Jr.

Is there a slight bit of concern for Sunday? Mainly for stage points, as he rolls 19th following a disappointing effort in qualifying. However, an 8th place ranking in 5-lap average looks like a precursor for a forward-trending run. Truex Jr. finished 6th in 2022 with 42 laps led and 5th in 2023. In 2004 at Gateway, Truex Jr. won his third career Xfinity Series race by starting from the pole and leading an impressive 123 laps.

ALTERNATE OPTIONS

Christopher Bell

Finishes of 9th and 11th in two Gateway starts
Won the 2016 Craftsman Truck Series running
5th-best 10-lap average in Saturday practice

Ross Chastain

One of six drivers with three or more track stage appearances (best = 5th (2022, Stage One))
6th-ranked A.R.P. in two Next Gen races (12.85)
2019 track Champion in Craftsman Truck Series

Michael McDowell

Starting from pole for Sunday’s race with 9th-ranked 10-lap and 15-lap practice averages
Led 34 laps in 2022 event
Finished 9th in 2023 race

HIDDEN GEM?

Austin Cindric

3rd, 2nd, and 4th in 5-lap, 10-lap, and 15-lap averages from Saturday
Second-best Gateway A.R.P. against competition (12.25)
Searching for first non-superspeedway Top 10 since 2023 Fall at Martinsville
Starting 2nd for Enjoy Illinois 300

AVOID!

Chris Buescher

Missed 2022 race
Received no stage points at Gateway last year
Qualified 26th position

Chase Elliott

20.6 A.R.P. in 2022 event
Missed 2023 race
26th-ranked 10-lap average in Saturday practice

Brad Keselowski

A.R.P. ranking 23rd of 24 drivers to make both Next Gen Gateway starts
Finishes of 20th in 2022 and 28th in 2023 with no stage appearances

NASCAR FANTASY MATCHUPS

Christopher Bell vs. Ryan Blaney

What a battle this could turn out to be. Christopher Bell and Ryan Blaney will start Sunday’s race from 3rd and 4th position. Track position will be critical to maintain, and the smallest mistake could be detrimental to either driver’s day in the standings. Bell turned a poor stretch of finishes around at Charlotte, and Blaney cannot afford another bad week.

My decision is leaned slightly by the team’s entire performance and prior history. For those reasons, I will go with Blaney.

Kyle Busch vs. Joey Logano

Again, we have another great pairing between two seasoned veterans. As discussed, Kyle Busch and Joey Logano lead practically all the categories through our two Next Gen Gateway races. Neither has looked anything short of competitive, and their Cup wins have the slate divided at 50/50. Forward is the target for both as Busch starts 10th and Logano starts 12th.

Fords and Toyotas are a touch ahead over Chevrolets for Sunday. Although Busch has a path, Logano is my pick.

Martin Truex Jr. vs. Denny Hamlin

JGR teammates meet in this NASCAR Fantasy duel. Martin Truex Jr. showed speed from practice, but making up the positions during the race will come as a challenging task. Denny Hamlin is going to be tough to beat this weekend due to his recent finishing consistency and driver-leading 20-lap average from Saturday’s practice.

The latter comment gives me confidence in Hamlin.

Alex Bowman vs. Ty Gibbs

Last up sees two drivers I have not discussed. Alex Bowman has crept up the ladder in recent weeks with his five straight Top 10 finishes. He has yet to show winning place like his Hendrick Motorsports counterparts; however, he did lead his teammates in 10-lap averages from Sunday practice (11th). Meanwhile, Ty Gibbs is set for only his second Cup Series start at Gateway. The 21-year-old does have more track time having won the 2019 and 2020 ARCA Menards Series races.

Bowman could very well get the job done, but Gibbs takes my final matchup.

What does your NASCAR Fantasy lineup for the 2024 Enjoy Illinois 300? Tweet us @LWOSMotorsport. Stay tuned here at LWOS Motorsports for NASCAR news, results, updates, and more.

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Illinois

New Illinois bill aims to overhaul public defense system | The Chicago Report

Published

2 hours ago

June 27, 2026

Press Room

New Illinois bill aims to overhaul public defense system | The Chicago Report

A major overhaul to the Illinois justice system could be officially underway.
House Bill 3363 lays the foundation for a brand new agency, the state public defender office.
The goal is to bring more consistent legal representation for Illinois residents who can’t afford an attorney.
Joining us now to discuss the rolled-out timeline is the bill’s sponsor, State representative Dave Vella, who actually started his legal career as a public defender, before heading to Springfield.

Posted June 26, 2026 7:06pm CDT

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Illinois

Illinois Democrats face backlash after blaming Trump in Chicago cross-burning case | Fox News Video

Published

12 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Press Room

Illinois Democrats face backlash after blaming Trump in Chicago cross-burning case | Fox News Video

‘Outnumbered’ reacts to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson blaming President Donald Trump for a cross-burning incident in Grant Park.

Illinois Democratic leaders Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are slammed for weaponizing a Chicago cross burning incident by blaming former President Trump. Despite the suspect, Murlin Lue, admitting his motive was to protest Trump, not racism, Pritzker and Johnson doubled down. Critics, including Illinois GOP State Rep. Chris Miller, accuse them of playing politics and fostering division rather than seeking truth.

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Illinois

Illinois Lt. Gov. candidates focus on affordability in pitch to Rockford voters

Published

22 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Press Room

Illinois Lt. Gov. candidates focus on affordability in pitch to Rockford voters

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – November ballots will feature a repeat of top billing in the race for governor. Illinoisans can once again choose between Governor JB Pritzker or Darren Bailey to lead the Land of Lincoln.

But beside their spots, new names will appear for voters.

The Democratic and Republican candidates for governor picked new running mates for their rematch. With Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton running for U.S. Senate, Pritzker picked Christian Mitchell to join his ticket. On the Republican side, Aaron Del Mar joins Bailey, who previously ran with Stephanie Trussell in 2022.

Mitchell and Del Mar spoke Thursday with WIFR on what inspires them to run, their campaign priorities and ideas to improve the Rockford region.

Backgrounds

Starting with the Democratic ticket, Mitchell joins the race as a former state representative from Chicago as well as a deputy governor with the Pritzker administration.

“Before anything else, I’m Debbie’s son, and I’m James’s grandson,” Mitchell introduced. “They’re the ones who really instilled in me the value of hard work and made sure that I was going to have a very bright future.”

Mitchell sees the role of lieutenant governor as a partner to the state’s executive.

“I’m really lucky to be running with somebody who I respect, and who I think is the best governor in the nation… Governor JB Pritzker,” he said.. “My first thing is going to be supporting his agenda, which right now is all about lowering costs and raising wages.”

On the Republican side, Del Mar hails from suburban Chicago and considers his first priority to be raising his family.

“I wanted nothing to do with politics, did not want to be involved — wanted just to raise my kids and work my job,“ said Del Mar. He described his start in public service as something he ”kind of got pulled into.”

The Republican worked his way from a city council member in Palatine, at 29-years-old, to co-chair of the Illinois GOP. Although he says he “wanted nothing to do with being on” Bailey’s campaign, Del Mar sees strength in unity — offering a Chicago area perspective alongside Bailey’s southern Illinois roots.

“How about everybody in the state of Illinois, regardless of where you come from, has a seat at the table. If you’re from a southeast farming community, or you’re from the city of Chicago, where I grew up, everybody has a stake in the game.”

Priorities

Mitchell points to economic development as his focus for the gubernatorial campaign.

“I see vacancies on State Street in Chicago. I see vacancies on Main Street in Belleville and Alton and in Carbondale,” he recounted. “I want to make sure that we’ve got the kind of amenities and economic development, that kind of affordability, that allow us to make sure that folks want to stay in the towns that they’re born in if they want to.”

The Democratic candidate also eyes long-term planning for the state, including an “Illinois 2050 Plan.”

“How do we have the kind of educational undergirding that means that no matter where you’re from, you have a chance to have one of those jobs, whether it’s in new agriculture technology and new farming techniques or biotech, quantum.”

When asked how to achieve these priorities, Mitchell turned to investing in public education, retaining residents with better wages and improving health care.

“Making sure that we are able to protect our health care system, so that folks aren’t going broke when they get sick, that’s another big way that we can make an impact.”

Del Mar outlined a cost-of-living focus as central to his campaign.

“You wanna succeed, you do the basics really well, and the basics are affordability,” he contended.

The Republican repeatedly highlighted the state’s property taxes — reportedly the highest in the nation — as an issue to tackle. He suggested redirecting Illinois’s budget as one measure to ease the burden on homeowners.

“Number one is fully funding the state’s portion of local taxes, because that will offer people property tax relief.” Del Mar clarified this wouldn’t mean redirecting funds for public education.

“We’re looking at how we fund schools, how we make sure to empower teachers to have the best educational outcomes that we can have here in Illinois, regardless of what your zip code is, regardless of what your parents do for a living or how much money they make,” added Del Mar.

Reflecting on Rockford

Each candidate provided their vision for boosting the Rockford region.

For Mitchell, improvements continue with infrastructure funding, building on the state’s roughly $500 million investment in the area.

“The things that we have already worked on, through the capital plan that I helped lead as deputy governor, that the governor signed and is implementing, are already having benefits that the people of Rockford can see.”

The Democrat also pointed to the Chicago Rockford International Airport as an opportunity.

“Investing in that regional airport where we’ve already helped with a matching grant to get additional funds, that helps build out the economy,” said Mitchell. “There’s so much that’s happening there that it is really good for the economy and bringing more people back to Rockford.”

Del Mar shared his local priority as supporting unionization in the area.

“Union families deserve to be able to have a livable wage, and that’s something that’s important to Darren and I,” said Del Mar. He mentioned pensions were another item that a Republican executive wouldn’t touch for the public and private sector unions.

“I know that area up there has strong union backbone,” described Del Mar. “We want to make sure they know that they’re not going to have a bigger supporter in the governor’s mansion than Darren and I.”