NASCAR Showdown #2: Gridiron Gracie vs. Jack Maverick’s Bold and Brilliant Picks for Phoenix
Jack Maverick (grinning):
“Gracie, I know you love playing it safe with your NASCAR picks, but let’s face it—bold predictions win championships.
And last I checked, playing it safe only gets you a participation trophy.”
Gridiron Gracie (smirking):
“Jack, the only thing you’ve ever won is the title of ‘Most Likely to Crash and Burn with Terrible Takes.’
But sure, go ahead and tell the good people why your NASCAR ‘gut instincts’ are better than actual logic.”
Jack Maverick:
“You have to have a feel for the race, Gracie.
Joey Logano is my top pick—he owns Phoenix. The man is basically the mayor of Victory Lane out there.
Then I’ve got Kyle Busch, because you can never count out Rowdy when there’s a trophy on the line.
Ryan Blaney? Smooth, steady, and sneaky fast.
Ross Chastain? The Watermelon Man is gonna slice his way through the field like it’s harvest season.
And Tyler Reddick? Watch him ride the high line like a rollercoaster straight into the top five.”
Gridiron Gracie:
“Wow, Jack, that’s adorable. Did you pick those names out of a hat or are you actually trying to sabotage your own credibility?
Because here’s how you really pick a top five in NASCAR.
First off, William Byron is on the pole, meaning he’s already got an advantage before the green flag even waves.
Then there’s Joey Logano—yes, we actually agree on something, mark the date.
Chase Elliott? Championship pedigree, smart driver, cool under pressure.
Kyle Larson? He might be starting further back, but the guy knows how to work through traffic better than a New Yorker at rush hour.
And finally, Denny Hamlin—because when it comes to Phoenix, experience matters.”
Jack Maverick:
“Oh, so now you’re admitting that Logano is a good pick? Welcome to the dark side, Gracie.
But let’s talk about that Byron pick—sure, he’s fast in qualifying, but you know who else was fast in qualifying? The Titanic… right before it hit the iceberg.
Pole position means nothing if you can’t handle the grind of a NASCAR race, and Phoenix is a chess match.”
Gridiron Gracie:
“Jack, your analogies are about as accurate as your NASCAR predictions.
First, the Titanic never raced at Phoenix, but thanks for that history lesson.
Second, Byron’s Hendrick Motorsports team has been dialed in, and starting up front is an advantage—unless, of course, you’re one of your guys and somehow manage to turn a top-10 start into a finish outside the top 20.”
Jack Maverick:
“Let me guess, you’re gonna tell me that Chase Elliott is a lock?
The guy is a legend, sure, but he’s had his struggles lately.
And Kyle Larson? Fast, yes, but too aggressive sometimes.
He’s like a guy trying to merge onto the highway at 100 mph—sometimes it works, sometimes it’s just a spectacular wreck.”
Gridiron Gracie:
“Jack, I’d say you’re exaggerating, but then again, that’s kind of your thing.
Elliott is due for a strong run, and Larson doesn’t ‘sometimes’ work—it always works when he’s in the right setup.
Meanwhile, your Ross Chastain pick? Yeah, he’ll be fast, but if he decides to pull another video game move against the wall, NASCAR might just literally throw him out of the race.”
Jack Maverick:
“Pfft, at least I take risks, unlike your ‘safe and steady’ lineup.
You know what, Gracie?
Let’s settle this the old-fashioned way—whoever gets the most correct top-five finishers owes the other a victory lap around The Informer.Digital Lounge, full NASCAR-style, complete with an invisible checkered flag.”
Gridiron Gracie:
“Deal. But don’t be surprised when I’m sipping victory champagne while you’re making engine noises and pushing an imaginary car around the coffee table.
My picks are about winning races. Yours? Well, they’re about as reliable as a worn-out set of Goodyears after 500 laps.”
Jack Maverick:
“Talk all you want, Gracie, but when Logano and Chastain are fighting for the win, I’ll be the one waving the checkered flag.
Buckle up—it’s gonna be a wild ride!”
Gridiron Gracie:
“Yeah, yeah, Jack. Just don’t crash your fantasy race car before the real NASCAR drivers do their thing on Sunday. See you at the finish line.”
Final Picks Recap:
✅ Gridiron Gracie’s Top 5 NASCAR Finishers:
William Byron
Joey Logano
Chase Elliott
Kyle Larson
Denny Hamlin
✅ Jack Maverick’s Top 5 NASCAR Finishers:
Joey Logano
Kyle Busch
Ryan Blaney
Ross Chastain
Tyler Reddick
Who’s got the better picks? We’ll find out when the green flag drops at Phoenix!
