SPEED FREAKS

Q: Who’s your pick for Cup champ? Denny Hamlin back in the picture? GODSPEAK (Godwin Kelly): Again, he was a big glob of tape away from being the 2019 champion. They slapped so much tape on his car in the Championship Round, his car overheated. This is the Year of the Denny. KEN’S CALL (Ken Willis): I think Hamlin and (Kevin) Harvick are too obvious, though sometimes the obvious is the answer. Right now, Mr. Hunch leans toward Brad Keselowski. Get back to me in a week.

Q: Anyone outside the playoff cutline who will make it into the top 16? GODSPEAK: I have talked myself into a Jimmie Johnson comeback. “Seven Time” has seven races to find a way into postseason play. As Rob Schneider would say, “You can do it.” KEN’S CALL: Yes, but I don’t know who it is. My guess is, it’ll come at Daytona on Aug. 29, where the last few laps of the regular-season finale will be the craziest we’ve seen in a while. And by the way, that’s saying something.

Godwin’s picks for N.H.

Winner: Kevin Harvick

Rest of top 5: Martin Truex Jr., Erik Jones, Alex Bowman, Brad Keselowski First one out: Daniel Suarez

Dark horse: Aric Almirola

Don’t be surprised if: If Harvick answers the bell after Hamlin’s win at Kansas last weekend.

Ken Willis’ top 10 drivers

1. Denny Hamlin: His turn up top

2. Kevin Harvick: Won’t let Denny get comfortable

3. Brad Keselowski: Best of the rest

4. Aric Almirola: Locked back into top-10 runs

5. Kyle Busch: Three-time N.H. winner

6. Chase Elliott: 1 top-10 in 6 N.H. starts

7. Martin Truex Jr.: 0-for-26 in the Granite State

8. Kurt Busch: Middle name is Thomas

9. Ryan Blaney: 3 N.H. top-10s in row

10. Cole Custer: Wins coin flip, stays in top 10