NASCAR betting fans: We’re back with another fantastic race this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, as 43 of the best drivers in the world look to make for great Lenox Industrial Tools 301 picks!

2011 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Odds, Picks & Info
2011 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Date: Sunday, July 17th, 2011
2011 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Green Flag Time: 1:16 ET
2011 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Location: New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH
2011 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Favorite: Jimmie Johnson (+575)
Defending Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Champion: Jimmie Johnson
2011 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 TV Coverage – Network: TNT

When you look back at the history of most of the races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, you see a lot of the best drivers in the sport, and you see a ton of chalk that is holding up in these outings. That’s why the man of the hour on Sunday afternoon for your NASCAR picks is clearly going to be Jimmie Johnson (Current Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Odds: 5.75 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). Johnson is not just the defending champion of this event, but he also won it in 2003 before he busted onto the scene as a five time Sprint Cup champ. This is the time of year that the No. 48 Chevy usually kicks it into high gear, and we tend to believe that last week’s strong run at Kentucky Speedway at the Quaker State 400 is going to be just the bump that Johnson needs to really become the prime contender once again on the odds to win the Sprint Cup.

List Of Past Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Champions (Since 2000)
2010 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Jimmie Johnson
2009 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Joey Logano
2008 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Kurt Busch
2007 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Denny Hamlin
2006 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Kyle Busch
2005 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Tony Stewart
2004 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Kurt Busch
2003 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Jimmie Johnson
2002 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Ward Burton
2001 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Dale Jarrett
2000 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Winner: Tony Stewart

Things have been awfully disappointing for Denny Hamlin (Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Lines: 6 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) of late. He hasn’t had a Top 10 finish in three straight races, and he hasn’t had a good run on a non-road race since the STP 400 at the outset of June. Still, Hamlin knows what it takes to win here at New Hampshire, having done so in 2007, and he has always run well around this circuit and on the short tracks. In his career, Hamlin has 10 starts in Loudon, accounting for seven Top 10 finishes. He’s got that one win under his belt, and he has an average finishing position of 7.6. With the rest of the Chase for the Championship contenders sneaking up on him, the man in 10th position in the Sprint Cup standings needs a big time boost, and this might be just what the doctor ordered.

Continuing with the theory of the chalk, our third Lenox Industrial Tools 301 pick is going to be on Kyle Busch (Odds to Win the Lenox Industrial Tools 301: 8.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). If you had the two Busch brothers on a duel ticket, you’d have three wins in this race just since 2004. Brother Kurt has already visited Victory Lane in this race twice, but this seems to be the time that Kyle might be able to steal glory. Both of these drivers have been red hot and both would make for great Lenox Industrial Tools 301 predictions, but we’re sticking with the man driving the Toyota to carry us to Victory Lane.

Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/13/11):
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Jimmie Johnson 5.75 to 1
Denny Hamlin 6 to 1
Kevin Harvick 8.50 to 1
Jeff Gordon 8.50 to 1
Kyle Busch 11 to 1
Carl Edwards 11.50 to 1
Tony Stewart 12.50 to 1
Matt Kenseth 20 to 1
Clint Bowyer 20 to 1
Greg Biffle 22 to 1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 22 to 1
Jeff Burton 33 to 1
Ryan Newman 43 to 1
Kasey Kahne 43 to 1
Mark Martin 43 to 1
David Reutimann 43 to 1
Martin Truex Jr. 43 to 1
Jamie McMurray 50 to 1
Joey Logano 50 to 1
Brad Keselowski 50 to 1
Juan Pablo Montoya 50 to 1
David Ragan 55 to 1

Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Odds @ JustBet Sportsbook (as of 7/13/11):
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Denny Hamlin 5.50 to 1
Jimmie Johnson 5.50 to 1
Kevin Harvick 8 to 1
Jeff Gordon 8 to 1
Kyle Busch 8 to 1
Kurt Busch 10 to 1
Carl Edwards 11 to 1
Tony Stewart 11 to 1
Matt Kenseth 18 to 1
Clint Bowyer 18 to 1
Greg Biffle 20 to 1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 20 to 1
Jeff Burton 30 to 1
Ryan Newman 40 to 1
Kasey Kahne 40 to 1
Mark Martin 40 to 1
David Reutimann 40 to 1
Martin Truex Jr. 40 to 1
Jamie McMurray 45 to 1
Joey Logano 45 to 1
Brad Keselowski 45 to 1
Juan Pablo Montoya 45 to 1
David Ragan 50 to 1
Field 25 to 1

NASCAR betting fans: We’re back with another fantastic race this weekend at Kentucky Speedway, as 43 of the best drivers in the world look to make for great Quaker State 400 picks!

2011 Quaker State 400 Odds, Picks & Info
2011 Quaker State 400 Date: Saturday, July 9th, 2011
2011 Quaker State 400 Green Flag Time: 7:46 ET
2011 Quaker State 400 Location: Kentucky Speedway, Sparta, KY
2011 Quaker State 400 Favorite: Carl Edwards (+800)
Defending Quaker State 400 Champion: First Race
2011 Quaker State 400 TV Coverage – Network: TNT

Expert NASCAR handicappers everywhere are going to have a tough time getting their Quaker State 400 picks right this weekend because there is just no history to go off of at this track. This is the first ever Sprint Cup race in Sparta, and though the 1.5 mile tri-oval does look a heck of a lot like a ton of other tracks on the NASCAR circuit, every track has its quirks, and this one will be no exception. That being said, there have been Nationwide Series races here, and the last three winners of the Save the Children 300 that have been run at Kentucky Speedway have all been Joey Logano (Current Quaker State 400 Odds: 30 to 1 at JustBet Sportsbook). Whether this truly gives the youngster that much of a leg up in this race or not is still to be determined, especially since it is so difficult to like a driver that probably isn’t even going to make the Chase for the Championship this year. Still, Logano has shown some spunk in his career, and he definitely is on the hot seat in that No. 20 Home Depot car, so he really would love to be able to perform at Sparta to help keep his ride intact for next season.

Of course, we all have to keep a really close eye on the points leader, Carl Edwards (Quaker State 400 Lines: 8 to 1 at JustBet Sportsbook). We know that the No. 99 has really become a threat this year, and in relatively unfamiliar territory, we do think for a change that he is ready to jump out of his shell and pick up another win even though it has been quite some time since he has been to Victory Lane (the NASCAR Sprint Cup All Star Race notwithstanding). Edwards is consistently at the front of the field though, and we know that his time will come once again to claim glory en route to what could be his first Sprint Cup title.

One driver that has done a ton of testing here at Sparta is Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Odds to Win the Quaker State 400: 17 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). We continue to ask when the day will come when Little E will make it back to Victory Lane after a three year absence, but there is definitely a more pressing question involving him right now. Earnhardt has dropped to No. 7 in the Sprint Cup standings right now, and though he does have a healthy 61 point cushion on the safety zone, we know that any given race can change everything. Earnhardt Jr. definitely cannot afford a terrible run here on Saturday night, and with all of the testing that his No. 88 team has done at this track over the years, he could be at a definite advantage going forward in this race.

Quaker State 400 Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 7/7/11):
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Carl Edwards 6 to 1
Jimmie Johnson 8.50 to 1
Kyle Busch 8.50 to 1
Kurt Busch 10 to 1
Matt Kenseth 10 to 1
Greg Biffle 10 to 1
Denny Hamlin 11 to 1
Kevin Harvick 11 to 1
Tony Stewart 13 to 1
Jeff Gordon 13 to 1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 17 to 1
Clint Bowyer 22 to 1
Kasey Kahne 22 to 1
Joey Logano 28 to 1
Ryan Newman 33 to 1
Juan Pablo Montoya 33 to 1
Jeff Burton 33 to 1
Mark Martin 33 to 1
David Ragan 45 to 1
Martin Truex Jr. 45 to 1
David Reutimann 45 to 1
Jamie McMurray 45 to 1
Brian Vickers 45 to 1

Quaker State 400 Odds @ JustBet Sportsbook (as of 7/7/11):
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Carl Edwards 8 to 1
Jimmie Johnson 8 to 1
Kyle Busch 8 to 1
Kurt Busch 9 to 1
Denny Hamlin 10 to 1
Kevin Harvick 10 to 1
Tony Stewart 12 to 1
Jeff Gordon 12 to 1
Matt Kenseth 12 to 1
Greg Biffle 12 to 1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 15 to 1
Clint Bowyer 20 to 1
Kasey Kahne 20 to 1
Joey Logano 30 to 1
Ryan Newman 30 to 1
Juan Pablo Montoya 30 to 1
Jeff Burton 30 to 1
Mark Martin 30 to 1
David Ragan 40 to 1
Martin Truex Jr. 40 to 1
David Reutimann 40 to 1
Jamie McMurray 40 to 1
Brian Vickers 40 to 1
Field 20 to 1

NASCAR betting fans: We’re back with another fantastic race this weekend at infamous Poconos Raceway, as 43 of the best drivers in the world look to make for great 5-Hour Energy 500 picks!

2011 5-Hour Energy 500 Odds, Picks & Info
2011 5-Hour Energy 500 Date: Sunday, June 12th, 2011
2011 5-Hour Energy 500 Green Flag Time: 1:18 ET
2011 5-Hour Energy 500 Location: Poconos Speedway, Long Pond, PA
2011 5-Hour Energy 500 Favorite: Denny Hamlin (+450)
Defending 5-Hour Energy 500 Champion: Denny Hamlin
2011 5-Hour Energy 500 TV Coverage – Network: TNT

Normally, when it looks like a fish and it smells like a fish, it’s probably pretty darn fishy. On one glance, it doesn’t seem like there is any way in which Denny Hamlin (Current 5-Hour Energy 500 Odds: 4.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) should be the favorite of this race. After all, he ranks just No. 11 in the Sprint Cup standings coming into this week, and he only has two Top 5 finishes all season long. However, we need to dig a little bit deeper. The “Tricky Triangle” always provides us with some great moments in NASCAR betting action, as there are generally very few cautions and the racing is wide open. For whatever reason, Hamlin has really excelled in this type of race. He won this race last year, and he has four wins in his 10 races here in the Poconos… not to mention seven Top 5s and nine Top 10s. Needless to say, it would be quite shocking if Hamlin didn’t end up at least competing for the duration of this race.

Many expert NASCAR handicappers are forecasting a good day for Tony Stewart (5-Hour Energy 500 Lines: 9.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) as well. Stewart only has one Top 5 finish this year as well (not including the Sprint Cup All Star Race), but he too, has a great history here on the “Tricky Triangle.” Stewart has a win here in 2009, and it was his first as a driver/owner. Dating back to his days in the No. 20 Home Depot Pontiac, Stewart has finished in the Top 10 nine times in his last 10 races. Needless to say, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in this one.

Carl Edwards (Odds to Win the 5-Hour Energy 500: 6.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) is always a threat to win these types of races, as the fewer cautions and fewer accidents there are in the race, the more dangerous that the No. 99 Ford is. Of course we know that the man that is just behind him in the points race, Jimmie Johnson (Current 5-Hour Energy 500 Odds: 7.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) will be a threat as well, and both of these drivers are, as always, ones that you are going to want to keep an eye on.

5-Hour Energy 500 Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 6/9/11):
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Denny Hamlin 4.50 to 1
Jimmie Johnson 6.50 to 1
Carl Edwards 7.50 to 1
Kyle Busch 9.50 to 1
Tony Stewart 9.50 to 1
Kevin Harvick 11.50 to 1
Matt Kenseth 12.50 to 1
Jeff Gordon 13.50 to 1
Greg Biffle 14.75 to 1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 14.75 to 1
Kurt Busch 25 to 1
Clint Bowyer 28 to 1
Jeff Burton 33 to 1
Kasey Kahne 33 to 1
Juan Pablo Montoya 40 to 1
Joey Logano 42 to 1
Mark Martin 42 to 1
Ryan Newman 42 to 1
Brian Vickers 42 to 1
Martin Truex Jr. 42 to 1
Jamie McMurray 42 to 1
David Reutimann 55 to 1

2011 5-Hour Energy 500 Odds @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook (as of 6/9/11):
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Denny Hamlin 4 to 1
Jimmie Johnson 5 to 1
Carl Edwards 7 to 1
Kyle Busch 10 to 1
Tony Stewart 10 to 1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 12 to 1
Jeff Gordon 12 to 1
Kevin Harvick 12 to 1
Matt Kenseth 15 to 1
Greg Biffle 15 to 1
Clint Bowyer 25 to 1
Kurt Busch 25 to 1
Kasey Kahne 30 to 1
Brian Vickers 40 to 1
Ryan Newman 40 to 1
Jamie McMurray 40 to 1
Jeff Burton 40 to 1
Joey Logano 40 to 1
Mark Martin 40 to 1
Juan Pablo Montoya 40 to 1
David Ragan 40 to 1
Martin Truex Jr. 40 to 1
Brad Keselowski 50 to 1
Marcus Ambrose 50 to 1
David Reutimann 50 to 1
AJ Allmendinger 60 to 1
Paul Menard 75 to 1
Regan Smith 100 to 1
Bobby Labonte 500 to 1
Field (Any Other Driver) 200 to 1

NASCAR betting fans: We’re back with another fantastic race this weekend at infamous Charlotte Motor Speedway, as 43 of the best drivers in the world look to make for great STP 400 picks!

2011 STP 400 Odds, Picks & Info
2011 STP 400 Date: Sunday, June 5th, 2011
2011 STP 400 Green Flag Time: 1:15 ET
2011 STP 400 Location: Kansas Speedway ,Kansas City, KS
2011 STP 400 Favorite: Carl Edwards & Jimmie Johnson (+550)
Defending STP 400 Champion: Inaugural Race
2011 STP 400 TV Coverage – Network: Fox

Kansas Speedway hasn’t been open for all that many years, but there are definitely some trends that we can fall back upon when looking at the STP 400 odds even though this is the first June race on the calendar at this racetrack. The man that won the most recent race here in the Sunflower State is Greg Biffle (Current STP 400 Odds: 8.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). Biffle not only won the lone race in Kansas last year, but he is also one of the three men that have ever won here more than once. For whatever reason, Biffle just seems to run well at this track, and he is definitely not one to overlook come Sunday’s big time race.

If there is a Toyota driver that is going to become the first to ever take the checkered flag on this racetrack in this one, it is Kyle Busch (STP 400 Lines: 8.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook). Granted, we know that Busch really had a tough run last week at the Coca-Cola 600, and all things considered, he really did have a terrible two weeks at Charlotte Motor Speedway if you want to count in the NASCAR Sprint All Star Race. Still, Busch is clearly the top Toyota driver in the field, and he is awfully close to locking up a spot in NASCAR’s edition of the playoffs this year as well. Busch has some great odds, and he very well could be the one to pave the way to Victory Lane in the inaugural STP 400.

Carl Edwards (Odds to Win the STP 400: 5.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) really didn’t have a great week at Charlotte last week, but at least he did leave Tobacco Road with a cool million bucks under his belt for his run at the All Star Race two weeks ago. The driver of the No. 99 Chevy knows that he has himself one heck of a lead in the Sprint Cup standings, and in all likelihood, no one is going to catch him in the regular season. Still, we know that the whole world is trying to get back on top, and there are a number of the elite drivers in this world, just like Edwards, who have never ultimately won titles in spite of the fact that they have had great careers. Edwards won’t want to take any chances going into the Chase for the Sprint Cup of not having that de facto “pole position” for the postseason.

The co-favorite with Edwards is seemingly a favorite each and every week. Jimmie Johnson (Current STP 400 Odds: 5.50 to 1 at 5Dimes Sportsbook) could once again be a factor in this one. However, there are definitely some issues to consider. He does have a win here at Kansas Speedway, unlike Edwards, but aside from that, he really hasn’t run all that well here. Johnson is also clearly going to be gunned at for the rest of the season, as everyone tries to get a leg up on him going into the Chase. This might not be the best time to invest in the No. 48 Chevy, especially now that he has dropped down to the third position in the Sprint Cup standings coming into this week’s race.

STP 400 Odds @ 5Dimes Sportsbook (as of 6/2/11):
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Carl Edwards 5.50 to 1
Jimmie Johnson 5.50 to 1
Kyle Busch 8.50 to 1
Matt Kenseth 8.50 to 1
Greg Biffle 8.50 to 1
Denny Hamlin 11 to 1
Kevin Harvick 11 to 1
Tony Stewart 13 to 1
Jeff Gordon 14.50 to 1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 20.50 to 1
Clint Bowyer 22 to 1
Kasey Kahne 22 to 1
Kurt Busch 28 to 1
Jeff Burton 28 to 1
Joey Logano 28 to 1
Mark Martin 38 to 1
David Ragan 38 to 1
Juan Pablo Montoya 40 to 1
Marcos Ambrose 55 to 1
Jamie McMurray 55 to 1
Martin Truex 55 to 1
Brian Vickers 55 to 1
David Reutimann 66 to 1
AJ Allmendinger 66 to 1

2011 STP 400 Odds @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook (as of 6/2/11):
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Carl Edwards 4.50 to 1
Jimmie Johnson 3 to 1
Greg Biffle 8 to 1
Kyle Busch 8 to 1
Denny Hamlin 10 to 1
Tony Stewart 10 to 1
Kevin Harvick 10 to 1
Jeff Gordon 12 to 1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 20 to 1
Clint Bowyer 20 to 1
Kasey Kahne 25 to 1
Jeff Burton 30 to 1
Joey Logano 30 to 1
Kurt Busch 30 to 1
Mark Martin 30 to 1
Ryan Newman 40 to 1
Jamie McMurray 40 to 1
Juan Pablo Montoya 40 to 1
David Ragan 40 to 1
David Reutimann 50 to 1
Martin Truex Jr. 50 to 1
Marcos Ambrose 50 to 1
Brian Vickers 50 to 1
AJ Allmendinger 50 to 1
Paul Menard 75 to 1
Regan Smith 100 to 1
Brad Keselowski 100 to 1
Bobby Labonte 100 to 1
Field (Any Other Driver) 100 to 1

NASCAR betting fans: We’re back with another fantastic race this weekend at infamous Talladega Motor Speedway, as 43 of the best drivers in the world look to make for great Aaron’s 499 picks!

The fastest race in the history of NASCAR was run on this track in 1997, as the average speed of the Talladega 500 was a whopping 188.354 MPH. Since then, restrictor plates have been put into the fold, and if the running at the Daytona 500 was any indicator, this should be an absolutely fantastic race.

Chevrolets have really dominated here on the high banks of Alabama, as those drivers have won every race but one here since 1999. In fact, a Ford hasn’t won a race here since 1997, and there isn’t an active Ford driver that has won a race here aside from Mark Martin. That being said, we tend to believe that Chevy’s will continue to dominate. Last year’s winner, Kevin Harvick (Current Aaron’s 499 Odds: 7 to 1 at Hollywood Sportsbook) is the relatively hefty favorite to win this event. He has been absolutely fantastic all season long, finishing in the Top 10 five times, including posting two wins at the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 and the Auto Club 400.

However, we know that it is only a matter of time until Jimmie Johnson (Aaron’s 499 Lines: 15.50 to 1 at Hollywood Sportsbook) really kicks it into gear and becomes a tremendous contender again. Now, it’s true that Johnson hasn’t finished worse than 16th in a race since the Daytona 500, and he does have three Top 3 finishes since the first race of the season, but he has yet to take a checkered flag. Johnson knows that he should really do well in this race, having won it in 2006, the first year in which he won a Sprint Cup Championship.

In fact, Johnson and his teammate, Jeff Gordon (Odds to Win the Aaron’s 499: 15.50 to 1 at Hollywood Sportsbook) combined to win four straight Talladega 500s from 2004 to 2007. Gordon has already taken care of his winless streak, winning at the Subway Fresh Fit 500, but since that point, he really hasn’t done all that well. The Rainbow Warrior knows that he can turn it on at any moment though, and that fifth place finish at the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 might be just what he needs to start to turn the corner again. Qualifying well would help, and he hasn’t started in the Top 20 since March 20th.

One man really hasn’t snapped his horrendous losing streak at this point, and that is Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Current Aaron’s 499 Odds: 11.50 to 1 at Hollywood Sportsbook). Both Little E and his daddy have a great history here on the high banks of Talladega Motor Speedway. Earnhardt Sr. won this race in 1990, 1994, and 1999, and Earnhardt Jr. took down the title in 2002 and 2003 in back to back seasons, making him one of the few back to back champs of this race. Don’t be surprised if Little E has something up his sleeve for his losing streak that dates back to 2008.

Aaron’s 499 Odds @ Hollywood Sportsbook (as of 4/12/11):
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Kevin Harvick 7 to 1
Tony Stewart 10.50 to 1
Kyle Busch 10.50 to 1
Kurt Busch 11.50 to 1
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 11.50 to 1
Carl Edwards 15.50 to 1
Jamie McMurray 15.50 to 1
Clint Bowyer 15.50 to 1
Jimmie Johnson 15.50 to 1
Jeff Gordon 15.50 to 1
Denny Hamlin 15.50 to 1
Jeff Burton 22 to 1
Juan Pablo Montoya 27 to 1
Matt Kenseth 27 to 1
Greg Biffle 28 to 1
Brian Vickers 33 to 1
Ryan Newman 33 to 1
David Ragan 33 to 1
Kasey Kahne 33 to 1
Joey Logano 33 to 1
Mark Martin 37.50 to 1
Trevor Bayne 43 to 1
Martin Truex Jr. 43 to 1
Brad Keselowski 43 to 1
David Reutimann 43 to 1
Paul Menard 43 to 1

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NASCAR’s version of the playoffs will kickoff this weekend from Loudon Speedway for the 2009 Chase for the Sprint Cup. Last week in Richmond it was the final chance for drivers to earn their spot among the top 12 drivers in the standings. Those 12 drivers will now be the lone contenders battling for the 2009 Championship. Brian Vickers raced his way into the Chase last weekend edging out Kyle Busch by just 8 points. It may be an even bigger surprise to see the younger Busch not in the Chase since many consider the young driver one of the most talented if not the most talented driver in NASCAR. Busch will now take a back seat ride for his hopes of winning his first championship for at least another year.

The focus now turns back to the 12 drivers who will be putting it all on the line for their chance at glory. Hendrick Motorsports houses 3 contenders in the Chase this season which is not any surprise considering they have dominated over the past few years. Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon share 7 championships between each other which is more than any other duo in the sport. These two guys will be big favorites to add another piece of hardware over the next 10 races; especially Jimmie Johnson who is only the 2nd driver in history to win 3 straight championships. The other driver is Mark Martin who came out of retirement for a chance to driver the #5 car for the Hendrick owned team. What a story it would make if Martin could pull of his first championship after 21 years of racing and uncountable accomplishments. With Hendrick Motorsports unprecedented success over the last few years, there is no reason not to assume these 3 drivers will not be big favorites to win the 2009 Sprint Cup Title.

However, there will be many more drivers led by the likes of Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, Carl Edwards, and more who will be extremely hungry for a shot at NASCAR immortality. Stewart has led the points for the majority of the season in his first year as owner of Stewart-Haas racing. The success was not expected to come so soon for Stewart after departing from Joe Gibbs Racing last season. However, Stewart has been successful behind the wheel in every car/division throughout his career and is a former 2-time Cup Champion. If anyone has any chance of breaking up the Hendrick show, it could come from Tony Stewart and the #14 team. Stewart also fields another car in the field by teammate Ryan Newman. Newman had a solid year behind the wheel with 12 top 10 finishes in his first season with Stewart-Haas and that should indicate how well their cars have run this season. If you still not sold on betting on Stewart-Haas racing, they are powered by Hendrick Motorsports equipment which should speak for itself.

Breaking away from everything Hendrick Motorsports related, drivers like Denny Hamlin and Carl Edwards have to be on the radar for championship talks. Hamlin especially has been one of the hottest drivers in the sport over the past few weeks. The driver of the #11 FedEx won at Pocono over a month ago and also scored a victory last week at Richmond. The #11 team seem to be peaking at the perfect time and could be the perfect candidate to steal the spotlight. Kurt Busch and Carl Edwards are also both legitimate threats. Edwards won more races than anyone in 2008 (9). However, Edwards has yet to get his first victory of the season and is driving with a fractured foot. The foot should not be an issue considering Edwards has won on the Nationwide Series, but the #99 team’s ability to get back to the front may be as issue. Kurt Busch has been very strong this year as well. The elder Busch has not had much success since his 2004 Championship. However, Penske Racing has made a big turn around and the driver of the #2 car could be a big threat if they continue to gain on the competition.

Teammates Kasey Kahne and Juan Pablo Montoya are two drivers who have really come on strong towards the end of the year. Montoya is a former open wheel star who has had his best year of his career making his first Chase. Kahne and Montoya will both be seeking their first championship opportunity. Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing has made big strides in getting back to a competitive standing in the sport and Montoya has surprised many with how well he has run over the past two months. Also, Greg Biffle is the last unmentioned driver in the Chase. Biffle has had a quiet season for Rousch Racing who has struggled to say the least. However, Biffle exploded at this time last year winning the first two races of the Chase and if not for troubles in the last few races could have pulled a huge upset in terms of the 2008 Title. Biffle will look to make those kinds of headlines early in this season’s Chase and contend for another shot at history. While all these drivers will be eager to prove they have what it takes to be called Sprint Cup Champion, we take a look at the odds for the 2009 Championship. Check out all drivers odds at the bottom of the page, and we provide our top 5 drivers to win the 2009 Championship.

Picks –

#1. Jimmie Johnson

How do you not bet on the 3 time reigning NASCAR Champion? Jimmie Johnson is the leading favorite to win this year’s title at +250 odds. Johnson always seems to shine in the last 10 races of the season despite how much success he has had early on. Johnson has 3 wins this season, but only one of those tracks will be revisited during the Chase (Dover). However, Johnson is able to put up strong finishes when others are not. The #48 bunch has not only possibly the best driver, but equally important the best team and crew chief. They are able to make changes to the car better than anyone throughout the race and salvage finishes better than anyone. If they avoid big mistakes like normal again this year, there is no reason not to say Jimmie Johnson can not rewrite history again with his 4th consecutive championship.

#2. Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart knows exactly what it takes to win the Sprint Cup playoff format as he conquered the feat in 2005. Stewart has not been running as well in the last few weeks as he did midway through the season, but do not let that fool anyone. Stewart has more top 5 finishes than any other driver this season at 13 and has also scored 3 victories on the year as well. The #14 bunch is eager to prove they are not a rookie organization and with Stewart at the wheel they are primed for success. Remember, Stewart has captured wins on some of the biggest stages of the season including the All Star Race held at Lowes Motorspeedway earlier this year and capping off a championship would be the perfect end to the season.

#3. Mark Martin

Rest assured it is not any type of fluke that the 50 year old is in the Chase for the Championship. Martin has taken advantage of his opportunity to drive for the #5 car out of the Hendrick stable and has looked very impressive throughout the year. Martin has scored more wins than any other driver this season at 4 victories and will be the #1 seed in the points going into the first race. Martin has also been running very well over the last few weeks, but on the counter side he has really not run badly at all this season. Earlier this season there was a few runs of mechanical failure, but other than that the veteran driver has been superb. Martin will definitely be the sentimental favorite to win the Championship since it has eluded him his entire career and this may be one of the best opportunities he has ever had through his career to end the season on top.

#4. Denny Hamlin

As noted before, there has not been any other driver hotter than Denny Hamlin heading into the Chase. Hamlin has scored 2 wins in the last 6 races and during that stretch has an average finish of 5.3. The average finish is fairly staggering considering those tracks have been from road courses, short tracks, and super speedways. The simple fact is that the #11 guys are fast everywhere and momentum is a big thing in NASCAR. Hamlin is also very strong at the flat races tracks and could get off to a fast start this week at Loudon (New Hampshire). Only Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have more top 10 finishes this season than Hamlin and it has been nearly two months since the #11 car finished outside of the top 10. If that type of consistency continues, Hamlin will be very tough to beat.

#5. Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon has had the season he needed to get the #24 Dupont program headed in the back direction. Gordon is still not putting up the wins like the team feels they should be grabbing, but there is no other driver that has run up front more than the #24 this season. Gordon got the season of strong with a victory at Texas, but has failed to reach victory lane since. However, Gordon has posted 12 top 5 finishes this season which is 2nd most of all drivers behind Jimmie Johnson. Not only does the entire team seem to be getting back to premier form, but Gordon has run very well in the last few weeks. There are some concerns of how the 4-time Champions back troubles will hold up as the season progresses, but you must consider Gordon in the championship talk considering how well they have run.

Complete NASCAR odds to win the 2009 Sprint Cup From BetUS (as of 9/17/09)
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• Brian Vickers +2000
• Carl Edwards +1000
• Denny Hamlin +800
• Greg Biffle +2500
• Jeff Gordon +400
• Jimmie Johnson +250
• Juan Pablo Montoya +2000
• Kasey Kahne +2000
• Kurt Busch +2000
• Mark Martin +300
• Ryan Newman +3000
• Tony Stewart +300

Complete NASCAR odds to win the 2009 Sprint Cup From Sportsbook.com (as of 9/19/09)
(Click Here & Mention Bankroll Sports For a 50% Bonus + $25 Free Bet @ Sportsbook.com)

• Brian Vickers  +3000
• Carl Edwards  +1000    
• Denny Hamlin  +800    
• Greg Biffle  +2500    
• Jeff Gordon  +400    
• Jimmie Johnson  +250    
• Juan Pablo Montoya  +3000    
• Kasey Kahne  +2500    
• Kurt Busch  +2500    
• Mark Martin  +300    
• Ryan Newman  +3000    
• Tony Stewart  +300

The 51st running of the Daytona 500 will occur this Sunday afternoon live from the famed Daytona International Speedway. The ultimate racing spectacle will be seen by millions around the world as it is the biggest racing event of our time. Daytona is a famed 2.5 mile track with restrictor plate racing that keeps the cars in close tight packs at speeds nearing 200mph giving fans that most exciting racing imaginable. Last week, the Budweiser Shootout kicked off the week and 2007 Daytona 500 winner Kevin Harvick made a last lap pass to win his first Bud Shootout. Harvick has always performed rather well at Daytona even though he is not known as a restrictor plate racer. Harvick will lead a cast of veteran drivers fighting for the biggest trophy in motorsports this Sunday.

There are so many factors that determine crowning a winner at the high banks of Daytona. You need a car that of course has a lot of horsepower, it needs to handle well, and stay out of trouble in the race. However, even the best of cars can go from the lead to the tail of the pack in a split second if they lose the draft. Drivers can not lose focus at anytime as they try and position themselves for a chance to be there at the end. If they are there at the end then they still need the right drafting help and a little bit of luck to score a victory. It truly is one of the most exciting events in sports. Last year’s Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman left the #12 Alltel Penkse Dodge last season, and will driver for Stewart-Haas racing this year in the #39 US Army Chevrolet. Although, Newman victory last year was a big surprise he has had a strong car this week in speedweeks. However, Newman was wrecked in the Gatorade 125 qualifying races on Thursday and will start in a backup car come Sunday afternoon.

Tony Stewart left Joe Gibbs Racing last season to take control of what is now Stewart-Haas racing driving the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice machine. Stewart has always run well at the restrictor plate tracks Daytona and Talladega. The driver of the #14 machine has been strong all week in his own ride including a 2nd place finish in the duel races on Thursday. Stewart will be one of the leading favorites to win this Sunday and score his first ever Daytona 500 victory. Kyle Busch had a dominating season last year winning 8 races and started off 2009 strong with a victory in the Gatorade 125 on Thursday. Busch won the Pepsi 400 at Daytona in July last season and he has won nearly ever track on the tour. Winning the Daytona 500 would be fitting for the young talent considering his success over the last year or so of racing. Busch is the overall favorite heading into this Sunday.

One thing is certain heading into the Daytona 500 and that is that all of the Hendrick Racing cars should be very strong. Mark Martin at 50 years of age and his first year with Hendrick qualified on the outside pole while appearing to have the fastest car on Thursday. Martin lost the 2007 Daytona 500 by near inches to Kevin Harvick and would love nothing more than to win the race that has eluded him through his career. Martin has an amazing 4 runner-up finishes in the event and he should have a good chance to finally get the win this weekend. Teammates Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt Jr all having considerable chances to win as well this Sunday. Jeff Gordon won the other Gatorade 125 on Thursday and will go after his 4th Daytona 500 victory to add to his remarkable career. Jimmie Johnson is the defending back to back to back Champion in the Spring Cup Series only the 2nd driver to ever accomplish the feat. Johnson has also run well all week and the 2006 Daytona 500 could be a force on Sunday. Finally, the #88 car driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr will be certainly watched by many. Earnhardt is always a favorite at the restrictor plate tracks considering his overwhelming talent and understanding of the draft. Earnhardt won the Budweiser Shootout and Gatorade 125 last season, but has had trouble through the week including a wreck in the Shootout and tire problems in the duel race that has not allowed him to get a quality finish. However, Earnhardt is without much doubt probably the best driver at the big super speedways and will attempt to make some noise in attempt to capture his 2nd Daytona 500 victory.

Other drivers to watch out for in the field include the young 18 year old Joey Logano. Logano may have flown under the radar through speedweeks after a disappointing performance in the Bud Shootout. However, the young talent opened some eyes in the 1st duel race on Thursday with a 3rd place finish behind Tony Stewart. Logano is already the youngest driver to start a race at Daytona and he definitely has the talent to pull off what would be one of the most surprising of victories due to his age and inexperience to win the Great American Race. Carl Edwards led the Sprint Cup Series last season with 9 wins, but has failed to consistently run up front this week. Edwards drew a lot of scrutiny after taking out nearly an entire field last year at Talladega and I believe it is safe to say that restrictor plate racing is not his best quality, but do not misunderstand Edwards has all the ability in the world to get up front and challenge for the win. However, considering the way he has looked thus far in the week I would not have him in the fantasy lineups this week.

There are a few more young guys to take a look at heading into the big event this weekend. While some of these drivers may not be individuals with great shots of winning, they are still some that could surprise a lot of people on Sunday. Among these dark horses is A.J Allmendinger, who had to race his way into the event on Thursday. Allmendinger was not even sure he would have a chance at making the Daytona 500, but the driver of the #44 car has looked rather impressive this week. Despite not having much success on the Cup side, Allmendinger has a load of talent that is in dire need to be unraveled. Jamie McMurrary topped the speed charts in final practice #26 Crown Royal Ford is another car that could emerge as a front runner this weekend. Drivers like Brian Vickers, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Kasey Kahne are also other drivers that deserve to keep an eye on this Sunday as well.

Picking racing drivers may be a difficult task to come by, but if you looking at placing a bet or picking a fantasy lineup then let me give a few choices for Sunday. I really like Mark Martin in the event to run strong. The savvy veteran has a knack for staying out of trouble and you can get him for good odds in fantasy lineups and well as good odds to win the event in the sports books. Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Kyle Busch would also equally be thrown in there as the biggest favorites to win the Daytona 500 this weekend. Many believe Stewart does not have the equipment to stay up front, but I really beg to differ considering his amazing talent at these size tracks. One final name to throw into the list as a dark horse include the #83 Toyota Red Bull Racing car driven by Brian Vickers.

Also a large cast of Spring Cup drivers will also participate in the Nationwide Series race on Saturday at Daytona that should be interesting as well. Among some of the notable names that will participate include Dale Earnhardt Jr, Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Clint Bowyer, David Ragan, and more.

Daytona 500 Betting Odds From BetUS Sportsbook:
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Dale Earnhardt Jr: 6/1
Mark Martin: 10/1
Jimmie Johnson: 6/1
Kevin Harvick: 15/1
Denny Hamlin: 12/1
Kyle Busch: 5/1
Joey Logano: 40/1
Tony Stewart: 7/1
Jeff Gordon: 5/1
Carl Edwards: 10/1
Kasey Kahne: 35/1
Brian Vickers: 40/1