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

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, and that means that racing fans are getting all revved up for one of the biggest races of the year! Indy 500 betting action is on the way, and here at Bankroll Sports, we’re starting our engines and getting you ready for the 94th Indianapolis 500!  In this article you will find all the 2010 Indy 500 Odds and other free Indy 500 picks along with a informative preview for the race. 

Where else could we possibly start than with defending champion and pole sitter Helio Castroneves (+250 at Brobury Sports)? Castroneves has won this event three times in his career (2001, 2002, and 2009), and he is the favored choice of the oddsmakers to pull off the feat for a fourth time. If he can pull off the feat, he will become the fourth person in the history of the race to have won it four times, joining AJ Foyt, Al Unser, and Rick Mears. Castroneves is also one of just three international drivers that can say that they have won this race more than once, joining fellow Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi and the Netherlands’ Arie Luyendyk. Castroneves can also become the first driver to ever win this even back-to-back on two separate occasions. Four other drives have ever pulled off the stunt aside from Castroneves (Wilbur Shaw, Mauri Rose, Bill Vukovich, and Al Unser). No one had accomplished this feat since 1970-1971 with Unser capturing back-to-back checkered flags at the Brickyard before Castroneves did it in 2001 and 2002.

The man that led the most laps last year was New Zealand’s Scott Dixon (+350 at Brobury Sports). The 2003 and 2008 Indy Car champion hasn’t had the greatest history in this race, as he has retired twice, and has three other finishes outside of the Top 5 in his career. He did win this race in 2008 and could become one of those non-American drives to win the running of the Indy 500 multiple times Dixon is coming off of a huge win at Kansas Motor Speedway for Chip Ganassi Racing, and he’d love nothing more than to bring the team a second consecutive win in the 500.

Keep a close eye on Ryan Briscoe (+400 at Brobury Sports) as well. In spite of the fact that Briscoe has qualified well at the Brickyard in his career (starting second in 2009, third in 2008, and seventh in 2007), he has only cracked the Top 5 once when the race was said and done, that coming in 2007. Team Penske has yet to field a winner in the biggest Indy Car race of the season. Briscoe led a few laps early on in the race last year, but a 15th place finish was considered a huge setback.

She may have some long odds to capture the checkered flag in this race, but Danica Patrick (+3000 at Brobury Sports) could really make some history if she can find a way to make it to Victory Lane for the second time in her career. Patrick finished third in this race a year ago. She was the fourth woman ever to get behind the wheel of a car in the Indy 500. Patrick hasn’t had a good run of it this year for Andretti Autosport Racing, as she only has one Top 10 finish and has largely criticized her team for the product that she is racing in on a weekly basis. Patrick enters this week in 16th place in the IRL standings with just 86 points.

Current 2010 Indianapolis 500 Odds @ Brobury Sportsbook (as of 5/26):
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Alex Tagliani +2000
Dan Wheldon +2500
Danica Patrick +3000
Dario Franchitti +400
Ed Carpenter +5000
Helio Castroneves +250
Hideki Mutoh +3000
Justin Wilson +10000
Marco Andretti +2000
Mike Conway +10000
Raphael Matos +5000
Ryan Briscoe +400
Ryan Hunter-Reay +3000
Scott Dixon +350
Takuma Sato +10000
Tony Kanaan +2500
Vitor Meira +4000
Will Power +600
Field +2500

The good ol’ boys of NASCAR take a week off from competitive races this weekend for their annual All-Star festivities at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday. The unpredictability of this weekend’s race on Tobacco Road could open up some fantastic opportunities for bettors to cash in with big prices, and here at Bankroll Sports, we’re analyzing the NASCAR betting lines to try to find some winners for the event!

This race dates back to 1985, and several past champions litter this field that will take the green flag at Charlotte on Saturday.

Last year’s champion, Tony Stewart (+1200 at BetUS Sportsbook) is struggling a tad in the standings in 14th place, two slots outside of the Chase for the Championship. He doesn’t have a fantastic history here at Charlotte Motor Speedway either, as he only has a win in last year’s All-Star Challenge to go with his 2003 triumph in the UAW-GM Quality 500 when he was with Joe Gibbs racing. Stewart became the first owner/driver to win this event since its inception, and he’ll look to become just the second man to ever win back-to-back All-Star races (Bobby Allison 1991-92).

The all-time winningest All-Star racer in this field is the Rainbow Warrior, Jeff Gordon (+500 at BetUS Sportsbook). He won this event in 1995, 1997, and 2001, but since that point, he hasn’t been able to capture the elusive million dollar prize. The #24 car has five top five finishes in 12 races this year and currently sits sixth in points, just 163 off of the pace. Hendrick Motor Sports has captured this crown six times, which is two more than Richard Childress Racing for the most by a team in NASCAR history.

Grabbing the points leader, Kevin Harvick (+1200 at BetUS Sportsbook) at this type of a price might be a steal for NASCAR betting fans. Harvick already has found his way to Victory Lane once this year, and his nine Top 10 finishes is easily the most in the business in the 2010 season. Harvick got Richard Childress Racing that aforementioned fourth victory in the All-Star Challenge in 2007.

The leaders on the season in wins are also going to be ones to watch for. It has been seven races since Jimmie Johnson (+450 at BetUS Sportsbook) has tasted victory, but he still has three wins, five Top 5s, and seven Top 10s on the season. Johnson’s first race ever actually came at this track, so it is a bit of a homecoming of sorts. He won this race in 2003 and 2006, but his success at Charlotte stretches well beyond All-Star races. Johnson won the 2009 NASCAR Banking 500, the ’05 UAW-GM Quality 500, the ’05 Coca-Cola 600, the ’04 UAW-GM Quality 500, the 2004 Coca-Cola 600, and the 2003 Coca-Cola 600 as well.

The other man with three wins this year is Denny Hamlin (+800 at BetUS Sportsbook). Hamlin has another thing going for him aside from just his in-car experience, as his pit crew won the Pit Crew Challenge on Wednesday night, changing four tires, filling the car up with gas, and pushing it 40 yards in 23.132 seconds. Hamlin has won three of the L/7 races on the NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit, and many feel as though he has a chance to not only take down this race, but to win the Chase for the Championship as well in the quest of final stopping Jimmie Johnson’s reign over the racing world.

2010 NASCAR All-Star Race Odds @ BetUS Sportsbook (as of 5/20/10):
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Bobby Labonte +8000
Brad Keselowski +3500
Dale Earnhardt Jr. +2000
David Reutimann +2500
Denny Hamlin +800
Jamie McMurray +2000
Jeff Gordon +500
Jimmie Johnson +450
Joey Logano +2500
Kasey Kahne +1200
Kevin Harvick +1200
Kurt Busch +1000
Kyle Busch +400
Mark Martin +1200
Matt Kenseth +1000
Ryan Newman +2000
Tony Stewart +1200
Field +500

Bet the Daytona 500 @ Oddsmaker and get a 100% Bonus; when using This Link!
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Complete List of 2010 Daytona 500 Odds Can Be Found At The Bottom of This Post

NASCAR will officially kick off the 2010 season with the 52^nd running of the Daytona 500 this Sunday afternoon from Daytona International Speedway. The Daytona 500, known as the Great American Race, is the epic race for the top drivers in NASCAR at possibly the most exciting speedway on earth. 51 year old Mark Martin surprised everyone in 2009 by winning 5 races after coming out of retirement to finish 2nd to Jimmie Johnson in the points standings. Martin is off to another great start after winning the pole for the Daytona 500 and he will lead the field to the green flag this Sunday. Teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr will be on the outside of Martin in the number 2 starting spot and will be trying to shake off a disastrous 2009 season. Earnhardt has always run really well at the restrictor plate races and NASCAR’s most popular driver is long overdue for another victory.

The starting positions for the rest of the 43 car field will be determined Thursday in the Gatorade 125 Duel races. The unique aspect of the Daytona 500 is only the front row is locked in on qualifying times. The rest of the cars are split into two groups based on those qualifying times and will run 125 miles to determine the starting positions this Sunday. While qualifying is not a major concern at the restrictor plate races due to the amount of ground a driver can make up easily in the draft, history tells us that a strong starting position goes along way in the Daytona 500. Nearly 90% of all Daytona 500 winners have come from the top 15 starting positions and nearly half of those winners have come from the top 5 starting positions. However, it is still a restrictor plate race and any driver can have a chance. Just ask Brad Keselowski who captured his first victory last year at Talladega, a track similar to Daytona based on the use of restrictor plates, in just his 5^th career start.

One of the big changes involving the Great American Race this year is the change in the size of the restrictor plates. Over the last two seasons, the racing at restrictor plate tracks Talladega and Daytona have suffered in competition. The restrictor plates were keeping the field bunched up and making it chess match to get out front using the draft. However, bigger restrictor plates used this year will not only increase horse power but also increase throttle response for the drivers. This change should put a little more control into the driver’s hands and I believe you will see the premier restrictor plates racers up front this Sunday. Therefore drivers like Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Jeff Gordon should be some of the top picks to win the Daytona 500. In fact, Tony Stewart is the leading favorite to win the Daytona 500 at +700 odds. Stewart has never won the Daytona 500 even though he has proven to be among the best restrictor plate drivers in NASCAR. Stewart did win the July Coke Zero 400 at Daytona last year and has 4 other super speedway wins during his career.

Kyle Busch has also been lights out at the super speedways entering the race as a +800 favorite. Busch and the #18 team do have a new crew chief on board with Dave Rogers. Busch possibly is the most talented driver in NASCAR outside of Jimmie Johnson, but I would not encourage betting on a new team in a race of this magnitude. Speaking of Johnson, he will be starting his run at a 5^th consecutive championship. Johnson already broke all NASCAR record for winning 4 straight championships, but he has not faired too strong in the Daytona 500 despite winning the event in 2006. Johnson will be receiving +1000 odds this Sunday. Outside of the previously mentioned drivers, I would love to touch on a number of other possible contenders this Sunday but that could be everybody. Instead, I have listed a couple of possible bets for you to consider for the Daytona 500 this Sunday that I have listed below.

Driver to win the Daytona 500

I really think this is the year for Tony Stewart to pull off the victory. Stewart has been all too close in recent years and he knows how to stay in front of the pack. Consider he has led each of the last 7 Daytona 500’s including leading the most laps in two of those events and it is easy to see why he is due for the ultimate win in racing. The only downside is that Stewart is listed as the favorite to win the event and it has been 6 years since the last favorite won the Daytona 500 (Dale Earnhardt Jr 2004). However, still with the new rule changes it will benefit the best restrictor plate racers. Dale Earnhardt Jr and Kyle Busch come to mind, but their teams have not been very strong especially compared to Stewart’s. I believe those factors will come together and crown Stewart the winner of the Daytona 500 this Sunday.

Pick – Tony Stewart (8 to 1 @ Oddsmaker)

Long shot to win the Daytona 500

 There are a couple drivers that deserve a lot of attention due to their lack of respect from the line makers. Kevin Harvick just won his 2^nd straight Budweiser Shootout last week not to mention he is a previous Daytona 500 Champion and is receiving very profitable +1500 odds. Another driver I think should deserve some attention is Jamie McMurray. McMurray took over the #1 Bass Pro Shops machine this year and looked very strong in the Shootout last week. Not to mention former Dale Earnhardt Inc cars have always run well at the super speedways even though they are now a merger making Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing. Still, McMurray should be a driver to consider at +2200 odds. However, the driver I like is an even bigger dark horse. Brian Vickers had a great season in 2009 making the Chase over Kyle Busch by just 19 points. Vickers first career victory come at Talladega, another super speedway, and he was another driver that stayed at the front during the Budweiser Shootout. Vickers ran up front at both Daytona and Talladega in 2009 scoring 2 top 10 victories despite some trouble in the Daytona 500. However, I believe he is a guy that is going to hang around the front this Sunday and if he hangs around long enough he just might drive into victory lane. Plus to put some icing on this long shot, consider incredible +3500 odds if that predictions happens to come true.

Pick – Brian Vickers (30 to 1 @ Oddsmaker)

Duel 1 Race Match-Up

Mark Martin vs. Jimmie Johnson

One thing that was apparent from the start of practice last Thursday is that Mark Martin had the fastest car in the field. He came out and topped the charts in his first two laps and did the same during his two lap qualifying run. His position may already be locked in, but that will not stop him from trying to win the Gatorade 125. Starting out front, Martin already has the advantage not to mention again the fastest car. Plus Jimmie Johnson did not appear all too comfortable with the handling on this #48 Lowes Chevrolet. Expect the old man to get the job done.

Pick – Mark Martin

Duel 2 Race Match-Up

 Kasey Kahne vs. Martin Truex Jr.

 Neither of these two drivers is expected to be dominating forces at Daytona this weekend, but both have the talent to contend. Kasey Kahne finished 2^nd at the Amp Energy 500 at Talladega last season after scoring a top 15 at the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona. Also, Richard Petty Motorsports has made some solid strides to getting back to a competitive level. However, Michael Waltrip Racing who owns the car that Martin Truex Jr will be driving has not shown that type of strength. In fact, all the MWR cars appeared a bit underpowered last week including Michael Waltrip who has always run well at Daytona considering he is the only driver to have 2 Daytona 500 victories in the last decade. I expect Truex and company to struggle in this event and Kahne to have another solid run.

Pick – Kahne

Current & Latest Odds To Win The Daytona 500 @ Oddsmaker Sportsbook:
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Kyle Busch +800
Denny Hamlin +1200
Jimmie Johnson +1000
Dale Earnhardt Jr +800
Juan Pablo Montoya +1500
Carl Edwards +1500
Ryan Newman +2500
Jamie McMurray +2500
Martin Truex Jr +3000
Brian Vickers +3000
Kasey Kahne +2500
Greg Biffle +4000
Marcos Ambrose +5000
AJ Allmendinger +5000
Casey Mears +6000
Bobby Labonte +6000
Scott Speed +10000
Tony Stewart +800
Jeff Gordon +1000
Mark Martin +800
Kurt Busch +1200
Kevin Harvick +1200
Matt Kenseth +2000
Clint Bowyer +3000
David Ragan +3000
Joey Logano +2500
Jeff Burton +3000
David Reutimann +4000
Brad Keselowski +3000
Sam Hornish Jr +5000
Michael Waltrip +5000
Elliott Sadler +6000
Paul Menard +10000
Field (Any Other Driver) +3000

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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)
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• 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

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The NASCAR version of the regular season is winding down as only 5 races remain before the 2009 Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship. A lot of well known faces find themselves on the border of the top 12 in the point’s standings who will qualify for NASCAR’s version of the playoffs. Names like Kyle Busch are on the outside looking in while drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya are sitting nicely inside the top 12. However, everything can change over the next few weeks of racing. We take a look at the hottest drivers in NASCAR and rank the best to bet on for the 2009 Sprint Cup Championship.

#1 Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson became only the 2nd person in NASCAR history last season to win 3 consecutive championships. Johnson could become the first person to win 4 straight this season and has looked very strong thus far this season. Johnson has won 3 races this season including a big victory at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis just two weeks ago. However, Johnson impressiveness comes with his consistency. Crew chief Chad Knaus is the best in the business and many wonder how good the #48 team would be without his presence. With Johnson at the wheel and Knaus calling the shots, the team will again be the favorite to win the championship. It is quite impressive to see any type of dominance as competitive as the sport is today. However, Johnson has proven that he is the best and will be chasing an historic 4th consecutive title.

Odds to Win Championship = +300

#2. Tony Stewart

Tony Stewart surprised most the racing world last year when he announced his departure from Joe Gibbs Racing where he had won 2 Championships. The decision to take over as owner of an unproven franchise raised even more questions. However, Stewart has flourished since taken over at Stewart-Haas Racing. The driver of the #14 Old Spice Chevrolet has captured wins on the biggest stages this season including making a big statement by capturing checkers at the All-Star Race in May. Stewart leads all drivers with 12 top 5 finishes on the season and also leads the points. Stewart is destined to make some noise in the race for the championship in his first season as owner giving a scary omen of what could come over the next few years.

Odds to Win Championship = +350

#3. Jeff Gordon

Jeff Gordon has really turned things around after struggling most of 2008. Gordon got off to a great start earlier this season earning 5 different top 5 finishes in his first 7 races. The driver of the #24 Dupont machine also led the points for a good portion of the early season before surrendering the lead to Tony Stewart. Gordon’s strong finishes tapered off during the beginning of the summer months. However, in the last few weeks Gordon has posted top 10 finishes in 7 of the last 8 races. Gordon dominated NASCAR in the late 90’s resulting in 4 championships even though he has not had equal success over the past few years. However, given notice to the way the savvy veteran has been running this season it makes the possibility for a 5th title more tangible.

Odds to Win Championship = +600

#4. Mark Martin

Mark Martin was a retired 50 year old at this time last year. However, when Martin was given the opportunity to drive the #5 Chevy for the best team in racing at Hendrick Motorsports the offer was too good to pass up. Martin entered this season with hopes of winning races, but most never imagined that he would lead all drivers with 4 victories at this point in the season. If the success were to continue, Martin may finally be able to capture the elusive championship that has avoided him his entire career. Without a doubt, Martin is the best driver to never win a Cup Championship. Martin is only ranked 10th in the standings despite the 4 wins. However, most of the trouble came early in the year from mechanical failures. Not only should Martin be one of the drivers in the Chase, but he would lead the points when the Chase begin due to his number of victories meaning he would be a big threat for his much younger competitors.

Odds to Win Championship = +400

#5. Kurt Busch

Kurt Busch is another driver who has really turned things around this season. Busch who is a former champion found himself 18th in the point standings at the end of last year well outside the top 12 fighting for the championship. However, Busch and the Penske Racing Team have fought back in 2009 recording 11 top 10 finishes and a win at Atlanta. Busch has been very consistent all year and has had very little trouble besides a few run ins with Jimmie Johnson. However, the big question is if anyone will be able to challenge the Hendrick Cars who have been so strong this year and rank 1-4 if you include Tony Stewart who is running Hendrick engines. The most coincidental headline of 2009 is if you were to guess that one of the Busch brothers would be in the hunt for a championship it definitely would not have been Kurt.

Odds to Win Championship = +1500

#6. Carl Edwards

Carl Edwards posted the most wins in the Sprint Cup Series in 2008 with an extremely impressive 9 victories. However, Edwards has yet to find victory lane this season despite running up front for most of the season. Edwards has consistently run around edge of the top 10 this season which is a big drop from where he was last year when the #99 Aflac Ford machine was contending for wins every week. In fact, the entire Rousch Racing stable has been down in terms of performance as the Chevrolet manufactured cars continue to shine. However even with the cars that may not be the strongest in the field, Edwards is one of the most talented young drivers in the sports and gets the most out of his race car. Edwards may not be in the position to legitimately make a run at the championship, but he will likely find a way to finish towards the top of the standings.

Odds to Win Championship = +800

#7. Juan Pablo Montoya

Juan Pablo Montoya is definitely the biggest surprise of the drivers who are currently in the top 12 in points. There were many who doubted the former open wheel driver would be able to continue his strong runs of the past few races. However, Monday’s rain postponed showing at Pocono likely locked him into the Chase despite any major collapse. Montoya has really shined over the last few weeks on some of the flat race tracks. If he can continue to show that kind of strength at the high banks, lookout for an underdog story in the making.

Odds to Win Championship = +3500

#8. Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin pulled of an emotional win at Pocono this past Monday. Hamlin who had stated he should not be racing at is at home with family after the passing of his grandmother, drove the best race of the season to win the Pennsylvania 500. The showing displayed Hamlin picking up a ton of spots in the final laps of the race including coming from 6th to 1st in the final restart to capture the victory. If you follow racing, it may have surprised you to see Hamlin drive the car so aggressively to the front. While it was possibly one of the best performances behind the wheel of his career, it should be little surprise as Hamlin is a very gifted driver. Hopefully, the win could spark the fire to get the #11 FedEx Toyota rolling. If Hamlin gives similar type of effort in the Chase, more wins are to come.

Odds to Win Championship = +1200

#9. Kasey Kahne

Kasey Kahne has perhaps made the least noise of any driver in the top 12 in the standings this season. However, Kahne comfortably sits in the number 7 position in the points. The driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge captured his only victory on the road course in Sonoma, California back in June. Kahne could build on his recent momentum this coming week as the NASCAR circuit takes on another road course at Watkins Glenn. Despite capturing top 10 finishes in 5 of the last 6 races, Kahne must find a way to capture more wins in the final 10 races to make a run at a championship. However, Kahne is known for performing better in the hotter summer months of the season and that has definitely been the case over the past few weeks.

Odds to Win Championship = +1200

#10. Ryan Newman

Ryan Newman was the lone ranger to travel over and team up with Tony Stewart at Stewart-Haas Racing this season. However, the change in teams for Newman has worked out for the best just like it has for Tony Stewart. Newman has failed to compete over the past few seasons with Penske Racing. However, Newman has been able to run up front for the majority of the season. Despite a few poor finishes, the #39 team is definitely on the upswing. Even though the team maybe a year or two away from being their best, Newman and company still have all the resources to capture a few wins before the season ends.

Odds to Win Championship = +1800

Complete NASCAR odds to win the 2009 Sprint Cup From BetUS (as of 8/6/09)
(Click Here & Mention BankrollSports.com To Get a 100% Bonus @ BetUS)

There is just something special about going under the lights at one of the most famous super speedways in the world while celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. The dream scenario is exactly what will play out this Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway. The best drivers in the world will take to the 2.5 mile high banked track at speeds of over 200 miles per hour while racing merely inches a part. Over the past few weeks, NASCAR has been highlighted with a lot of big news with Tony Stewart grabbing his first points win as a driver/owner and rookie Joey Logano becoming the youngest driver in the history of the sport to win with last week’s victory at Loudon, New Hampshire. The big stories are sure to continue this Saturday night as drivers go door to door in restrictor plate style racing that allows cars to run all bunched together at amazingly high speeds. Restrictor plate racing has always been popular among the fans, but the night race at Daytona every July 4th weekend has become one of the most popular sporting events year round in NASCAR. As fans anticipate the upcoming race, major sports books like Betus.com have already released early betting opportunities for one of the bigger races of the year. We break down some of the best betting scenarios to take advantage of before this Saturday night.

Prop Bet #1 – Tony Stewart (-115) vs. Jeff Gordon (-115)

This match-up is fairly interesting considering how both drivers have exceeded expectations thus far in the year. Gordon maintained the points lead after grabbing early victory at Texas this season and has been a consistent front runner the entire season. Stewart has had a huge impact this season taking over what is now Stewart-Haas Racing. Who could have imagined in Stewarts first season taking over the team, he would have an All-Star victory and leading the points. Despite how they have run this season, they are both great drivers on the super speedways. Stewart has two top 10s in his last two trips to Daytona and went through an impressive stretch from 2003-2006 only finishing outside the top 10 once at Daytona International. Gordon has 6 victories to his resume at Daytona including 15 other top 10 finishes. However, Gordon has not done much of anything at Daytona in his fast few attempts, but still remains excellent in restrictor plate racing. When breaking down this Saturday night’s race, there is simply no reason to bet against Tony Stewart for the race much less against Jeff Gordon. Stewart has been on fire lately, winning at Pocono and was the car to beat last week at Loudon before rain shortened the event. Stewart may not get the recognition he deserves for being superb at the super speedways, but he could likely be the best driver at restrictor plate racing outside of Dale Earnhardt Jr. If you would like some extra assurance, Jeff Gordon’s back problems remain a big issue as well. Gordon has been getting weekly treatments to avoid back surgery. Daytona is a very fast track that presents a lot of g-force in the driver’s seat and that could take a toll by race end. Expect Stewart to be the man to beat in the field.

Pick – Tony Stewart -115

Prop Bet #2 – Dale Earnhardt Jr (-115) vs. Carl Edwards (-115)

Dale Earnhardt Jr is NASCAR’s most popular driver, but he has been a part of a lot of criticism throughout the season for under performing. While the Hendrick cars have been impressive all season, the #88 machine has failed to compete. Long time crew chief Tony Eury Jr was replaced and in just few short races Earnhardt has looked a lot better throughout the race. The driver of the #88 ran great at Sonoma before getting wrecked late in the race and also ran very strong at Loudon before the rain hurt his finish. Earnhardt will make his much anticipated return to Daytona this weekend after causing a big wreck in the Daytona 500 that also stirred up a bit of controversy. While Earnhardt has been criticized for not living up to his popularity, his accomplishments on the super speedway are unchallenged. He is a former Daytona 500 winner and has 7 victories combined at Talladega and Daytona which are very similar. Carl Edwards on the other hand is not known at all for his restrictor plate racing. Edwards did make an impressive showing few weeks back at Talladega when he was caught up in that big wreck going for the win in the final quarter mile of the last lap. Edwards’ career poses a surprisingly low 23rd place average finish and the driver of the #99 machine have never won a restrictor plate race. We will side with the numbers here and Earnhardt’s family inherited talent of being perhaps the best driver ever in the draft.

Pick – Earnhardt Jr -115

Prop Bet # 3 – Who will be faster in qualifying?

Jeff Burton (-110) vs. Kevin Harvick (-120)

This particular betting match-up simply considers composes of some repeating factors. Jeff Burton has made a reputation for being a poor qualifier. Whether it is he is not exactly that fast, for one lap or the way the #31 guys setup the car is not known. However, Burton has been nearly bottom of the board with average start position holding at the 22nd position. Kevin Harvick has not been very impressive qualifying this season either holding down a 21st average starting position. The different here is Harvick has been fairly consistent qualifying in the top 15 at Daytona over the past few races. While the teammates continue to face hard times at Richard Childress Racing, we expect Harvick to win this battle hands down.

Pick – Harvick (-120)

Bonus Bet – To Win the Coke Zero 400

Pick – Tony Stewart +700