2009 NASCAR futures– Edwards, Busch look to “Chase” down Johnson

Sportsbook futures: 2009’s NASCAR favorite certainly no surprise

• Johnson favored for fourth straight title
• Edwards, Busch, Gordon look to challenge No. 48 team
• Stewart a longshot as driver/owner

The 2009 season is a month away for NASCAR betting fans, but everyone is already looking forward to the Daytona 500 running for the 51st time at Daytona International Speedway. It’s no surprise that sportsbook odds favor Jimmie Johnson to take his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup, but he won’t lack for any challengers, including Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, as well as teammate and four-time champion Jeff Gordon.

Johnson has NASCAR futures odds of +300 coming into the season, and the No. 48 driver was relatively quiet until he won the tire debacle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July. From there, Johnson took over the circuit, winning three of the Chase races. Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus are the best team in the game, and the rest of the field is playing catch up.

Edwards finished second to Johnson in the standings, and he also finishes second in this year’s 2009 NASCAR futures at +450. The No. 99 driver won a series-high nine races in 2008, and he showed down the stretch (especially at Kansas) that he was willing to do whatever it takes to win. It’s only a matter of time before “Cousin Carl” wins a Cup, but will it be this year?

Busch follows with +600 NASCAR futures, and the No. 18 driver dominated the regular season, winning eight of the first 26 races. But the Chase was a nightmare for the 23-year-old, who had mechanical failures in the first race of the postseason, and it all went downhill from there. Busch will have plenty to prove in 2009.

Gordon also has something to prove, which is rare for a four-time champion. The No. 24 driver has NASCAR futures odds of +800 after his first winless season since his rookie campaign of 1993. Gordon still wants to show he can be a force in the Sprint Cup series, and online betting players better not overlook him.

One of the year’s ongoing storylines will involve Tony Stewart, who left Joe Gibbs Racing after 10 years and two championships in the No. 20 car. Stewart will now pilot the No. 14 car for Stewart-Haas Racing, and driver/owners generally don’t have much success at NASCAR’s top level. However, that hasn’t stopped sportsbook odds from putting “Smoke” at +1500, just ahead of fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. with +1800 NASCAR futures  in the No. 88 car.

Johnson, Edwards and Busch combined to win 24 of the 36 races on the 2008 schedule, but things should be more spread out in 2009. Mark Martin (+1000 NASCAR odds) made the move to Hendrick in an effort to win his first championship in his 28th season, while Denny Hamlin (+1000 NASCAR odds) and Matt Kenseth (+1200 NASCAR odds) should be better than last year.

LEE-ROY’S PICK: Still, the title will come down to the same trio. Busch needs to harness his temper to take full control of his immense talent, and Johnson has avoided bad luck during his three-year stint as champion. For 2009 NASCAR futures, bet online with Carl Edwards to end Johnson’s run atop the ladder with a championship victory.

For more online betting, bookmark The Betting Edge at BetOnline.com today.

Born in the betting capital of Las Vegas, Lee-Roy has grown to appreciate the likes of IndyCar and Formula 1 racing, but his first love is the high-speed ovals of NASCAR and he is a HUGE Tony Stewart fan. When it comes to motorsports handicapping, Buckles takes the checkered flag. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.