NASCAR Talladega odds - Restrictor-plate specialists take spotlight
NASCAR Talladega odds are at the center of attention this week, as the Sprint Cup Series continues with the Aaron’s 499 this Sunday. Drivers will be cautious as they try avoiding getting caught in the “The Big One”, a huge multi-car wreck that is inevitable when you get so many cars packed so tightly together. Kyle Busch is the defending race-winner in this event and is looking for his third straight win.
NASCAR Talladega odds: Tony Stewart looking for first win as driver/owner
- WHAT: The Aaron’s 499
- WHEN: Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, AL
- KEY STATS: Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have five wins each here
- PICK: Tony Stewart
Team Hendrick will be near the top of NASCAR sports betting lines, as Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are considered three of the premier restrictor-plate racers in the series. Johnson and Gordon, especially, have made a living at riding around at the back of the pack, avoiding “The Big One”, and then using the draft to make their move to the front. Gordon leads active drivers with six wins on the 2.66-mile track, while Junior is next with five (including four straight from 2001 to 2003). Johnson is ninth in finishing average.
Busch’s win here last year was his first Top-10 showing at Talladega, as the No. 18 driver’s lack of patience usually hurts him in restrictor-plate races. Busch’s JGR teammate, Denny Hamlin, has been consistently better here and finished third in the Talladega spring race last year. The No.11 driver has finished in the Top-10 in three of his last four races.
Kyle could end up battling his brother on NASCAR Talladega odds, as Kurt Busch has five Top-10s in eight spring races at this track. The No. 2 driver is coming off a third-place run at Phoenix, and that entire team has been for more consistent this year. Kurt Busch’s 12.5 finishing average at Talladega is the best among active drivers, so NASCAR betting fans should give him a look.
A few dark horses to watch out for are Juan Pablo Montoya, David Ragan and Brian Vickers, who rounded out the top five of last year’s race with Busch and Hamlin. Vickers won the fall race in 2006, while Ragan and Montoya have been solid at Talladega despite their relative inexperience.
For the most part, experience pays off in NASCAR Talladega odds because restrictor-plate racing is a very unique. Most drivers liken it to a chess match but, at 200 mph, the other pieces are moving as well. Toyota swept the races last year, though Chevrolet owned Talladega prior to that and this race will bring it back to that manufacturer.
LEE-ROY’S PICK: Tony Stewart won his first Talladega race in the fall in controversial fashion, as he was beaten back to the line by rookie Regan Smith, who went below the white line to pass because Stewart forced him down there. “Smoke” has three consecutive Top-5s and he’s desperate to earn his first win as a driver/owner. Stewart is also just behind the older Busch in terms of finishing average at Talladega, so he knows how to get around here. Bet on Tony Stewart with your NASCAR pick this week.
For NASCAR Talladega odds, visit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook.
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.
