NASCAR Betting - Drivers return to the ovals in Michigan
This week’s NASCAR betting action comes from Michigan International Speedway as the Nationwide and Sprint Cup series prepare to thrill their fans. The second race is much different than the first, since the track is now hotter and more slick - which means less grip for the drivers - so those who prefer to driver on slippery tracks will have a leg up on the competition.
Carfax 250 – Saturday, August 15, 3:00 PM ET
Kyle Busch won the Nationwide race here in 2004, and he’s the betting favorite again this week over defending race-winner Carl Edwards, who is trying to track down Busch in the standings. Busch set the record with his 10th consecutive top-two finish when he came in second to Marcos Ambrose last week at Watkins Glen, but he’s not happy that only three of those 10 races has resulted with a win. Edwards led a race-high 71 laps last year. Mark Martin, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Ryan Newman have all won two Nationwide races here, but this year’s race should be dominated by the likes of Busch, Edwards, Kevin Harvick, Greg Biffle and other Sprint Cup regulars who are doing double-duty this weekend.
Carfax 400 Michigan odds – Sunday, August 16, 1:00 PM ET
Edwards completed the sweep last year with a win in the Cup race, again leading a race-high 84 laps en route to Victory Lane. That was the 16th win for Ford at Michigan, and Edwards’ boss, Jack Roush, prides himself at representing Ford well when he comes to Michigan. Edwards finished in front of Busch, but neither is favored in 2009. Instead, your sportsbook is backing Jimmie Johnson, who has surprisingly never won at Michigan. Tony Stewart, who won last week at Watkins Glen, and Martin, who is second to Bill Elliot with five wins on the sweeping corners here, are other drivers to watch for on Sunday afternoon, if there is indeed a race on Sunday. The past two races at Pocono and Watkins Glen have been postponed until the following day due to rain.
For more analysis and tips on NASCAR sports betting lines, follow Lee-Roy in the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
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.
