Chevrolet Will Finally Win

Bristol Motor Speedway -- 03/16/08

Author: Jeremy Dunn

Published: Thursday Mar 13 2008 2:28pm

The first month of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season has been an eventful one to say the least. From cheating penalties to Goodyear bashing, a lot is going on in the world of NASCAR. On a brighter note, TV ratings have increased since last year, which should ease some concerns. With the Food City 500 at Bristol next on the agenda, do not expect the ratings to take a sudden decline. Tickets to Bristol are the most coveted in NASCAR.

The biggest surprise thus far is the fact that Chevrolet has yet to win a race. Chevrolet has dominated the sport for most of the decade, but Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Kevin Harvick, and the rest of the Chevy gang have yet to visit victory lane. That could change this weekend in Bristol.

Projected Top Ten

1. 88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr.- +650 Odds

Last week Kyle Busch won his first race in his new ride. This week, look for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to score his first win with Hendrick Motorsports, and the first for Chevrolet in 2008. The 88 team has provided Earnhardt, Jr. with top five cars for two weeks in a row. With Earnhardt, Jr’s and Hendrick Motorsports’ history at Bristol, he should remain a frontrunner.

In sixteen starts at Bristol, Earnhardt, Jr. has posted one victory, six top five finishes, and nine top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 11.7.

2. 29-Kevin Harvick- +850 Odds

Kevin Harvick has silently produced a consistent season in 2008. He has scored three consecutive top ten finishes and he sits third in the Sprint Cup championship standings. Bristol is a track that personifies Harvick’s aggressive driving style. Expect him to extend his string of top ten finishes this weekend.

In fourteen starts at Bristol, Harvick has posted one victory, seven top five finishes, and nine top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 10.5.

3. Kyle Busch- +600 Odds

Kyle Busch is coming off a euphoric week, as he became the first driver to win a Sprint Cup race in a Toyota Camry. Exactly a year ago, Busch made history by becoming the first driver to win in the Car of Tomorrow, which is the new template that NASCAR uses today. Busch has been a factor in every race so far, and there is no reason to believe that will change at Bristol, which is one of his stronger tracks.

In six starts at Bristol, Kyle Busch has posted one victory, two top five finishes, and four top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 13.5.

4. Tony Stewart- +850 Odds

Okay, we all know where Tony Stewart stands when it comes to Goodyear tires. We also know where he stands when it comes to performing at Bristol. Stewart dominated this race a year ago, but a fuel pump issue kept him from running away with the win. He also ran well here last August. Stewart is at his best when he is annoyed, and in case you have not notice, he is annoyed.

In eighteen starts at Bristol, Stewart has posted one win, five top five finishes, and six top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 16.9.

5. Jeff Gordon- +650 Odds

Jeff Gordon has enjoyed an abundance of success at the half-mile bullring. However, he has not won at Bristol since 2002, nearly six years ago. Still, Gordon is a threat just about every time NASCAR visits Thunder Valley. Gordon scored a much-needed top five finish last week at Atlanta, so the momentum could be building. Keep an eye on the 24 Chevy this weekend.

In thirty starts at Bristol, Jeff Gordon has scored five victories, twelve top five finishes, and eighteen top ten finishes. His average finish at Bristol is 11.7.

6. Carl Edwards- +600 Odds

Mired back in 17th in the championship standings is Carl Edwards, which is rather surprising considering how well they have performed. That is what a 100-point penalty and a blown engine will do. However, they call him ‘Concrete Carl’ for a reason. He has a knack for running well at the three tracks that have concrete surfaces- Bristol, Dover, and Nashville (Nationwide Series track only). He won the previous race at Bristol last August; however, the team is not bringing back the same chassis. The race-winning chassis is now with Yates Racing. Nevertheless, Edwards is a solid pick this weekend.

In seven starts at Bristol, Edwards has scored one victory, two top five finishes, and three top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 15.3.

7. Kurt Busch- +800 Odds

Kurt Busch has not scored a top ten finish since his runner-up in the Daytona 500. However, he has owned Bristol this decade, as he has racked up five wins since 2002. Busch has not performed up the standard as his brother, but as stated before, he has an astounding record of accomplishment at Bristol. If he is going to win a race in the first quarter of the season, it will likely be at Bristol.

In fourteen starts at Bristol, Kurt Busch has posted five victories, five top five finishes, and nine top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 14.5.

8. Denny Hamlin- +725 Odds

In four starts at Bristol, Hamlin has scored one top ten finish, and has an average finish of 19.2.

9. Matt Kenseth- +800 Odds

In sixteen starts at Bristol, Kenseth has scored two victories, seven top five finishes, and nine top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 12.5.

10. Greg Biffle- +1250 Odds

In ten starts at Bristol, Biffle has scored three top five finishes, six top ten finishes, and has an average finish of 10.3.

Also, keep an eye on Jeff Burton, Ryan Newman, and Clint Bowyer

Darkhorse picks- Bobby Labonte, Jamie McMurray, and Martin Truex, Jr.

Stay away from- Jimmie Johnson, J.J. Yeley, and Casey Mears

Odds makers Top Ten

1. Carl Edwards +600 2. Kyle Busch +600 3. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. +650 4. Jeff Gordon +650 5. Denny Hamlin +725 6. Kurt Busch +800 7. Matt Kenseth +800 8. Kevin Harvick +850 9. Tony Stewart +850 10. Jimmie Johnson +950