Joe Gibbs Racing is the Team To Beat

Author: Jeremy Dunn

Published: Thursday May 1 2008 10:22pm

1. 11-Denny Hamlin- (8-1 Odds)

The last time the Sprint Cup Series visited a Virginia-based track, hometown favorite Denny Hamlin celebrated in victory lane. There is no reason to believe that he cannot present an encore. Throughout his career, Hamlin has excelled at the short tracks, such as Martinsville and Richmond. Though the two tracks are completely dissimilar other than the fact that they are under a mile in length, they both require the gritty short-track mentality. Hamlin nearly won this race two years as a rookie and is competitive every time the series visits the 0.75-mile D-shaped oval. Three weeks ago, Hamlin finished third at Phoenix, and that particular track possesses similar characteristics as Richmond.

In four career starts at Richmond, Hamlin has posted two top five finishes and three top ten finishes. He boasts an impressive average finish of 6.5.

Pre-race quote: “I think if anything, you want to win more and more the more times you come here. The fans here are the best and they have been really supportive since day one and when we all celebrated some of the milestones (like making the Chase and winning a pole) here together.”

2. 18-Kyle Busch- (7-1 Odds)

We say it every week; Kyle Busch is on fire. The kid is enjoying a magnificent season in whatever series he decides to compete, especially the Sprint Cup Series. Busch scored his second win of the 2008 season in just nine races last weekend at Talladega. It is the first time since his rookie season in 2005 in which he has won multiple races. He has enjoyed some solid performances at Richmond as well. Busch struggled with the handling at Phoenix several weeks ago, and many will refer back to that particular race as the two tracks share similarities. However, this has been one of NASCAR’s premier teams in 2008, so chances are they have discovered and fixed whatever the problem was at Phoenix.

In six career starts at Richmond, Kyle Busch has scored five top five finishes and five top ten finishes. His average finish is 6.2.

Pre-race quotes: “That’s just been the greatest satisfaction, being able to come over here to Joe Gibbs Racing. It’s just been the chemistry has worked, all the guys, they are great to work with.”

3. 48-Jimmie Johnson- (5-1 Odds)

Jimmie Johnson heads to Richmond as a clear-cut favorite after winning both the races at the 0.75-mile oval in 2007. Additionally, he won the race at Phoenix three weeks ago after leading the most laps. Another Johnson win this weekend would surprise no one. If Johnson is going to capture his third consecutive win at Richmond, however, he must outrun the Joe Gibbs Racing arsenal. Busch, Hamlin, and Tony Stewart will likely contend for the win. Following last week’s disappointing finish at Talladega, the 48 team looks to rebound with a top five finish. Johnson’s recent results at Richmond are favorable, but he has encountered some difficulties at this track in previous years.

In twelve career starts at Richmond, Johnson has posted two wins, three top five finishes, and three top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 17.8.

Pre-race quotes: “I’m excited to go to Richmond. We won the last two (races) there, and that’s been one of my toughest tracks. Our short-track program is working really well for us, and hopefully, we can visit victory lane again.”

4. 8-Mark Martin- (12-1 Odds)

Mark Martin relinquished the seat to the Army Chevrolet at Talladega, as rookie Aric Almirola gained more experience. That last time Martin wheeled the DEI-prepared Chevrolet at Phoenix, he nearly won his first race since October of 2005. In fact, many believe that he would have won that race if fuel mileage did not come into play. At Richmond, Martin will once again contend for the win. DEI appears to be performing at a respectable level. Martin Truex, Jr. is running well, but he has encountered some rough luck. Paul Menard has vastly improved from his rookie season. He has yet to produce a top ten finish, but he seems to run near the top fifteen every week. Martin is DEI’s best shot at a victory this weekend at Richmond.

In 44 career starts at Richmond, Martin has posted one win, which occurred in 1990. Furthermore, he has thirteen top five finishes, and 23 top ten finishes. His average finish is 12.5.

Pre-race quotes: “You can pass (at Richmond) and it offers a lot of excitement to both competitors and fans. There is a lot of history at Richmond for me.”

5. 88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr.- (10-1 Odds)

When Dale Earnhardt, Jr. pulled into victory lane at Richmond two years ago, his legions of fans did not expect that it would mark the beginning of a two-year winless drought. Nevertheless, the topic of conversation this weekend will encompass Earnhardt’s quest to return to victory lane after 71 races. Richmond has always been a special place for NASCAR’s most popular driver. His second career Sprint Cup victory was this exact race in 2000. Earnhardt was stout at Phoenix as well as the other two short tracks, Martinsville and Bristol. He should contend for yet another win on Saturday, and possibly close the deal, finally.

In sixteen career starts at Richmond, Earnhardt, Jr. has three wins, seven top five finishes, and nine top ten finishes. His average finish is 11.3.

Pre-race quotes: “ Getting another top ten (at Talladega) is something to be proud of. If you look at my career over the last several years, we are definitely in a better position.”

6. 99-Carl Edwards- (6-1 Odds)

Carl Edwards and the 99 team hit a little bump in the road at Talladega, and expect to rebound at Richmond this weekend. Last fall, Edwards was leading this race when his engine expired. Many would argue that he had the car to beat that night. Edwards seems to be performing better now that he was last time the Sprint Cup Series was at Richmond, so he could be the smart pick for this race.

In seven career starts at Richmond, Edwards has two top ten finishes and an average finish of 20.6.

Pre-race quotes: “Richmond is a challenging track to drive, but fun at the same time. My Office Depot team has been very strong every week and I am looking forward to having a solid run and a good points day.”

7. 20-Tony Stewart- (8-1 Odds)

Tony Stewart won his very first Sprint Cup race at Richmond in the fall of 1999. Since then, he has materialized as one of NASCAR’s top superstars. Stewart boasts an impressive resume at Richmond, and with the way the Joe Gibbs Racing operation has performed, Stewart is a solid bet for this weekend’s race. Additionally, Stewart’s last Sprint Cup win was at Watkins Glen last August, so take in to account the fact that he is overdue for a win.

In eighteen career starts at Richmond, Stewart has three wins, six top five finishes, and twelve top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 11.3.

Pre-race quotes: “It is my favorite track. It’s not one of them, it’s the favorite track of mine on the circuit. It’s where I got my first win. It’s definitely a place I enjoy coming to, and considering how it factors into the Chase, it’s definitely and important stop for us.”

8. 31-Jeff Burton- (30-1 Odds)

Jeff Burton enters the Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond as the Sprint Cup Series championship leaders.

In 27 career starts at Richmond, Burton has one victory, seven top five finishes, and twelve top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 15.5.

Pre-race quotes: “Being off a little bit (at short tracks) makes you off a lot more on those tracks. I don’t think it’s unlike Martinsville, Phoenix, or New Hampshire. There seems to be some teams that do a better job of being ready and some drivers that do a better job of being ready for that type of racing.”

9. 29-Kevin Harvick- (15-1 Odds)

Kevin Harvick is recognized as one of NASCAR’s most gifted short track racers.

In fourteen career starts at Richmond, Harvick has one win, four top five finishes, and eight top ten finishes. His average finish is 12.1.

Pre-race quotes: “You can move the car all over the race track. It seems like the groove moves around as the race goes on.”

10. 24-Jeff Gordon- (10-1 Odds)

Jeff Gordon and the 24 team have some work to do.
They have not been the same team since they left Martinsville last month.

In thirty career starts at Richmond, Gordon has two wins, twelve top five finishes, and eighteen top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 15.5.

Pre-race quotes: “Hopefully, we can build on that (last year’s two top 5 finishes) and improve our finishing position this weekend.”

Also, keep an eye on- Clint Bowyer (20-1 Odds), Ryan Newman (30-1 Odds), Matt Kenseth (15-1 Odds), Greg Biffle (18-1 Odds), and Martin Truex, Jr. (25-1 Odds)

Great darkhorse picks include- Casey Mears (40-1 Odds), David Ragan (50-1 Odds), Juan Pablo Montoya (100-1 Odds), and David Gilliland (100-1 Odds)

Stay away from- Reed Sorenson, Kyle Petty, and Michael Waltrip

Odds Maker’s Top Ten

1. Jimmie Johnson (5-1)
2. Carl Edwards (6-1)
3. Kyle Busch (7-1)
4. Denny Hamlin (8-1)
5. Tony Stewart (8-1)
6. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (10-1)
7. Jeff Gordon (10-1)
8. Mark Martin (12-1)
9. Kevin Harvick (15-1)
10. Matt Kenseth (15-1)