Sprint Cup Championship Odds

Author: Jeremy Dunn

Published: Wednesday Feb 6 2008 2:21pm

1. Jimmie Johnson- + 250 Odds

It comes as a surprise to no one that Jimmie Johnson has emerged as the odds-on favorite to clinch his third consecutive Sprint Cup championship, a feat that was last accomplished three decades ago. Practically every key component of Johnson’s championship team will return in 2008, and that includes his resourceful crew chief, Chad Knaus. This team rarely has an off day. If they do not contend for the win or a top ten finish, it is usually because they have suffered some kind of misfortune, such as an accident or engine malfunction.

In 2007, Johnson’s average finish was 10.8 and completed 97.5 % of the total laps for the season. He posted a series-high ten victories in 2007.

2. Jeff Gordon- + 375 Odds

Under the traditional pre-chase for the championship format, Jeff Gordon would have clinched his fifth Sprint Cup title with two races to spare. However, his teammate Jimmie Johnson outperformed during the final ten races. Along with Tony Stewart, Gordon is the most versatile driver in NASCAR, as he is a threat to win at any type of track. Furthermore, most insiders would agree that Gordon is long overdue for a championship. He may be the most coherent pick to capture the 2008 Sprint Cup title.

In 2007, Gordon’s average finish was 7.3 and he completed 96.8% of the total laps for the season. Gordon won six races in 2007.

3. Dale Earnhardt, Jr.- + 650 Odds

Frankly, the odds for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. seem to be too generous. He has not been a factor in the championship hunt since 2004, and he is entering his first season with Hendrick Motorsports. Sure, Hendrick Motorsports is the supreme organization in NASCAR, but there are other logical picks out there. Nevertheless, Earnhardt, Jr. will enjoy his best season since he won six races in 2004.

In 2007, Earnhardt, Jr.’s average finish was 18.6 and he completed 94.6% of the total laps for the season. Unfortunately, he failed to win a race for the first time in his career.

4. Matt Kenseth- + 750 Odds

Matt Kenseth may possibly be the best pick in 2008 considering that he is arguably the most consistent driver in NASCAR. He has the momentum as he spanked the field at Homestead last November. Additionally, he is as composed as they come. It seems impossible to rattle Kenseth. The only drawback may be the fact that he no longer has Robbie Reiser calling the shot from the pit box. Chip Bolin takes over that role, but do not be alarmed. Kenseth and Bolin have worked together for years. It is hard to bet against Johnson and Gordon, but picking Kenseth could be equally as rewarding.

In 2007, Matt Kenseth’s average finish was 13.0 and he completed 97.4 % of the total laps raced. He won four races in 2007.

5. Kyle Busch- + 750 Odds

Like Dale Earnhardt, Jr., the odds for Kyle Busch may be a little too generous. Busch will spend the early portion of the 2008 season trying to become acclimated with his new team, Joe Gibbs Racing, as well as a new manufacturer, Toyota. Additionally, consistency has never been his forte. Changes notwithstanding, Busch is one of the most talented drivers in the Sprint Cup garage, and he could be worth gambling on.

In 2007, Kyle Busch’s average finish was 14.1 and he completed 97.1 % of the total laps raced. He posted one victory in 2007.

6. Carl Edwards- + 750 Odds

If you are betting on the Nationwide Series championship, Carl Edwards is the way to go. I am not so sure about the Sprint Cup series. Edwards will benefit from Roush Fenway Racing resources, as Jack Roush is determined to catch and pass the Hendrick Motorsports organization. Edwards has vastly improved on the road courses and short tracks, so he is more versatile than he was a couple of years ago. He is a solid pick, but not a preferred one.

In 2007, Carl Edwards’ average finish was 13.9 and he completed 94.3% of the total laps raced. He won three races in 2007.

7. Tony Stewart- +750 Odds

Tony Stewart is usually one of the top three odds-on favorites to win the championship. However, the switch from Chevrolet to Toyota may have lowered his odds heading into the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Stewart is still a safe bet, and his performance should not drop off. In fact, now that Joe Gibbs Racing is the top dog at Toyota, you may see an increase in performance from Stewart.

In 2007, Tony Stewart’s average finish was 13.1 and he completed 97.8% of the total laps raced. He took checkered flag three times in 2007.

8. Martin Truex, Jr.- + 1200 Odds

Now we are approaching the darkhorse picks. Martin Truex, Jr. was a pleasant surprise in 2007, but now there are some lofty expectations. How will he handle being ‘the top dog’ at DEI? Has DEI overcome their engine troubles that plagued their teams last year?

In 2007, Martin Truex, Jr.’s average finish was 16.4 and he completed 95.8 % of the total laps raced. He won his first race in 2007, which was his only win of the season.

9. Denny Hamlin- + 1300 Odds

Very few drivers have progressed as quickly as Denny Hamlin has. It is easy to forget that he is only entering his third full season in NASCAR’s top series. He has been a model of consistency throughout his brief career, and he tends to excel at NASCAR’s most demanding tracks such as Darlington, Martinsville, and Bristol.

In 2007, Hamlin’s average finish was 14.0 and he completed 95.6 % of the total laps raced. He posted one victory in 2007.

10. Kurt Busch- + 1300 Odds

The 2004 champion has been hit or miss ever since he left Roush Fenway Racing to join Penske Racing. There were times when it appeared as if Kurt Busch had returned to his championship contending ways. On the other hand, there were times when his car seemed exceedingly off-balance. All signs point to a better 2008 season for Busch and the Penske group.

In 2007, Kurt Busch’s average finish was 15.3 and he completed 97.2 % of the total laps raced. He won twice in 2007.

My picks vs. the odds

1. My pick- Matt Kenseth Odds- Jimmie Johnson 2. My pick- Jimmie Johnson Odds- Jeff Gordon 3. My pick- Jeff Gordon Odds- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 4. My pick- Tony Stewart Odds- Matt Kenseth 5. My pick- Kurt Busch Odds- Kyle Busch 6. My pick- Carl Edwards Odds- Carl Edwards 7. My pick- Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Odds- Tony Stewart 8. My pick- Clint Bowyer Odds- Martin Truex, Jr. 9. My pick- Denny Hamlin Odds- Denny Hamlin 10. My pick- Ryan Newman Odds- Kurt Busch