Who Is NASCARs Next First Time Winner In 2008?

Author: Jeremy Dunn

Published: Wednesday Jun 25 2008 2:49pm

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. finally broke into the win column at Michigan a couple of weekends ago. However, several high profile drivers have a doughnut in the win column in 2008. Most notably, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart have yet to grace the winner’s circle in 2008. Roush Fenway Racing drivers Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle are still searching for that elusive first win as is Richard Childress Racing driver Kevin Harvick, and 2004 champion Kurt Busch.

Who will be NASCAR’s next first-time winner in 2008Δ

1. Greg Biffle: 15-1 nascar odds

Of all the winless drivers in 2008, Greg Biffle has arguably performed the best. He could easily have won two or three races by now if it were not for some kind of driver or mechanical error. Biffle has some solid tracks on the summer schedule starting with New Hampshire this weekend. Chicagoland, Pocono, and Indianapolis are tracks that favor Biffle’s driving style.

Most likely to capture first win at Chicagoland

2. Matt Kenseth: 15-1 nascar odds

After a lethargic start to the 2008 season, Matt Kenseth is on a roll. He has racked up six consecutive top ten finishes, so momentum is clearly on his side. Like Biffle, Kenseth is solid on the intermediate tracks, such as Chicagoland, Pocono, and Indianapolis. Recently, Kenseth has shown some strength at Daytona, so he could be a surprise winner on July 4th weekend.

Most likely to capture first win at Michigan

3. Tony Stewart: 8-1 nascar odds

Tony Stewart could have and should have won the Coca Cola 600. However, a cut tire with two laps to go ended any hope of a victory lane celebration. Stewart has been solid in 2008, but he has been overshadowed by his younger teammates, especially Kyle Busch. Stewart is a threat at any type of track. Daytona, Indianapolis, and Watkins Glen are tracks that Stewart could find victory lane.

Most likely to capture first win at Daytona

4. Jeff Gordon: 12-1 nascar odds

Jeff Gordon has enjoyed some consistency in 2008, but the performance has not matched up to his 2007 results. The last time Gordon was a threat to win a race was at Martinsville in April. Gordon and his team are creeping up on the competition, and seem to be solid on the smaller tracks such as New Hampshire. Gordon’s Achilles heel has been the intermediate tracks, and there is a bevy of them on the schedule.

Most likely to capture first win at Watkins Glen

5. Kevin Harvick: 15-1 nascar odds

Kevin Harvick could use a win right about now. Once considered a championship contender, Harvick has encountered a free fall in the championship standings, and now finds himself outside the top twelve. The 1.058-mile oval in Loudon, New Hampshire is one of Harvick’s best tracks, so look for him to possibly bust out of his slump. Daytona and Indianapolis are also a couple of Harvick’s best tracks.

Most likely to capture first win at Indianapolis

6. Martin Truex, Jr.: 18-1 nascar odds

Despite being the top driver at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Martin Truex, Jr.’s season has been stale. Other than a handful of strong showings, he has been somewhat of a disappointment in 2008. Truex, Jr. has a few favorable tracks upcoming, such as New Hampshire. He finished third in this race a year ago. Additionally, Daytona and Chicagoland are a couple of solid tracks for Truex, Jr.

Most likely to capture first win at California

7. Brian Vickers: 35-1 nascar odds

Brian Vickers and his Red Bull Racing team have hit their stride and have been one of the better teams on the intermediate tracks. Vickers and company must be looking forward to races at Chicagoland, Michigan, and California.

Most likely to capture first win at Chicagoland

8. Kurt Busch: 35-1 nascar odds

Kurt Busch’s dismal season is one of 2008’s biggest mysteries. Ever since they finished second to Ryan Newman in the Daytona 500, Busch has fallen off the map while his little brother Kyle has been the talk of the town. Kurt Busch has struggled at every brand of track in 2008, but Daytona could be his big break.

Most likely to capture first win at Daytona

9. David Ragan: 40-1 nascar odds

David Ragan is one of the most improved drivers in 2008. His rookie season was less than impressive, but experience and seat time have proven valuable for the young driver. Ragan could emerge as this year’s Clint Bowyer. He has performed well on the intermediate-style tracks.

Most likely to capture first win at California

10. Elliott Sadler: 60-1 nascar odds

Elliott Sadler has not won a race since September of 2004. He has enjoyed a handful of solid performances in 2008, but for the most part, he has been incredibly inconsistent. Sadler was fast at Michigan, so that could be a place where he finally breaks through.

Most likely to capture first win at Michigan