Coca Cola 600 favors Jimmie Johnson

Lowe's Motor Speedway Charlotte -- 05/24/2009

Author: Jeremy Dunn

Published: Thursday May 21 2009 1:51pm

1. Jimmie Johnson: 4-1 odds

It is difficult to believe that the last time Jimmie Johnson won a race at Charlotte was the All-Star event in 2006. The No. 48 crew consistently makes the best adjustments during a race, so clearly this race favors Johnson in that aspect.

In his last four starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Johnson has scored finishes of tenth, fourteenth, 39th, and sixth.

In fifteen career starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Johnson boasts five wins, eight top five finishes, as well as twelve top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 8.9.

2. Matt Kenseth: 15-1 odds

In race as elongated as the Coca Cola 600, the safe bets are with the drivers that typically display the most patience. Kenseth is one of those drivers that will linger around, but is in contention towards the end of the race.

In his last four starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Kenseth has posted finishes of twelfth, 34th, seventh, and 41st.

In nineteen career starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Kenseth has one win, five top five finishes, and eight top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 16.6.

3. Kyle Busch: 6-1 odds

If Kyle Busch can pace himself for 600 miles, he could be a threat to win. If not, it could be another disappointing finish for the No. 18 group.

In his last four starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Kyle Busch has scored finishes of thirtieth, third, third, and fourth.

In ten career starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Kyle Busch has three top five finishes, four top ten finishes, and an average finish of 21.4.

4. Tony Stewart: 6-1 odds

Tony Stewart hopes to carry over the momentum he gained last weekend with his win in the All-Star event. He is one of the odds-on favorites.

In his last four starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Stewart has placed finishes of sixth, seventh, eighteenth, and eleventh.

In twenty career starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Stewart has recorded one victory, six top five finishes, and eleven top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 13.1.

5. Mark Martin: 12-1 odds

Mark Martin is patient and is in superb physical shape, and that is a solid combination for the 600-mile marathon.

In his last four starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Martin has recorded finishes of eleventh, sixteenth, fifteenth, and ninth.

In 48 career starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Martin has four wins, seventeen top five finishes, and twenty-two top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 10.8.

6. Kurt Busch: 10-1 odds

Kurt Busch has not had the best of luck at Charlotte, but based on his performances on the intermediate speedways in 2009, he should have solid showing this weekend.

In his last four starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Kurt Busch has scored finishes of 26th, 32nd, sixteenth, and third.

In seventeen career starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Kurt Busch has posted three top five finishes, three top ten finishes, and an average finish of 20.8.

7. Jeff Gordon: 7-1 odds

Jeff Gordon underwent a treatment for his back earlier in the week, hoping the alleviate some of the pain. He will need whatever relief he can find to complete the grueling stock car marathon.

In his last four starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Gordon has scored finishes of 41st, first, fourth, and eighth.

In thirty-two career starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Gordon has five wins, fifteen top five finishes, and eighteen top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 16.0.

8. Ryan Newman: 15-1 odds

Ryan Newman is looking for his fourth consecutive top five finish, and it is plausible to believe that he can make it happen.

In his last four starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Newman has scored finishes of 39th, 28th, 21st, and 21st. Two of these finishes were due to DNF’s.

In sixteen career starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Newman has three top five finishes, and five top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 21.9.

9. Carl Edwards: 10-1 odds

This is not the Carl Edwards we were accustomed to seeing in 2008, but I get the feeling that when he breaks out of his mini-slump, he is going to be difficult to beat.

In his last four starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Edwards has placed finishes of fifteenth, fifth, ninth, and 33rd.

In nine career starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Edwards has scored three top five finishes, six top ten finishes, and has an average finish of 10.8.

10. Greg Biffle: 10-1 odds

Greg Biffle has been on the brink of winning a race all year. This could be his weekend, but he must improve from last week’s disaster.

In his last four starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Biffle has scored finishes of 43rd, 27th, second, and seventh.

In twelve career starts at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Biffle has two top five finishes, five top five finishes, and an average finish of 18.2.

Also, keep an eye on Dale Earnhardt Jr (20-1 odds), Kasey Kahne (25-1 odds), Denny Hamlin (15-1 odds), Kevin Harvick (40-1 odds), and Jeff Burton (30-1 odds)

Great dark horse picks include Joey Logano (50-1 odds), David Reutimann (50-1 odds), Brian Vickers (25-1 odds), Sam Hornish Jr (75-1 odds), and Martin Truex Jr (30-1 odds)

Odds makers top ten

1. Jimmie Johnson 4-1 odds
2. Tony Stewart 6-1 odds
3. Kyle Busch 6-1 odds
4. Jeff Gordon 7-1 odds
5. Kurt Busch 10-1 odds
6. Greg Biffle 10-1 odds
7. Carl Edwards 10-1 odds
8. Mark Martin 12-1 odds
9. Denny Hamlin 15-1 odds
10. Ryan Newman and Matt Kenseth 15-1 odds

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