Denny Hamlin overdue for a win

New Hampshire Motor Speedway Loudon -- 06/28/2009

Author: Jeremy Dunn

Published: Thursday Jun 25 2009 12:34pm

1. Denny Hamlin: 8-1 odds

Hamlin won this race two years ago. The shorter flat tracks are his strengths, so he should be a contender on Sunday. Hamlin dominated the race at Martinsville in April failed to close the deal. He is due for a victory.

In 2008, Hamlin scored finishes of eighth and ninth at New Hampshire. In six career starts, Hamlin has one win, two top five finishes, and five top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 7.2.

2. Jimmie Johnson: 5-1 odds

Johnson nearly won at New Hampshire last fall before Greg Biffle passed him with eleven laps to go. He is fast everywhere, especially short flat tracks such as New Hampshire and Phoenix. He is the odds-on favorite to win.

In 2008, Johnson placed finishes of ninth and second. In fourteen career starts, Johnson has two wins, four top five finishes, and nine top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 9.9.

3. Tony Stewart: 8-1 odds

Stewart continues his dream season as an owner/driver. The Sprint Cup Series championship leader always performs well at the 1.058-mile oval known as the Magic Mile. Expect Stewart to be a frontrunner.

In 2008, Stewart placed finishes of thirteenth and eighth. In twenty career starts, Stewart has two wins, ten to top five finishes, and twelve top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 12.6.

4. Greg Biffle: 12-1 odds

Biffle won the last time the series visited the Magic Mile. He passed Johnson will eleven laps to go. Biffle is having a solid season, and had a top five car at Phoenix, another flat 1-mile oval. He should be among the contenders.

In 2008, Biffle scored finishes of 21st and first. In thirteen career starts, Biffle has one win, four top five finishes, and five top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 18.1.

5. Jeff Gordon: 8-1 odds

Gordon was not the factor everyone anticipated at Infineon, so expect his performance to improve this weekend at New Hampshire. Like Johnson, Gordon is fast on all brands of venues, so expect a solid showing from the 24 group.

In 2008, Gordon posted finishes of eleventh and fourteenth. In 28 career start, Gordon has three wins, twelve top five finishes, and fifteen top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 11.6.

6. Mark Martin: 8-1 odds

After winning at Michigan, Martin stumbled at Infineon, finishing in the 35th position. He looks to rebound this weekend.

Martin did not race at New Hampshire in 2008. In 2006, he placed finishes of fourth and eleventh. In 24 career starts, Martin has eight top five finishes, thirteen top ten finishes, and an average finish of 11.0.

7. Ryan Newman: 20-1 odds

After six consecutive top ten finishes, Newman finished outside the top ten at Michigan and Infineon. New Hampshire is one of his most favorable tracks.

In 2008, Newman scored finishes of fifteenth and 36th. In fourteen career starts, Newman has two wins, five top five finishes, and nine top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 13.1.

8. Carl Edwards: 10-1 odds

New Hampshire has not been one of Edwards’ best tracks, but he finished third last fall. He should enjoy a solid outing.

In 2008, Edwards scored finishes of 17th and third. In nine career starts, Edwards has two top five finishes, two top ten finishes, and an average finish of 12.9.

9. Kasey Kahne: 20-1 odds

Kahne is riding a wave of momentum after his win at Infineon. This team seems to have their act together, so expect another strong showing.

In 2008, Kahne posted finishes of 30th and eleventh. In ten career starts, Kahne has one top five finish, four top ten finishes, and an average finish of 16.6.

10. Kurt Busch: 15-1 odds

Busch is the defending winner of this race.

In 2008, Busch placed finishes of first and sixth. In sixteen career starts, Busch boasts three wins, five top five finishes, and seven top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 15.5.

Also, keep an eye on Kyle Busch (7-1 odds), Matt Kenseth (20-1 odds), Dale Earnhardt Jr (25-1 odds), Clint Bowyer (20-1 odds), and Jeff Burton (30-1 odds)

Great dark horse picks include Juan Pablo Montoya (75-1 odds), A.J. Allmendinger (100-1 odds), David Reutimann (60-1 odds), Marcos Ambrose (100-1 odds), and Brian Vickers (40-1 odds)

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