Roush Fenway looks for first win in Chicago

Chicagoland Speedway -- 07/11/2009

Author: Jeremy Dunn

Published: Thursday Jul 9 2009 2:24pm

1. Greg Biffle: 10-1 odds

Roush Fenway Racing has yet to win at Chicagoland Speedway since its introduction to the Cup schedule in 2001. It is safe to say that Roush is overdue, as is driver Biffle. Biffle is always fast on the intermediate tracks, so expect him to contend for his first win of the season.

In 2008, Biffle finished fourth at Chicagoland. In six career starts, Biffle has one top five finish, one top ten finish, and an average finish of 12.8.

2. Carl Edwards: 8-1 odds

Like Biffle, Edwards hopes to reward Roush with his first win in Joliet, Illinois. Edwards has yet to win in 2009 after winning nine times in 2008. It is safe to say that he is due for a win, and this could be the weekend, as he traditionally performs well on the intermediate speedways.

In 2008, Edwards finished 32nd at Chicagoland. In four career starts, Edwards has one top five finish, one top ten finish, and an average finish of 23.5.

3. Jimmie Johnson: 9-2 odds

Johnson seemed to be on his way to another win last year until Kyle Busch nudged him on a late restart. Like Roush, Johnson is seeking his first win at Chicagoland. He is at the top of his game right now, and he is the odds-on favorite.

In 2008, Johnson finished second at Chicagoland. In seven career starts, Johnson has five top five finishes, six top ten finishes, and an average finish of 8.1.

4. Tony Stewart: 8-1 odds

Stewart continues his magical season as a car owner and driver. The two-time champion is coming off a win at Daytona, and he is the 2004 and 2007 winner of this event.

In 2008, Stewart finished fifth at Chicagoland. In eight career starts, Stewart has two wins, six top five finishes, and six top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 10.2.

5. Mark Martin: 12-1 odds

After winning at Michigan last month, Martin has faded in the standings. He is thirteenth as he arrives in Joliet. A win would be the perfect remedy for his current decline.

In 2008, Martin finished seventeenth at Chicagoland. In eight career starts, Martin has three top ten finishes, and an average finish of 14.0.

6. Matt Kenseth: 15-1 odds

As always, expect Kenseth to linger among the top five and ten at an intermediate speedway. Kenseth has never won at Chicagoland, but this could be his weekend.

In 2008, Kenseth finished seventh at Chicagoland. In eight career starts, Kenseth has two top five finishes and four top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 9.8.

7. Kyle Busch: 6-1 odds

Kyle Busch is still thwarted by his last-lap wreck at Daytona. He blames Stewart, but is it was a racing incident. How will he respond this weekend?

Kyle Busch won at Chicagoland in 2008. In four career starts, Busch has one win, two top five finishes, and two top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 7.8.

8. Kurt Busch: 12-1 odds

Kurt Busch is seeking his first top five finish at Chicagoland. He is solid on the speedways.

In 2008, Kurt Busch finished 28th at Chicagoland. In eight career starts, Busch has five top ten finishes, and an average finish of 17.2.

9. Kasey Kahne: 18-1 odds

Historically, Chicagoland has been a horrific experience for Kahne, but his team has their act together in 2009.

In 2008, Kahne finished fifteenth at Chicagoland. In five career starts, Kahne has yet to score a top ten, and has an average finish of 29.4.

10. Jeff Gordon: 8-1 odds

Gordon should rebound after a dismal 28th place finish at Daytona.

In 2008, Gordon finished eleventh at Chicagoland. In eight career starts, Gordon has one win, four top five finishes, and five top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 10.1.

Also, keep an eye on Ryan Newman (25-1 odds), Denny Hamlin (15-1 odds), Juan Pablo Montoya (60-1 odds), Brian Vickers (25-1 odds), and Dale Earnhardt Jr (25-1 odds)

Great dark horse picks include David Reutimann (50-1 odds), Marcos Ambrose (100-1 odds), Joey Logano (60-1 odds), Martin Truex Jr (50-1 odds), and Sam Hornish Jr (100-1 odds)

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