HMS, SHR, and Roush Fenway favored at Michigan

Michigan International Speedway -- 06/14/2009

Author: Jeremy Dunn

Published: Thursday Jun 11 2009 2:30pm

1. Jeff Gordon: 8/1 odds

Gordon seems to perform better on the high-speed ovals, such as Michigan. He won at Texas and finished second at California. Even though he has not won at Michigan since 2001, expect Gordon to contend for another victory.

In 32 career starts at Michigan, Gordon has two wins, fifteen top five finishes, and twenty top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 11.8. He finished eighteenth and 42nd in 2008.

2. Matt Kenseth: 12/1 odds

Kenseth won at California in February. California possesses similar characteristics as Michigan with nearly identical configurations. Kenseth could post win number three.

In nineteen career starts at Michigan, Kenseth has two wins, nine top five finishes, and thirteen top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 9.1. He finished third and fifth at Michigan in 2008.

3. Tony Stewart: 10/1 odds

Stewart is the hottest driver in NASCAR, which is scary for the rest of the field. He is one of the few drivers that can win anywhere, which makes him dangerous. He is fully capable of consecutive wins.

In twenty career starts at Michigan, Stewart has one victory, nine top five finishes, and thirteen top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 12.4. In 2008, Stewart finished fifth and twelfth at Michigan.

4. Jimmie Johnson: 5/1 odds

It is difficult to believe that Johnson has yet to win a race at Michigan. It is one of his weaker tracks statistically, but he typically performs well at the 2-mile oval.

In fourteen career starts at Michigan, Johnson has two top five finishes, six top ten finishes, and an average finish of 14.4. In 2008, he finished sixth and 17th.

5. Carl Edwards: 6/1 odds

Edwards has won two of the last four races at Michigan. Roush teams normally perform at a high level at this track. Edwards could perhaps break his dry spell this weekend.

In nine career starts at Michigan, Edwards has two wins, five top five finishes, and eight top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 6.6. In 2008, he finished seventh and first.

6. Greg Biffle: 7/1 odds

Biffle has smelled victory on several occasions in 2009, only to fall short. He is due for a victory, and Biffle thrives at high-speed ovals.

In twelve career starts at Michigan, Biffle has two wins, five top five finishes, and seven top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 13.2. In 2008, he finished twentieth and fourth.

7. Kurt Busch: 12/1 odds

Busch is beginning to lose some of that early season magic. This team needs a solid finish.

In sixteen career starts at Michigan, Busch has two wins, two top five finishes, and six top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 20.1. In 2008, he finished 21st and 36th.

8. Kyle Busch: 6/1 odds

Kyle is fast, but the consistency lacks. They are falling closer towards the Chase bubble.

In eight career starts at Michigan, Busch has one top five finish, three top ten finishes, and an average finish of 17.4. In 2008, he finished thirteenth and second.

9. Ryan Newman: 18/1 odds

Newman should score his seventh successive top ten finish this weekend.

In fifteen career starts at Michigan, Newman has two wins, four top five finishes, and four top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 18.6. In 2008, he finished 21st and 42nd.

10. Mark Martin: 12/1 odds

Martin needs a solid showing in order to return to the top twelve in the standings.

In 46 career starts at Michigan, Martin has four wins, sixteen top five finishes, and 28 top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 13.1. In 2008, he finished 25th and sixth.

Also keep an eye on Kasey Kahne (15/1 odds), Denny Hamlin (18/1 odds), Jeff Burton (50/1 odds), David Reutimann (75/1 odds), and Dale Earnhardt Jr (40/1 odds)

Great darkhorse picks include Sam Hornish Jr (100/1 odds), Juan Pablo Montoya (100/1 odds), Martin Truex Jr (100/1 odds), Joey Logano (100/1 odds), and Brian Vickers (15/1 odds)

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