Which Busch brother will prevail at Pocono

Pocono Raceway -- 06/7/2009

Author: Jeremy Dunn

Published: Thursday Jun 4 2009 1:54pm

1. Kurt Busch: 12/1 odds

Following a fifth place showing at Dover, Kurt Busch looks to build on his momentum at Pocono. The 2.5-mile tri-angular shaped facility suits Busch’s driving style. The track requires sufficient horsepower, and Penske Racing provides that. Busch could score his second victory of the season this weekend.

In his last four starts at Pocono, Kurt Busch has posted finishes of sixteenth, first, eighth, and 38th. In sixteen career starts, Busch has two wins, seven top five finishes, and eight top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 15.7.

2. Jimmie Johnson: 9/2 odds

Johnson overwhelming dominated the race at Dover last week. When this team strikes hot, they are virtually unstoppable. Johnson is a recurring frontrunner at Pocono, so a second consecutive victory is highly likely. He is listed as the odds-on favorite.

In his last four starts at Pocono, Johnson has scored finishes of 42nd, fifth, sixth, and third. In fourteen career starts, Johnson has two wins, five top five finishes, and nine top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 9.8.

3. Mark Martin: 12/1 odds

One of the more surprising facts regarding Martin is that he has yet to win at Pocono. Do not allow the zero in the win column to fool you. He always performs at a high level when he arrives at Pocono. He should be a solid pick for this weekend’s event.

In his last four starts at Pocono, Martin has placed finishes of seventh, ninth, tenth, and eighth. In forty-four career starts at Pocono, Martin has no wins, nineteen top five finishes, and thirty-one top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 10.7.

4. Kyle Busch: 7/1 odds

Busch is reeling following a 23rd place outing at Dover. Pocono was not good to him in 2008, but he is a resilient driver. He is one of the odds-on favorites for this weekend’s race. He has the horsepower and the talent to score his first win at Pocono.

In his last four starts at Pocono, Busch has scored finishes of eighth, twelfth, 43rd, and 36th. In eight career starts at Pocono, Busch has one top five finish, and two top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 22.0.

5. Tony Stewart: 12/1 odds

It is just a matter of time before Stewart finds victory lane. He won this race in 2003, which was his first win for that season. His team has the support of Hendrick Motorsports resources, and looking back to last August, this team, when it was the #70 team, finished seventeenth with Tony Raines behind the wheel.

In his last four starts at Pocono, Stewart has placed finishes of fifth, sixth, 35th, and second. In twenty career starts at Pocono, Stewart has one win, six top five finishes, and fourteen top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 13.0.

6. Greg Biffle: 12/1 odds

Biffle came so close to finally winning a race in 2009. In a year of near misses, Biffle is ready to finally cross the finish line first. He has never won at Pocono, but he was fast in both races last year even though the finishes do not reflect it.

In his last four starts at Pocono, Biffle has finishes of thirtieth, twenty-third, fifteenth, and thirteenth. In twelve career starts at Pocono, Biffle has one top five finish, and two top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 18.3.

7. Ryan Newman: 25/1 odds

Newman won at Pocono in 2003. In his heyday with Penske Racing, this was one of his best tracks. He is looking like the old Newman, and he is coming off five successive top ten finishes.

In his last four starts at Pocono, Newman has finishes of second, seventh, eighteenth, and fourteenth. In fourteen career starts at Pocono, Newman has one win, five top five finishes, and six top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 13.9.

8. Carl Edwards: 8/1 odds

Edwards won his first race at Pocono in 2005, and he won his last race at Pocono last August. This team needs a win, as they have fallen well below expectations.

In his last four starts at Pocono, Edwards has finishes of fourteenth, 21st, ninth, and first. In eight career starts at Pocono, Edwards has two wins, three top five finishes, and four top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 14.2.

9. Kasey Kahne: 12/1 odds

Kahne is the defending winner of this race, and he is coming of two consecutive top ten finishes.

In his last four starts at Pocono, Kahne has finishes of 27th, 22nd, first, and seventh. In ten career starts at Pocono, Kahne has one win, two top five finishes, and four top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 16.6.

10. Denny Hamlin: 7/1 odds

Hamlin won twice at Pocono as a rookie. No other driver has accomplished that feat.

In his last four starts at Pocono, Hamlin has finishes of sixth, third, third, and 23rd. In six career starts at Pocono, Hamlin owns two wins, four top five finishes, and five top ten finishes. He has an average finish of 6.2.

Also, keep an eye on Jeff Gordon (8/1 odds), Dale Earnhardt Jr (30/1 odds), Matt Kenseth (18/1 odds), Jeff Burton (40/1 odds), and Brian Vickers (30/1 odds)

Great dark horse picks include David Reutimann (60/1 odds), Sam Hornish Jr (100/1 odds), Juan Pablo Montoya (75/1 odds), Martin Truex Jr (60/1 odds), and Reed Sorenson (100/1 odds)

Odds maker’s top ten

1. Jimmie Johnson 9-2 odds
2. Kyle Busch 7-1 odds
3. Denny Hamlin 7-1 odds
4. Jeff Gordon 8-1 odds
5. Carl Edwards 8-1 odds
6. Tony Stewart 12-1 odds
7. Kurt Busch 12-1 odds
8. Greg Biffle 12-1 odds
9. Mark Martin 12-1 odds
10. Kasey Kahne 12-1 odds

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