Budweiser Shootout Betting Odds and Predictions
Andre Sanchez - February 7th, 2009 .This weekend marks the unofficial start of the 2009 NASCAR season. The top drivers in the world take to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway in the Budweiser Shootout.
The Bud Shootout gets the racing action started every year as it presents an all-star type lineup that will go door to door restrictor plate racing in a non-points but highly lucrative and prestigious race. In previous year’s, you had to have won either a pole in the previous season, a championship, or the Shootout to be eligible to participate. The format change however will make this year’s Bud Shootout a record field.
To bet on this race, simply head over to Betus.com sportsbook and open an account.
Dale Earnhardt Jr is widely known as the most popular driver in NASCAR, but his resume at restrictor plate races speaks volumes of his talent at the super speedways. Earnhardt Jr captured the 2008 Bud Shootout in his very first race under owner Rick Hendrick driving the number 88 Chevrolet. Earnhardt will again be a big favorite to win this Saturday night. Earnhardt has made his name on the super speedways much like his Dale Earnhardt his father and 7-time NASCAR Champion did at the big tracks. Jr has feel and understanding for the draft that gives him an advantage over the field.
Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards had breakout seasons last year as the two combined for 17 wins last year. Busch scored a big victory at Daytona in the Pepsi 400 on Independence Day weekend edging out Carl Edwards in a late caution that froze the field with Busch ahead by a matter of inches. Busch also captured victory at Talladega last season, a track that is very similar to Daytona.
There are a ton of other interesting names to keep an eye on as the season gets under way Saturday night. Two time Cup Champion Tony Stewart has always run well at Daytona and Talladega, but many question if he will have the quality equipment it takes to get up front at the big tracks since leaving the #20 ride at Joe Gibbs Racing to take control as owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. Stewart will be piloting the #14 Old Spice/Office Depot Chevrolet in 2009. Jimmie Johnson became only the 2nd driver in history to win 3 consecutive championships last season. Johnson owns the 3rd best average finish at the Super Speedway in his 14 career starts and he will look to get 2009 started off like 2008 ended.
Despite the proven veterans in the race, many eyes will be on 18 year old Joey Logano. Logano has been hyped as the best young talent ever in NASCAR and he takes over the #20 Home Depot machine left by Tony Stewart. The 18 year old will be the youngest driver to ever start at Daytona International Speedway. Logano won his 3rd Nationwide race he entered last season only 4 weeks after stepping into the car after being allowed by NASCAR following his 18th birthday. Logano will try to make his name known again as many people are interested to see how long it will take the young phenom to run up front.
