Daytona 500 Betting Odds and Predictions
Robert K - February 14th, 2009 .The Great American Race is set to drop the green flag this Sunday in the 51st running of the Daytona 500. Kevin Harvick captured another big Daytona victory in the Budweiser Shootout last Saturday night in an exciting last lap pass. Harvick however failed to qualify or run strong in the Gatorade 125 Duel races that took place on Thursday and he will be a long shot on Sunday despite usually being a top contender at the super speedway.
The betting favorite heading into speedweeks was restrictor plate king Dale Earnhardt Jr. He has had a ton of success at the super speedways and ran up front a good bit in the Budweiser shootout however faded deep in the field before he got caught in a wreck. Earnhardt also had troubles in the Gatorade 125 with a tire problem on Thursday, but managed to work his way back up to 7th. Hopefully his luck over the last week wont be an indicator for things to come on Sunday. Last year’s Daytona 500 winner, Ryan Newman also found troubles on Thursday. After a strong qualifying effort, Newman was turned head first into the wall in the 2nd race by the 00 car of David Reutimann. Newman hit the wall hard and will have to go to a back-up ride for the on Sunday.
Note: Visit the guys over at Betus.com sportsbook, if you’re still looking for a place to bet on the Daytona 500.
Other notables that have been running well this week include Tony Stewart in the new #14 Office Depot/Old Spice machine. Stewart has always run well at Daytona and Talladega and he has kept the new ride out front all week especially Thursday bring home a 2nd place finish in the first duel. Although the 2-time Cup Champion has never won the Daytona 500, he will still be one of the most favored drivers entering Sunday considering his impressive restrictor plate resume. Joey Logano had an equally impressive showing in the first duel race Thursday. Logano really struggled through the Bud Shootout and many had written off the youngest driver (18) to ever make a start at Daytona International Speedway. However, Logano driving the #20 Home Depot Toyota followed the former driver of the #20 car Tony Stewart to finish in 3rd position in the first duel on Thursday. Imagine how big the story lines would be if the 18 year old can pilot the #20 machine to a win at Daytona this Sunday.
Jimmie Johnson has also been strong this week in the #48 machine. Johnson may not be known as a restrictor plate racer, but the man who has won 3 straight championships will likely be a factor before the checkers fly this Sunday. Another driver whose chances are really looking good this week is the 50 year old veteran Mark Martin. Martin returns this season for one final full schedule with Hendrick Motorsports and is a 4 time Daytona 500 runner-up despite never winning the big event. However, Martin has been up front all week and he would be an excellent choice to place a gamble on. Even though most of the favorites are some of the biggest names in the sport, there are some young talented guys who will have a chance to shine this Sunday. Drivers like Brian Vickers, Aric Almirola, and A.J Almendinger all have the ability to sneak to the front and surprise some people along with a cast off other hopefuls this Sunday. With all the uncertainties that surround NASCAR, one thing that is certain is that the Daytona 500 can define a career and a win in this race means everything.
Daytona 500 Betting Lines
Dale Earnhardt Jr 6/1
Mark Martin 12/1
Jimmie Johnson 7/1
Kevin Harvick 15/1
Denny Hamlin 15/1
Kyle Busch 5/1
Joey Logano 50/1
Tony Stewart 12/1
Jeff Gordon 8/1
Carl Edwards 15/1
Kasey Kahne 35/1
Brian Vickers 40/1
