Tag: NASCAR betting odds lines picks predictions best bets

2022 Toyota/Save Mart 350 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s 2022 Toyota/Save Mart 350 odds at in Sonoma, Calif., with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series comes to Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Sunday for the 2022 Toyota/Save Mart 350. The green flag is set to drop a little after 4 p.m. ET (FS1). Below we analyze the 2022 Toyota/Save Mart 350 odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

Sunday’s race is scheduled for 110 laps and 350 kilometers at Sonoma Raceway. The track has been reconfigured to incorporate the popular “Chute”, making Turn 7 a high-speed corner, which has had plenty of passing and incidents in the past.

With the Carousel gone, and the Chute returning, the race length remains the same, but we now have 110 laps, rather than 90 in 2021. Martin Truex Jr. was the last driver to win using the Chute configuration back in 2018.

2022 Toyota/Save Mart 350: What you need to know

  • Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson picked up the checkered flag last season in the Carousel layout, snapping a 2-race win streak at Sears Point by Truex.
  • Ford hasn’t been to Victory Lane at Sonoma since July 2017 when Kevin Harvick raced to checkers. Ford has just 2 wins in the past 18 races at the course, too.
  • Truex posted an average speed of 82.882 mph in June 2018 in the most recent track configuration featuring The Chute, and the high-speed Turn 7.
  • Erik Jones actually leads all active drivers with a 12.8 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in 4 career Sonoma starts, posting a pair of top-10 finishes.
  • Kyle Busch (2) and Truex (3) are the only active drivers with multiple victories at this track. Busch has a 14.6 AFP in 16 career Cup starts at Sonoma, including 2 wins, 6 top-5 runs and 8 top-10 finishes.
  • Kurt Busch is 2nd to Truex (213) among all active drivers with 206 laps led at this track.

[tipico]

Toyota/Save Mart 350 – Expert picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9 a.m. ET.

CHASE ELLIOTT (+550) is installed as the favorite, and he has been a road-course sensation during the early part of his career. While he has never won at Sonoma, he has a solid 14.4 AFP with 2 top-5 finishes in 5 career Cup runs. He was a runner-up to Larson (+700) last season in this event, too.

TRUEX JR. (+900) is also a strong play based upon his history at the track, including wins in 2 of his past 3 Cup starts at Sonoma.

Toyota/Save Mart 350 picks – Long shot

ERIK JONES (+5000) has never won in his 4 career Cup starts at this California road course, but he has been as high as 7th. A simple $2 bet can net a $100 return, and it’s worth a roll of the dice based upon his solid showings in the past.

Toyota/Save Mart 350 prop picks

KEVIN HARVICK TOP-10 FINISH (+140)

Harvick at plus-money for a top-10 finish should be a steal. He has managed a victory with 6 top-5 finishes and 10 top-10 runs in 20 career Cup starts at Sonoma, leading 95 laps. His 13.2 AFP leads all active drivers with a minimum of 5 Cup starts at the track, too.

ERIK JONES TOP-10 FINISH (+150)

Jones is a bargain at plus-money for a top-10 run. Above, we touched on his success at this track in his previous 4 Cup starts. He leads all drivers with a 12.8 AFP, and he has been in the top-10 twice. He was 9th on the road course at COTA in late March, and he was 11th at Sonoma last season. This is a bet worth making.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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2022 Enjoy Illinois 300 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s 2022 Enjoy Illinois 300 odds at Madison, Ill., with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series comes to World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Ill., Sunday for the 2022 Enjoy Illinois 300 presented by TicketSmarter. The green flag is set to drop a little after 3:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below we analyze the 2022 Enjoy Illinois 300 odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

Sunday’s race is scheduled for 240 laps and 300 miles at World Wide Technology Raceway. This is the debut NASCAR Cup Series event at the track just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis.

While we have no prior track history to draw from, this is a short track race, so we’ll be using drivers who are particularly strong on tracks like Bristol, Richmond, etc. … The drivers did practice Friday, getting their collective feet wet at the new track.

WWT is a flat track, so we’ll also look at drivers who are fairly decent at flats like Phoenix, as well as New Hampshire. All 4 turns are completely different, too, so it will make for a unique event.

2022 Enjoy Illinois 300: What you need to know

  • Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin is a driver who has excelled at both New Hampshire and Phoenix, tracks we believe will be fairly similar to WWT. In fact, Hamlin has 5 combined victories in 62 starts at the two flat tracks.
  • Kevin Harvick is another driver who has dominated on flats, including 9 career victories at Phoenix Raceway. He should find the confines of World Wide Technology Raceway to his liking.
  • Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman is a driver to avoid this week. He has struggled over the years at both New Hampshire and Phoenix, posting a 23.2 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in 10 starts at NHMS, and 23.1 AFP in 14 career Phoenix runs.
  • Penske Racing drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney were 1-2 in practice Friday, with Logano topping the charts at 136.753 mph.
  • Kurt Busch was the top Toyota, checking in 4th at 136.096 mph, while Erik Jones was the best Chevy at 136.001 mph.
  • RKF Racing’s Chris Buescher will sit out after testing positive for COVID-19. Zane Smith will step in to drive the No. 17 Ford during Buescher’s absence. Smith finished 26th in practice Friday at 134.332 mph.

[tipico]

Enjoy Illinois 300 – Expert picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:38 a.m. ET.

BLANEY, teammate Logano and Stewart-Haas Racing’s Chase Briscoe, who is starting on the pole, are the favorites, each listed at 9-to-1.

However, I really like BLANEY (+900) here. He certainly looked comfortable on the track in practice.

JOEY LOGANO (+900) is also a strong value based on the practice results.

Both are STRONG PLAYS Sunday.

Enjoy Illinois 300 picks – Long shot

KEVIN HARVICK (+3000) has been a stud on flat tracks over his career. While he was rather mediocre in practice, checking in 15th with a 135.176 mph speed, he is worth a roll of the dice.

Enjoy Illinois 300 prop picks

RYAN BLANEY TOP-5 FINISH (-110)

Blaney obviously doesn’t pay nearly as well for a top-5 finish as he does to win the race outright, but this is still a pretty decent price at near even-money.

JOEY LOGANO TOP-5 FINISH (+125)

Logano topped the practice charts Friday, and he is a strong play at plus-money to finish inside the top 5. In fact, Fords dominated the practice session Friday, posting the 3 best times, all over 136.104 mph.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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2022 Coca-Cola 600 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s 2022 Coca-Cola 600 odds at Charlotte Motor Speedway, with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series comes to Charlotte Motor Speedway Sunday for the 2022 Coca-Cola 600. The green flag is set to drop a little after 6 p.m. ET (FOX). Below we analyze the 2022 Coca-Cola 600 odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

Sunday’s race is scheduled for 400 laps and 600 miles at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson won last season’s Coca-Cola 600, the longest race of the NASCAR Cup Series schedule.

Chevrolet’s Chase Elliott took the checkers in the 2020 installment. Chevrolet has 4 wins in the last 8 Charlotte tri-oval races, including three of the past six 600s.

Martin Truex Jr. has a pair of victories in the last 6 Charlotte tri-oval races, including the 600 in May 2019, and the now-discontinued fall race at a shorter distance in 2017.

2022 Coca-Cola 600: What you need to know

  • Kevin Harvick and Truex Jr. have posted 3 career wins at Charlotte, tied for most among active drivers.
  • Tyler Reddick leads all active drivers with a 10.3 Average-Finish Position (AFP) at Charlotte in 3 career starts. He has never finished lower than 14th, totaling 6 laps led.
  • Kyle Busch has 1 win in 33 career Cup starts at Charlotte, and his 1,450 laps led is the most among all active drivers. However, he also leads all drivers with six DNFs. His brother Kurt Busch has the second-most DNFs with 5.
  • Denny Hamlin has posted a 12.3 AFP in 30 career starts at CMS, including 10 finishes inside the Top 5.

[tipico]

Coca-Cola 600 – Expert picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 8:54 a.m. ET.

CHASE ELLIOTT (+700) has the third-shortest odds behind Kyle Larson (+600) and Kyle Busch (+650). Elliott is the best bet, however, posting a win with 5 finishes inside the Top 5 in 10 career Cup starts at Charlotte. His 11.9 AFP is best among all active drivers with at least 4 Cup starts there, too.

DENNY HAMLIN (+1200) is a value play at this price. He has never won at Charlotte, but he has a tremendous 12.3 AFP in 30 career Cup starts with 19 of his finishes resulting in 10th or better. He also has just 2 DNFs, so he finishes what he starts.

Coca-Cola 600 picks – Long shot

Penske Racing’s JOEY LOGANO (+2000) has some rather high odds given his solid numbers in Charlotte in the past. He has 23 career Cup starts there and won the summer race at Charlotte in Aug. 2015, although that wasn’t the Coca-Cola 600. Logano has also registered six top-5 runs and 11 top-10 finishes with 331 laps led while posting a 12.4 AFP.

Logano has been on a heater later, too, posting a win at Darlington, while ending up 4th or better in 4 of his last 7 starts overall, including a runner-up at Martinsville.

Coca-Cola 600 prop picks

DENNY HAMLIN TOP-5 FINISH (+150)

Hamlin is still a nice value for a top-5 finish. He has a runner-up finish under his belt in 30 career Cup starts in Charlotte, and he has been 5th or better on 10 of his 30 starts at the track.

He had a runner-up finish during the COVID season in a Thursday night race in 2020, rallying after starting 29th in a race during which he never led a single lap.

ROSS CHASTAIN TOP-10 FINISH (-170)

The TrackHouse Racing driver has finished 7th or better in 3 of his last 4 points races in the Cup Series. Chastain will also have some momentum after winning Friday’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 in double overtime for his 4th-career Trucks Series checkered flag.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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2022 AdventHealth 400 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s 2022 AdventHealth 400 odds at Kansas Speedway, with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series comes to Kansas Speedway Sunday for the 2022 AdventHealth 400. The green flag is set to drop a little after 3 p.m. ET (FS1). Below we analyze the 2022 AdventHealth 400 odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

Sunday’s race is scheduled for 267 laps and 400 miles at Kansas Speedway. Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson won the most recent stop at this track last October, while Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch won the 2021 spring stop.

Prior to those two, it was Penske Racing driver Joey Logano, last week’s winner at Darlington, who brought his Ford to Victory Lane. Each of the three manufacturers has a checkered flag in the last 3 Cup races at Kansas.

Logano’s win last weekend at the Goodyear 400 at Darlington made him the 10th driver to pick up a victory this season. Hendrick’s William Byron and TrackHouse Racing’s Ross Chastain are the only 2-time winners this season.

2022 AdventHealth 400: What you need to know

  • Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick and Logano have managed 3 career wins at Kansas, tied for most among active drivers.
  • Harvick leads all drivers with an 8.9 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in 32 career Cup starts, finishing inside the Top 5 on 12  occasions. He also leads all drivers with 949 laps led.
  • Hendrick’s Chase Elliott, winner of the Fall 2018 race at Kansas, is 2nd to Harvick with a 9.8 AFP in 12 Cup starts with half of his runs resulting in a top-5 finish.

[tipico]

AdventHealth 400 – Expert picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:37 a.m. ET.

CHASE ELLIOTT (+1200) is a value play, tied with the Hamlin at this price level. Elliott picked up the win at Dover, and has 5 consecutive top-10 finishes dating back to Martinsville in early April. He has been running hot, and has also enjoyed plenty of success at Kansas Speedway over the years.

It’s impossible to ignore LOGANO (+2000) at this price level. He is coming off a win last weekend at Darlington, much to the chagrin of Byron. Will the Hendrick Motorsports driver retaliate this weekend and knock Logano off track? That’s about the only concern with a Logano pick, which is a huge value at this price point.

AdventHealth 400 picks – Long shot

RFK Racing’s BRAD KESELOWSKI (+10000) has really struggled this season, his first campaign out from under the Penske umbrella. He hasn’t had a top-10 run since Daytona, and was a season-worst 34th at Darlington last weekend, while his former teammate Logano was celebrating in Victory Lane.

With all that being said, Keselowski has 2 wins at Kansas in 24 career starts, and he is 3rd among all active drivers with an 11.5 AFP. The odds are ludicrous, given his past success, even if he is in inferior equipment this season. Even a $1-5 bet on the No. 6 machine can net a tidy little profit.

AdventHealth 400 prop pick

BRAD KESELOWSKI TOP-10 FINISH (+140)

Keselowski’s difficult season continued last week, as he sunk like a stone to a season-worst 34th at “The Lady In Black.” However, he has had a modicum of success at Kansas in the past, and could be worth a play at plus-money here.

KURT BUSCH TOP-10 FINISH (+110)

The elder Busch Bro is also a solid play for a top-10 run at plus-money. He has never won at Kansas, but sits 8th among all active drivers with a 15.5 AFP. In 32 of his Cup starts, he has placed inside the Top 10 on 13 occasions while leading 276 laps.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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2022 Goodyear 400 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s 2022 Goodyear 400 odds at Darlington, with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Darlington Raceway Sunday for the 2022 Goodyear 400. The green flag is set to drop a little after 3:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below we analyze the 2022 Goodyear 400 odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

This is the first of two stops at Darlington, with the first Round of 16 race in the playoffs set for Sept. 4 in the Cook Out Southern 500.

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Martin Truex Jr. won this race last May with an average speed of 123.562 mph. The victory completed a JGR season sweep at the track as teammate Denny Hamlin took the checkered flag in the September race.

Hamlin’s win was his second in his last 4 Darlington runs – and third in his last 8 races – at “The Lady In Black.”

Hamlin and MTJ could have a new teammate, albeit temporarily, as Kyle Busch is on “Baby Watch.” His wife Samantha is due to give birth to their second child any day now, so Trevor Bayne is on standby and would hop behind the wheel of the No. 18 if Busch leaves to join his wife.

2022 Goodyear 400: What you need to know

  • Hendrick Motorsports driver and 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson leads all active drivers with a 5.5 Average-Finish Position (AFP). He has 8 Cup starts at Darlington and has led 656 laps but has never won. He has 3 consecutive 2nd-place runs among his 5 top-5 finishes.
  • Hamlin leads all active drivers with 4 Darlington victories, and his 7.1 AFP is second only to Larson. Hamlin has 11 top-5 finishes among his 15 top-10 showings in 19 Cup starts at Darlington.
  • Hendrick’s William Byron has struggled at this track, posting a 20.9 AFP with just 3 laps led in 7 Cup starts. Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain, who is having a nice season, is just ahead of Byron with a 20.6 AFP in 5 cup starts, tied with JGR’s Christopher Bell in the same amount of starts.

[tipico]

Goodyear 400 – Expert picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 7:21 p.m. ET.

KYLE LARSON (+480) is the chalk (favorite). I suggest backing him despite the fact he has no victories at Darlington. He has been about as dominant as possible, and he has never finished lower than 14th in his 8 Cup starts here.

We can’t overlook HAMLIN (+750) at this price, either. He has been tremendous at Darlington. It wouldn’t be a shock seeing the No. 11 machine pulling into Victory Lane for a 5th time.

Goodyear 400 picks – Long shot

Richard Childress Racing driver AUSTIN DILLON (+4000) is worth a roll of the dice at this price. Like Larson, Dillon doesn’t have a Darlington win. He has a pair of top-5 finishes among 4 top-10 runs, including  a runner-up finish in 11 career Cup starts at the track. His 12.2 AFP is seventh among all active drivers, too.

A better play might be DILLON TOP-10 FINISH (+150), something he has done on 4 separate occasions here.

Goodyear 400 prop pick

BRAD KESELOWSKI TOP-10 FINISH (+250)

It has been a trying season for Keselowski, but this is a solid track for the Michigan native. He has a win with 8 finishes inside the top 10 in 16 career Darlington starts. He has an 11.1 AFP, which ranks 5th among all active drivers.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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2022 DuraMAX Drydene 400 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s 2022 DuraMAX Drydene 400 odds at Dover, with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to Dover Motor Speedway Sunday for the 2022 DuraMAX Drydene 400. The green flag is set to drop a little after 3 p.m. ET (FS1). Below we analyze the 2022 DuraMAX Drydene 400 odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

After a thrilling GEICO 500 last weekend on the superspeedway at Talladega, it’s back to the concrete surface in Delaware’s capital city at DMS, most affectionately known as the “Monster Mile.”

Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman won last season’s lone stop at Dover. NASCAR switched to a one-race schedule at this track in 2021, moving the other date to Nashville Superspeedway, also a Speedway Motorsports, Inc. venue. In fact, that’s why this track was rebranded from Dover International Speedway to Dover Motor Speedway, due to the recent ownership change.

Dover is one of just two tracks on the schedule with a concrete surface. Bristol, which is the other, was the site of the recent 2022 Food City Dirt Race, so Sunday is just one of two concrete races this season.

2022 DuraMAX Drydene 400: What you need to know

  • Hendrick Motorsports driver and 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson leads all active drivers with a 7.0 Average-Finish Position (AFP) in 13 career starts at Dover, winning once with 10 top 10s and 880 laps led.
  • Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr., from nearby New Jersey, won his first NASCAR Cup Series race at this track back in 2007. He considers this his home track.
  • MTJ, Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick lead all active drivers with 3 checkered flags apiece at Dover. Truex Jr. has an 11.7 AFP with 18 finishes inside the top 10 in 31 career Cup starts.

[tipico]

DuraMAX Drydene 400 – Expert picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 5:46 p.m. ET.

Hendrick’s KYLE LARSON (+425) is the chalk (favorite). He represents a tremendous value on the concrete. As mentioned above, he leads all active drivers with a ridiculous 7.0 AFP in 13 career Cup starts, finishing inside the top 10 on 10 different occasions.

Larson’s teammate CHASE ELLIOTT (+550) also represents a nice value. Chevrolet looks to go to Victory Lane for a second straight race, and the No. 9 might be the one to do it. He has a win, eight top-5 runs and 321 laps led in just 11 career Cup starts in Dover.

DuraMAX Drydene 400 picks – Long shot

Stewart-Haas Racing driver COLE CUSTER (+10000) is definitely a long-shot worth taking. Just a $1 bet can net $100 if he is able to pull off the victory.

Custer has been a quick study on the concrete of Dover, posting two top-10 finishes and a 10.3 AFP in his three career Cup starts, second only to Larson among active drivers when it comes to AFP. He has never finished lower than 11th here, either, going 10th, 11th and 18th in his three runs.

DuraMAX Drydene 400 prop picks

CHEVROLET TOP MANUFACTURER (-120)

When Ross Chastain took checkers at the GEICO 500 last week in Talladega, he also brought Chevrolet to Victory Lane. Chevy has dominated Dover over the years and has been to Victory Lane in three of the past six Dover races.

TRUEX JR. – GROUP 1 WINNER

Take TRUEX JR. (+260) in the Group 1 block against Elliott (+260), Bowman (+260) and William Byron (+240).

This is a competitive group, and Bowman is the defending champ at Dover. But MTJ has always loved racing at his hometown track, and this price is a tremendous value.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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2022 GEICO 500 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s 2022 2022 GEICO 500 at Talladega, with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to Talladega Superspeedway Sunday for the 2022 GEICO 500. The green flag is set to drop a little after 3 p.m. ET (FOX). Below we analyze the 2022 GEICO 500 odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

It’s time for the second superspeedway race of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season, and it’s always a free-for-all at Talladega.

It’s wide open as far as potential winners, as the smaller teams have a much stronger chance at places like Daytona and Talladega than at the flat tracks, intermediate/tri-ovals and road courses.

23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace picked up checkers in a rain-shortened Talladega race last October. Before Wallace, the three previous Talladega winners were Brad Keselowski, Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney, who won back-to-back in June 2020 and October 2019 for Penske Racing. Keselowski, when he was with Penske Racing back then, won in his Ford in late April and Hamlin won in August 2022 for Joe Gibbs Racing.

However, in recent seasons we have seen Wallace, Aric Almirola (October 2018) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (May 2017) race to victories, while David Ragan won in May 2013. The playing field is leveled quite a bit, and some of the drivers with longer odds have a legitimate shot here.

2022 GEICO 500: What you need to know

  • Petty GMS Motorsports driver Ty Dillon leads all active drivers (minimum 2 starts) with a 12.0 Average-Finish Position (AFP), posting a top 5 among two top 10s and 10 laps led. His best finish at ‘Dega was a 3rd-place run in October 2020, and he has never been worse than 17th.
  • Stewart-Haas Racing’s Chase Briscoe, who spun Tyler Reddick on the final lap at last week’s Bristol Dirt Race as the two battled for the win, finished 11th and 14th last season in his first two Talladega Cup starts.
  • JTG Daugherty Racing’s Stenhouse Jr. has a win at this track, and the Mississippi native has 6 top-5 runs among 9 top 10s and 104 laps led with a 14.1 AFP in 17 career Cup starts at Talladega.
  • Keselowski, now with RFK Racing, leads all active drivers with 6 Talladega checkered flags, posting 9 top-5 finishes with 313 laps led in 26 career Cup starts with a 15.1 AFP.

[tipico]

GEICO 500 – Expert picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:17 p.m. ET.

Penske Racing’s JOEY LOGANO (+1200) is second behind former teammate Keselowski with 3 Talladega victories under his belt.

Logano last won at this track in the spring 2018 race, and a Ford has ended up on Victory Lane in 10 of the past 13 races at Talladega following Logano’s victory in Octoboer 2015.

In fact, you are in good shape playing either Logano or his teammate RYAN BLANEY (+1000), who has 2 wins among his 3 top-5 finishes with a 17.3 AFP. Penske usually is the team to beat at the Alabama superspeedway.

GEICO 500 picks – Long shot

RICKY STENHOUSE JR. (+3000) has some amazingly long odds given his solid track record at Talladega, so let’s take advantage.

As mentioned, Stenhouse won at Talladega back in May 2017, and 9 of his 17 career starts at the track have resulted in top-10 finishes.

However you construct your ticket this weekend, Stenhouse Jr. should be part of ir.

GEICO 500 prop picks

CHASE BRISCOE TOP-10 FINISH

BRISCOE (-190) was one turn short of cashing a ticket as a top-10 finisher last week on the dirt at Bristol before he got tangled up with Reddick. Briscoe showed out in his first 2 forays on the superspeedway last season, going for finishes of 11th and 14th.

His price is a bit high, but there’s a good chance he places top 10 as long as he avoids getting collected in “The Big One.”

TY DILLON TOP-10 FINISH

DILLON (+210) has had amazing success, as mentioned above, finishing 17th or better in his 8-career Cup starts. The driver of the No. 42 Chevrolet isn’t likely to win, as lately it’s a Ford thing at ‘Dega, but Dillon might be right there challenging in the end for a top-10 showing.

COREY LAJOIE TOP-10 FINISH

The Spire Motorsports driver LAJOIE (+250) has had some solid runs so far this season. He started 24th at the Daytona 500, and worked his way up to a 14th-place finish on the superspeedway to open the season. He managed an 11th-place run in the Duel No. 2 during Speedweeks. He had a respectable 15th at Las Vegas, and brought it home 5th at Atlanta after starting 33rd.

LaJoie was 16th in the June 2020 race at Talladega, and 7th in the October 2019 run at this track. This wager is anything but a guarantee, but it’s a solid value.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]

2022 Food City Dirt Race odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s 2022 Food City Dirt Race at Bristol, with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to Bristol Motor Speedway for Sunday night’s 2022 Food City Dirt Race. The green flag is set to drop a little after 7 p.m. ET (FOX). Below we analyze the 2022 Food City Dirt Race odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

NASCAR elected to change Bristol’s spring race to a dirt surface last March. It was the first time the Cup Series ran on dirt since the 1970 season.

Penske Racing’s Joey Logano came away with the victory last spring, a race shortened to 253 laps due to heavy rains and flash flooding in the area. The average speed was just 46.313 mph.

You can expect faster speeds Sunday night as NASCAR learned quite a bit about running these type cars on a dirt surface. Mud flaps were installed on the NextGEN cars this weekend, too.

2022 Food City Dirt Race: What you need to know

  • Normally we’d look at Average-Finish Position, top-5 and top-10 finishes from a track, but that’s all out the window on a dirt surface. Instead, we’ll simply look back to last season’s inaugural dirt run to see who was more comfortable and who was an unmitigated disaster.
  • Manufacturer didn’t mean much on the dirt, as Ford was first, Chevrolet was second and a Toyota ran third.
  • Logano led the final 61 laps of the rain-delayed event, holding off Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Denny Hamlin for the victory. Logano beat Stenhouse by .554 seconds en route to the checkered flag.
  • Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez and Roush Fenway Racing’s Ryan Newman rounded out the top 5. Newman isn’t even in the field this season.

[tipico]

Food City Dirt Race – Expert pick

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:31 a.m. ET.

It would be a little lazy to go with Logano, who won last season’s rain-shortened event. It will be interesting to see who can win this year on Easter night in a full 500-lap race.

I like the favorite here. Expect Hendrick Motorsports’ KYLE LARSON (+380), the 2021 Cup Series champion, to pick up checkers this weekend. It hasn’t been that long since he was racing on dirt tracks on a regular basis. He picked up a Truck Series win at Eldora Speedway on the dirt surface in 2016, and regularly drove the surfaces in the lower levels.

Larson was 29th last season in this event, but it was a new event, delayed and muddy. Conditions will be more optimal, and he will take advantage.

Food City Dirt Race picks – Long shot

RICKY STENHOUSE JR. (+2000) was the runner-up on this dirt surface last season in a race which was an absolute mess.

Stenhouse, like Larson, has a long history of racing on dirt tracks, starting out on the surface in 2003 while also seeing dirt tracks rather frequently at the lower levels.

He reportedly likes it, is excited about the track and is basically the opposite of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch, who would rather race on the moon than on dirt.

Food City Dirt Race prop picks

Note: As of this publishing, top-10 finish odds were not posted yet. Below are suggested plays if and when they get posted.

CHASE BRISCOE TOP-10 FINISH

Briscoe is a tremendous play this weekend. The Stewart-Haas Racing driver has been in midget and sprint cars on a dirt surface for a long time. He and teammate Cole Custer will make dirt legend and team owner Tony Stewart proud with solid finishes this weekend. Briscoe was second in Friday’s first practice session.

COLE CUSTER TOP-10 FINISH

Custer is worth a look for a second consecutive weekend. He picked up the pole in qualifying Saturday, and will have the all-important first choice of pit stalls, too. There are several advantages of picking first, as he’ll be in a stall which isn’t up against two cars on either side, but with an opening in front. That extra room makes a huge difference.

TYLER REDDICK TOP-10 FINISH

Reddick ended up seventh in the dirt race in 2021. He has a lengthy history of racing on dirt. Reddick led the first practice session with a best speed of 89.925 on Friday.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]

2022 Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s 2022Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400, with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to Martinsville Speedway for Saturday’s 2022 Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400. The green flag is set to drop a little after 7:30 p.m. ET (FOX Sports 1). Below we analyze the 2022 Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400 odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott led Friday’s qualifying session to win the pole for Saturday’s Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400 in Martinsville. He also led the practice session on Friday, too.

Stewart-Haas Racing’s Aric Almirola and Cole Custer were second and third in the practice in qualifying, respectively. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell was the top Toyota in qualifying, and he’ll go off seventh.

JGR’s Denny Hamlin, the winner of last weekend’s race in Richmond, struggled in qualifying, posting a speed of 94.289 mph. He’ll start 25th.

2022 Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400: What you need to know

  • Hamlin struggled in qualifying, but he heads into Saturday’s race with a 10.2 Average-Finish Position (AFP) to lead all active drivers. He also leads all drivers with five wins in 32 Cup starts at Martinsville, with half of his starts resulting in a finish of fifth or better.
  • Brad Keselowski is right on Hamlin’s heels with a 10.8 AFP in 24 career Cup starts at Martinsville, posting two wins and 12 Top 5 finishes with 891 laps led.
  • Penske Racing’s Ryan Blaney has never won at Martinsville, but he has a runner-up finish. In 12 career Cup starts there he has a 10.8 AFP to rank third among all drivers, and 11 of his 12 starts have been 20th or better.

[tipico]

Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400 – Expert picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott is the chalk at +450. He was super impressive while leading Friday’s practice session and qualifying session, and he’s a great play for a chance to more than quadruple up.

Elliott already has one win in 13 career Cup starts at Martinsville, posting five finishes in the Top 5 and seven finishes in the Top 10 with 718 laps led.

Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400 picks – Long shot

ARIC ALMIROLA (+2000) was so-so in Friday’s practice session, posting a 94.092 mph to rank 12th. He was more impressive in qualifying, rolling to 95.641 mph to end up right on the heels of Elliott. As such, he will start on the outside of Row 1.

Almirola has really improved on short tracks at Bristol and Richmond, but he has struggled over the years at Martinsville. In 26 career Cup starts he has just one finish in the Top 5, and six finishes in the Top 10. However, he looked good Friday, and a $5 wager pays $100. Why not take a chance?

Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief 400 prop picks

While a Chevrolet (+115) is on the pole thanks to Hendrick’s Elliott, watch out for FORD (+250) in Martinsville. Ford drivers qualified second, third, fourth and sixth for Saturday’s race, and that’s the best bet for a manufacturer win.

Take a shot on STEWART-HAAS RACING (+750) for the team race winner bet. Almirola, Custer and Kevin Harvick will each start inside the Top 6 drivers. Five of the past six winners at Martinsville have started eighth or higher.

COLE CUSTER TOP 10 FINISH (+260) is worth a roll of the dice. He goes off third. While he has a 20.8 AFP in four career Cup starts at the paper clip, he looked very good in practice and qualifying.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]

2022 Toyota Owners 400 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s 2022 Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond, with NASCAR odds, picks and predictions.

The NASCAR Cup Series moves to Richmond Raceway for Sunday’s 2022 Toyota Owners 400. The green flag is set to drop a little after 3:30 p.m. ET (on FOX).

Below we analyze the 2022 Toyota Owners 400 odds and lines, with NASCAR picks and predictions.

Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin have burned up the track at Richmond Raceway, and it’s likely a JGR Toyota will make noise this weekend.

The younger Busch brother leads all active drivers with 6 wins and 18 top-5 finishes in 32 career Cup starts in the Virginia race, posting 25 runs of 10th or better with 1,528 laps led.

Right on his heels, Chesterfield, Va., native Hamlin has 3 victories with a series-best 2,108 laps led at the short track. He has 15 top-5 finishes in 30 career starts, while posting an 8.77 Average-Finish Position (AFP).

2022 Toyota Owners 400: What you need to know

  • Kyle Busch led all drivers in Saturday’s first practice session with a top speed of 119.691 mph, edging out Chris Buescher’s 119.321 mph.
  • JGR’s Christopher Bell was 4th in practice Saturday with a speed of 118.817 mph. He is actually 2nd among all active drivers with a 7.33 AFP in 3 career Cup starts.
  • Kevin Harvick is one of 7 active drivers with at least 2 wins at Richmond. He has a solid 10.05 AFP with 15 top-5 runs and 27 top-10 finishes in his 41 career Cup starts while turning 1,180 laps in front.

[tipico]

Toyota Owners 400 – Expert picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:55 a.m. ET.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott, JGR’s Martin Truex Jr. and Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney are the chalk, all at +750. Elliott has never won in 12 career Cup starts at Richmond, and there are better values to be had.

Truex has 3 Richmond victories, including last September. His other wins here were in 2019. He has 14 top-10 finishes, including 8 top-5’s in 31 career Cup races on the Virginia track.

RYAN BLANEY (+750) is on the pole for the 2nd consecutive weekend, and the 3rd time overall this season. He had a top qualifying speed of 119.782 mph, edging out William Byron (119.585).

His Penske teammate JOEY LOGANO (+1000) is one of the better values. Logano has a pair of wins in 25 career Cup starts at Richmond, posting 12 finishes inside the top 5, too.

KYLE BUSCH (+900) and HAMLIN (+1000) have rather long odds given their tremendous success in the past at this track. They should be included in some fashion on your bet slips.

Toyota Owners 400 picks – Contender

CHRISTOPHER BELL (+1300) offers a decent value, and no, this isn’t a recording.

We’ve been touting Bell as a long-shot pick for several weeks now. A late penalty cost him a strong showing in Atlanta. However, he has been a quick study at Richmond, and could surprise.

In 3 career Cup starts at Richmond, Bell has rung up finishes of 3rd, 4th and 15th at this track, and has led 10 laps. There is just something about Richmond which Bell gets.

Toyota Owners 400 picks – Long shot

ARIC ALMIROLA (+3000) is also worth a roll of the dice. He has 19 career Cup starts with just 2 top-5 runs here, but he has a 14.95 AFP which is 9th-best among all active drivers. At this price, he is an amazing value play.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1950]