Pocono 500 Preview

Jimmie Johnson is looking for back-to-back victories Sunday June 14, 2009 when NASCAR drivers start their engines upon Long Pond, Pennsylvania for the Pocono 500.

Best known for caution flags, lead changes and crashes, the  Pocono 500 is over a 3 turn track. The average lead change in a typical race at Pocono is 19.  There’s also been an average of 7.4 caution flags for every 30.3 laps since 2001.

Which drivers will have the advantage at Pocono, you ask?  The answer is simple: those that can stay out of trouble.

Here is a look at some of the better wagers to win the Pocono 500.

NASCAR:  Pocono 500 To Win

1. Jeff Gordon +800 – - Gordon’s average order of finish at Pocono is 10.3.  He also has 4 lifetime victories on the track.  Jeff will have to get past his 26th place finish last week in the Autism 400 but if he can do that, then he can win for the second time in 2009.

1. Tony Stewart +1200 – - The 1st place driver in the Sprint Cup Standings hasn’t won a race for points yet this year, but he could do it at Pocono because he’s been good enough for 14 top tens in his career.  He was very close last week in the Autism 400 when finishing 2nd.  For the price, Stewart is the best bet in the sportsbook.

1. Jimmie Johnson +450 – - Jimmie only has 2 victories at Pocono but his average order of finish, 9.8, means that he always drives well on the track.  He held off Stewart for the victory in the Autism last week and will be looking for his second straight victory.  He might just do it.

1. Kyle Busch +700 – - Busch’s 23rd place finish in the Autism Speaks last week was yet another disappointment for bettors.  He could be a big overlay in the Pocono 500 or he could be a huge bust.  It depends on how Kyle approaches the race as hot headedness will get you nowhere on this 3 turn track.
2. Carl Edwards +800 – - Edwards won a race on this track last year.  His 7th place finish last week means that he might finally be coming around.  With 2 victories at Pocono, Edwards knows how to traverse the strange layout.

1. Denny Hamlin +700 – - Hamlin was terrible in the Autism last week when finishing 36th.  He should bounce back this week as he has 2 victories and 4 top fives at Pocono.

Best Pocono 500 Long Shots

Kasey Kahne +1200 – - He’s not a huge long shot at +1200 but Kahne has a chance to pick up a victory at Pocono as he won this race last year.  Kahne’s 6th place finish in the Autism Speaks last week means that he’s driving well for win wager consideration in this.

Click Here for Pocono 500 Lines!