NASCAR betting enthusiasts just might need five hundred cans of Pepsi to stay awake during another long, uneventful race that Fontana tends to create. The season has come down to two racers: Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards. ‘Concrete Carl’ has narrowed the gap to just 212 points, and has surpassed the fellow youngster in winnings.
Adding to the drama, the two were placed on probation after an in-race confrontation last week. However, these two aren’t the only inviting NASCAR wagers for California. Let’s take a look at the six picks for the Pepsi 500!
Jimmie Johnson
Last year, we were talking about how dominant Johnson was, and how he was the future of NASCAR. How quickly things can change, as even the best active driver at California is being overshadowed by the Big Two this weekend. Jimmie placed second here in the fall race, and won at Fontana last spring. His average finish at this track is a staggering 6.4! Don’t be blinded by Kyle and Carl, this guy might be the favorite!
David Ragan
A nice sleeper here, especially due to the fact that he’s driving a Roush car. His team has been more successful than any other at this track, and one can be assured that Ragan has learned a thing or two from the vets on his squad. He will need to take chances this week in order to make up ground on the final Chase spot, so he will be gunning for the win in the final 20 laps.
Jamie McMurray
If you only put money on Jamie McMurray once in your life, do it this week. In terms of statistics, half the time McMurray enters the track in California, he finishes in the Top 10. Moreover, a third of the time he starts here, he finishes in the Top 5. Play your percentages and make a smart bet on the No. 26 car this week
Kurt Busch
Don’t forget the older brother! No active driver has more poles at Fontana than Kurt, so he knows how to motor around this track. His last three finishes here are 7th, 9th and 13th. However, those were all races that occurred when Kurt was in contention and had to be wary of points. It’s an off year for him, which means he can now take chances and go for the checkered flag at all costs.
Kasey Kahne
Good value here after another miserable showing last week. The Gillette-Evernham car has six Top 10 finishes in only nine starts, including one win. You’re crazy if you think he’s not motivated to get out of this 40th place finish funk he’s in.
Mark Martin
The wily veteran is never a bad bet at Fontana—in fact, he’s never finished worse than 17th here in all his years, outside of two races. Martin has a knack for avoiding wrecks and staying in contention on these down force speedways. Check the stats: 1 win, 4 top 5's and 7 top 10's at California.
