Posted on 9/10/2007 4:19:55 PM

NASCAR Betting - Field Set For Cup Chase

By D.S. Williamson

The field is set for the Nextel Cup Chase after Jimmie Johnson won his second race in a row last Saturday night. BetUS match-up NASCAR betting odds should get very interesting as all twelve drivers within the chase look to race smart instead of trying to win every race. That makes betting on NASCAR extremely challenging but well worth it if you find the right match-up.

Here is a run-down of each driver from number 1 to number 12 and their match-up potential for betting profit.

1. Jimmie Johnson – He is hot. Flat-out on fire. If you bet against Jimmie make sure it’s with the right match-up which you likely will not get from now until the end of the Chase. No reason why Jimmie shouldn’t rack up his second straight Nextel Cup.

2. Jeff Gordon – If Jimmie falters, then his teammate could very well pick-up the pieces. Only one of two other drivers in the Chase who could take down Johnson. Depending on the match-up, Gordon could be an excellent bet, that is, if you don’t mind giving up more than normal juice. Still, Gordon is safe and sometimes a safe bet is better than a risky bet.

3. Tony Stewart – Another safe bet in match-up wagering. Doubt you will get the odds that were posted last Saturday, T. Stewart + 110 versus Denny Hamlin, but you might get something close. Against any driver, including Johnson, getting odds on Stewart is a good bet as Stewart has more heart than anyone in the Chase. The man will never quit. The second driver who can take down Johnson.

4. Carl Edwards – Could surprise at a price in match-up betting. Has been driving well lately, but doesn’t have the car, usually, that the top three do. Still, if you get good odds, he could make some noise.

5. Kurt Busch – Like Edwards, the elder Busch has been driving well. His car is another matter as it just isn’t firing the way it was earlier in the year. A few times the past few weeks Busch has had a chance to make money for NASCAR bettors in match-ups, with odds, but has failed to do so.

6. Denny Hamlin – When he’s in a great car, he drives as good as anybody, but what kind of car is he going to show up in? A tough wager no matter who he faces as he isn’t consistent enough to make noise in the Chase. Young Denny needs seasoning before becoming great in the Nextel Cup Series.

7. Martin Truex, Jr. – A tough driver who, under the right circumstances, could make astute NASCAR bettors a lot of money, but you have to pay attention to all the little details going up to the race. Can definitely fall apart on you and makes mistakes that causes him a number of places in his races. A good driver, but not great.

8. Matt Kenseth – Tough to recommend in any match-up as he usually doesn’t get the best match-up possible. Facing the likes of Johnson, Gordon, and Stewart means that Kenseth has to drive as well as they do in match-up betting. That usually doesn’t happen.

9. Kyle Busch – Won’t recommend at all as Kurt’s little brother tends to get hot-headed and make ridiculous mistakes out on the track. Unless you get terrific odds in match-up betting, maybe +200 or so, can’t recommend at all.

10. Jeff Burton – Everything has to line up well for Burton in match-up wagering before laying down money. That means great match-up NASCAR betting odds, terrific starting position, and good feeling. Usually, that never occurs.

11. Kevin Harvick – Now, here is a terrific driver with a better than decent car who could get great odds in match-up betting. Outside the top three, believe it or not, Harvick might be the best wager as he has proven to fight through adversity before and never, ever, quits on his car, his crew, or himself. Pay attention to the match-up wagers involving this driver.

12. Clint Bowyer – Rarely makes any noise and can’t recommend in any match-up situation as there doesn’t appear to be much going for him. Could get crushed by any of the eleven drivers ahead of him.

That’s the line-up for the Nextel Cup Chase! Always pay attention to history as well as reading the quotes from the drivers going up to the race in order to figure out how each driver’s car is doing. Match-up wagering on NASCAR is an art that requires an astute sports handicapping knowledge not found in other types of wagering. Keep that in mind as you place your wagers.

If you love motor sports, you’ll love to bet on NASCAR. In the BetUS.com online sportsbook, we have the latest NASCAR odds, futures and props for every race of the season. Join BetUS.com today and you’ll soon love how online sports betting makes each lap exciting.