Posted on 5/9/2008 6:19:44 PM

Online NASCAR Weekend Betting - Dodge Challenger 500 Picks

By Dave D

Let’s head to one of the more grueling tracks on the online betting NASCAR circuit as the Sprint Cup Series visits Darlington this week. The Dodge Challenger 500 is again a Saturday sports betting race so strap it up; here is this week’s six-pack. Don’t forget to get your mother’s a gift for this Sunday – Mother’s Day:

Denny Hamlin 7-1

So close, yet so far last week as Denny Hamlin led for 381 laps but couldn’t seal the deal because of a tire problem. Even Kyle Busch said after the race that Hamlin was the guy to beat and it was basically a nice bonus that he was taken out of the race.

Hamlin has placed 10th and 2nd in his two races at Darlington and if his car can perform like last week, he’ll be fine. One thing to watch out for is his shoulder. He injured it playing pickup basketball and has had trouble sleeping on it.

Carl Edwards 6-1

Carl Edwards is a solid pick for this week. In four starts at Darlington, he has three top-10 finishes. Edwards has been solid all season outside of the restrictor plate races. He has three wins and four other top-10 finishes.

Kyle Busch 4.5-1

Busch doesn’t have the greatest history at Darlington, but he’s got the best history this year. With 1495 points, he’s tops in the Sprint Cup standings and – quite obviously – has been one of the most consistent drivers this year. His rivalry with Dale Earnhardt Jr. is starting to heat up, which further adds to his star power. He’s just racing really well right now and would likely be competitive on any track at this point.

Jeff Gordon 8-1

I debated whether to add Gordon to this pack simply because he’s been inconsistent this year and kind of like the New York Yankees, you aren’t getting good value because of his name. But he came from the back of the pack to finish ninth at Richmond last week and I’m hoping that he builds on his performance. Listen, the guy has seven wins on this track so you have to figure that he’ll be near the front of the pack.

Ryan Newman 33-1

Ryan Newman has openly stated that this is one of the toughest tracks on the schedule, so maybe he’ll be prepared to win it. Newman has finished among the top six in four of his past five races here. He also finished fourth at Darlington last year. As my long shot of the week, I like him to be in the mix.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 4.5-1

After his run-in with Kyle Busch last week, which likely prevented him from a win at Richmond, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be looking to end his prolonged victory drought against this week. The good news is that he has six top-10 finishes on this track in 13 tries and placed eighth or higher in his last three. It’s his first go with Hendrick on this track and with a sour taste from last week, he’ll be at least top-10 this week.

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