posted May 25, 2007 at 15:11 EST in NASCAR Free Picks

Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 is the longest race in distance on the Nextel Cup schedule. Engine durability will be crucial to winning and there's no team with stronger motors than Hendrick Motorsports.

Hendrick Motorsports has dominated the circuit in 2007, winning eight of 11 races, including the last four. In addition, Hendrick drivers Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch have won the first five races featuring the COT (Car of Tomorrow).

Last race, Gordon captured his third victory of the season at Darlington in the Dodge Avenger 500. Gordon's Chevrolet Impala began overheating in the latter stages of the race, just as he made his way to the lead. With steam pouring from beneath his hood, he was able to guide his machine to Victory Lane as the Hendrick engine showcased its strength by holding on to take the checkers.

The win built a commanding 231-point lead in the standings for Gordon, who has finished inside the top-10 in 10-of-11 races while finishing no lower than 12th this season. Gordon is leading the series in poles (6), top-five finishes (9) and top-10s (10).

 

Gordon's dominance earns bettor's respect and rightfully so. He has won the Coca-Cola 600 three times - most recently in 1998 - and has four career victories in 28 career starts at Charlotte.

Johnson ran third at Darlington, but still leads the series in victories with four on the year and has collected eight top-five finishes. He had won the Coca-Cola 600 three straight seasons before finishing second behind Kasey Kahne in this event last season, and also was runner-up to Kahne in the fall race at this track.

Kyle Busch continued his run of inconsistent performances with a 37th-place finish at Darlington for his third 37th-place finish in the last five races, but also has two top-5 finishes in that span. As well, this season he's collected three top-5 finishes and 6 top-10s. He struggled to 38th place in this event last season but finished sixth in the fall race.

Note: NASCAR announced this week that the COT will be appearing full-time in 2008.

Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 Selection: Jimmie Johnson - EV - To finish in the top-2

Year to date record following the Dodge Avenger 500: -$690

A running total of records will be provided throughout the season graded on $100 (units) wagers. So buckle up and enjoy the ride all year long.

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