posted May 1, 2008 at 18:57 EST in NASCAR Free Picks

BetUS NASCAR odds on Hendrick Motorsports posting just one win after nine races would have been astronomical. After a dominating 2007 Sprint Cup campaign, in which Hendrick drivers won 18-of-36 races, Jimmie Johnson is the only horse among four in the Hendrick stable that's found Victory Lane this season.

Johnson's win came at Phoenix on April 12, but it's a small feat considering the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet took the checkers a series-best 10 times last year with 20 top-fives and 24 top-10s en route to a Sprint Cup championship.

There's much debate going around the NASCAR betting community as to why Hendrick is off to such a slow start. With Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Casey Mears being the remaining three of the Hendrick four horsemen, it's certainly not due to a lack of talent.

As crazy as it may sound, Hendrick Motorsports may not be struggling at all, as they continue to bust bankrolls owned by the NASCAR wagering public supporting them. It's very likely they aren't again dominating this season because other teams and drivers have caught up to Hendrick in terms of strength and competition.

That can be credited to the parity created by NASCAR and the new COT. There's been seven different drivers from three different teams that's claimed victory in 2008. As well, all four manufacturers competing in the Sprint Cup series has won.

The parity has leveled the playing field that Hendrick once sat atop a year ago. Parity also makes for a more bet friendly environment with heftier paydays, as underdogs with large returns have suddenly become a threat at each event, even to the big guns of Hendrick.

But before trying to break the bank with a dark horse by straying outside the Hendrick circle of favoritism in Saturday evening's Crown Royal Presents the Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond International Raceway, you should be well aware of the success Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. has had on the 0.75 miles D-shaped oval.

Johnson won both races at Richmond in 2007 and could easily three-peat on Saturday. In addition to his two wins, he's also posted three top-fives and same number of top-10s at Richmond. Johnson owns six career short track victories with a decent 13.2 average of finish. Win number two of the season is here for the taking as the favorite to win at +450.

If you bet on NASCAR you know Gordon can be dangerous at any track on any given weekend despite his recent struggles. The No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet has always been strong on short tracks. Gordon owns 15 career wins on short tracks that includes two at Richmond. Gordon, who finished fourth in this race last season, shouldn't be overlooked in this one because his first season victory is looming. You won't often get odds on Gordon to win at +1000.

Earnhardt Jr. has also had success at Richmond with three victories. Last year, he finished a respectable 13th in this race. Earnhardt Jr. is riding a 71-race winless streak that begin on this very track. His last victory came at Richmond in the spring race of 2006. Wouldn't it be fitting for NASCAR's most popular driver to end the skid where it began? And, at +1000 to take the checkers. it's hard to turn down that type of betting value. Don't be surprised if you see the No. 88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet in Victory Lane on Saturday evening.

If you're looking beyond Hendrick Motorsports, try Joe Gibbs Racing's Tony Stewart, who's tied with Earnhardt Jr. for a Richmond-best three wins among active drivers. Stewart ran a respectable eighth in this race last year. Oddsmakers are giving the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota some respect to claim victory at +800.

Saturday evening's Crown Royal Presents the Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond under the lights will be a treat for those who wager on NASCAR. The green flag waves at 7:45pm EST.

Free NASCAR Picks: Jeff Gordon +1000

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