2009 Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Predictions
Written June 25, 2009 by Jason Lowry
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is headed to London, New Hampshire for the 2009 running of the Lenox Industrial Tools 301. This is the 17th race of the season and just 10 races away from the Chase for the Championship, where the top 12 drivers will battle it out for the championship. Last week Kasey Kahne helped out his chances of making the final 12 with his win last week at the Toyota/Save Mart 350. After racing on a difficult road course last week many drivers should be relieved that they are back on a much more normal track at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Kurt Busch is the defending champion at this event, and not only will he be looking to win his 2nd race of the season, but really secure himself in the top 12. Here is a look at the top 3 drivers I feel have the best shot at winning this weekend.
Jimmie Johnson +500 to win at Sportsbook.com: Jimmie Johnson comes in pretty safe when it comes to the point standings, and that should be no surprise with the way this guy has dominated over his career. Johnson has has two wins at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, both coming in the two races held at this track in 2003. While Johnson might not have very many checkered flags here of late, he has been right there with a chance to win, including last year where he came in 2nd at this race. Johnson will also be looking for his third win of the season this weekend, as he already wins at the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 and the Autism Speaks 400. Johnson is a threat to win each and every weekend he gets into a race car, and I have a pretty good feeling that he will do just that this week at the Lenox Industrial Tools 301.
Mark Martin +800 to win at Sportsbook.com: Martin is the driver out of these three that really needs to do well this weekend, as he is sitting in 11th place only 12 points away from 13th and out of the picture. After a pretty slow start Martin has really came alive in the middle of the season, including a stretch where he finished 7th or better in six of seven starts, including wins at the Subway Fresh Fit 500 and the Southern 500. His win at the Subway Fresh Fit 500 give a pretty good indication that this guy should really race well this weekend, as the tracks are very similar. Another track that resembles New Hampshire Motor Speedway is Richmond Speedway, and Martin had a solid 5th place finish at the Crown Royal 400. Martin might not be the biggest name on the track this weekend, but this veteran has really came on and I think he has a great shot at winning the race this weekend.
Kurt Busch +1500 to win at Sportsbook.com: Busch has raced pretty well this season with eight top 10 finishes, including his win early in the season at the Kobalt Tools 500. Though Busch has won this race just once, he has won three times at this track throughout his career. Busch followed up his won here last year with a 6th place finish at this track later in the season. While many might think his brother Kyle is the guy to take this weekend, I think Kurt has a great chance of winning, and you get a lot better odds for your money.
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