2010 Irwin Tools Night Race Predictions
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
Last week points leader Kevin Harvick took home the checkered flag at the Carfax 400 for his third win of the season, pushing his lead over Jeff Gordan to 293 points. This week the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Bristol Motor Speedway for the 2010 Irwin Tools Night Race, the second of two races held at Bristol Motor Speedway. The other race held at this track is the Food City 500, won earlier this year by Jimmie Johnson. Last year it was Kyle Busch won the race at this event, snapping a two year winning streak held by Carl Edwards. The race is set for Saturday night under the lights, and you can catch the race on ABC.
There are only three races left in the Race for the Chase, and there is quite a battle for the final spot between Clint Bowyer and Mark Martin. Heading into the race this weekend, Bowyer holds just a 35 point lead over Martin for the 12th and final spot. To help you get going on the race this weekend, here is a look at the three drivers I feel have the best shot at making their way to victory lane this weekend.
Jimmie Johnson: The No.48 car is a threat to win every time it makes its way onto the track, as Jimmie Johnson has dominated the Sprint Cup Series over the last four years. I already mentioned that Johnson has a win at this track earlier this season, and it just so happened to be his first ever at Bristol. Johnson has four other wins under his belt this season. After winning back to back races at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 and the Lenox Industrial Tools 301, Johnson has really struggled to get anything going, as his best finish is 10th in his last six starts. I believe that all changes this weekend as Johnson figures to be right there with a chance to win when the race is coming to an end. Bet Johnson +500 to win at BetUS.com.
Carl Edwards: Edwards currently sits pretty safe in the points standings at No.6, but I don’t think he is going to be content with just coasting to the finish line in the final three races before the final 12 are set. Edwards has raced well at Bristol with two career wins, but has really struggled to find the checkered flag this season, as he has yet to win the race, and has just five top five finishes. I think Edwards makes a statement this weekend and he is right there with Johnson as my favorite to win this race. Bet Edwards +900 to win at BetUS.com.
Matt Kenseth: If you are looking for a driver with a little better odds to bet on, I think you have to go with the No.17 car of Kenseth. Like Edwards Kenseth has two career wins at Bristol, winning this event in 2005 and 2006. Kenseth is coming in off a strong performance last week at the Carfax 400, where he finished 5th. Kenseth also raced well at the Food City 500 earlier this season taking home a 5th place finish. If you are looking for a solid sleeper this weekend, this is your guy. Bet Kenseth +1800 to win at BetUS.com.
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