2009 Chevy Rock and Roll 400 Predictions – Betting Preview + Picks + Odds
Race: Chevy Rock and Roll 400 – Richmond International Raceway
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2009
Time: 7:43 PM EST (scheduled Green Flag)
TV: 7:30 PM EST on ABC
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Preview: All eyes are on Richmond International Raceway this weekend as the Sprint Cup Series runs race number 26 of the 36-race season, its final event in the Race to the Chase. There are 13 drivers vying for the final 8 available spots in the Chase, with the most heated battle between Matt Kenseth, currently hanging on to the 12th or final Chase spot, Brian Vickers in 13th and Kyle Busch in 14th – all three separated by just 37 points.
Safe Bets:
1. Kyle Busch (+600): As noted above, Busch is fighting for his Chase life, currently 14th in points and trying to make the top 12. Not only will he be driving like he stole it Saturday night, but he’ll be bringing the best average finish among active drivers at Richmond with a 6.1, and he won the most recent race here in May.
2. Jimmie Johnson (+700): Johnson has won three of the last five Richmond races including two straight Chevy Rock & Roll 400s. He is tied with Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the most Richmond wins, but achieved his mark in fewer starts than the other two drivers.
Dark Horse:
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (+2000): Now that the Chase pressure is off, Earnhardt has nothing to lose by going for wins. And he has won at Richmond a series-high three times, most recently in 2006. The No. 88 team has been showing signs of life the past few weeks with two top-10s in the past three races.
Summary: Things will be rockin’ and rollin’ in Richmond Saturday night. Look for Tony Stewart to contend as well.
Becca Gladden is a freelance writer and race handicapper specializing in NASCAR.
