2009 Banking 500 Predictions – Betting Preview + Picks + Odds
Race: The “NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America” at Lowe’s Motor Speedway
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2009
Time: 7:41 PM EST (scheduled green flag)
TV: 7:00 PM EST on ABC
Preview: Most drivers and team members in NASCAR are happy when they race in Charlotte because they live in the area and get to spend time at home. This is the fifth race in the Chase and the only Saturday night race in the postseason. Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin, currently first and second in the points, qualified first and second for the race. Six of the top ten on the starting grid are Chase contenders and seven of the top ten are in Chevys.
Safe Bets:
1. Jimmie Johnson (+185): Let’s see – he’s won two of the last three races, is leading the points, starts on the pole, and is tied with Jeff Gordon for the most wins at Charlotte with five — only Johnson scored his in fewer than half the number of starts. He also has the best average finish here among drivers with more than one start with a 9.1. Johnson finished sixth in this race last year.
2. Mark Martin (+550): Until last week, Martin was sitting atop the Cup points and is tied with Johnson for wins on the season with five a piece. As noted, Johnson and Martin are sharing a front row start. Martin finished ninth in this race last year while still with DEI.
Dark Horse:
1. Carl Edwards (+2200): Though Edwards has not notched a win in Charlotte in the Cup series, he has won here in the Nationwide series and has four top-five finishes in nine Cup starts. Both Roush and Edwards are due for a win and Carl finished fourth here in May. Edwards should be in a good mood this weekend after recently getting to leave the cast and crutches behind for his injured right foot, and announcing that he and his wife are expecting a baby in February.
Summary: Lowe’s has favored GM drivers for the past several years and it will be a Hendrick car in Victory Lane again, until proven otherwise.
The 2009 Banking 500 Gambling! Open A Nascar Betting Acct. @ Betus – Get up to 145% in bonuses, + qualify for yearly Nascar Contests – CLICK HERE!…
Becca Gladden is a freelance writer and race handicapper specializing in NASCAR.
