2009 Tums Fast Relief 500 Predictions – Betting Preview + Picks + Odds
Race: Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway
Date: Sunday, October 25, 2009
Time: 1:43 PM EST (scheduled Green Flag)
TV: 1:30 PM EST on ABC
Preview: Historic Martinsville Speedway became the first paved short track in NASCAR history when the original half-mile dirt track was paved over in 1955. But the history of NASCAR racing here goes all the way back to the beginning of the sport, with the first race having been held in 1949, making a total of 121 Cup races now in the record books. The last Martinsville Cup race was held in March, won by Jimmie Johnson, though Denny Hamlin led the most laps.
Safe Bets:
1. Jimmie Johnson (+250): As I said last week, Johnson is the driver to beat the rest of the year until proven otherwise – but even more so at Martinsville, where he’s won six times in 15 starts including five of the last six races. Understandably, Johnson leads the average finish category and just about every other stat at the track where he’s been unbelievably dominant.
2. Jeff Gordon (+350): The only active driver with more wins at Martinsville than Johnson is teammate Gordon, though Johnson achieved his win total in far fewer starts. Gordon is a close second to Johnson in the average finish category and has an amazing 13 straight top-10 finishes here. Gordon starts on the outside pole Sunday; Johnson starts 15th.
Dark Horse:
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. (+1800): With track position so important at Martinsville, Junior’s 12th-place start could be important, especially with the double file restarts. In 19 Cup starts at Martinsville, Earnhardt has eight top-5 finishes and has finished in the top 10 in all three of his HMS starts, including a second in this race last year.
Summary: Martinsville is described as a paperclip-shaped track and is infamous for its difficult pit road. Is it a coincidence that the spring race here was sponsored by Goody’s Headache Powder and this one by Tums? Between the tight quarters, the beatin’ and bangin’, the pit road perils and the threat of rain, chances are most drivers will be seeking some comfort measures by the time this one is over.
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Becca Gladden is a freelance writer and race handicapper specializing in NASCAR.
