2014 5-hour Energy 400 Free Picks: Betting on Underdogs for Big Payoffs : The Cup Series heads to Kansas Speedway this weekend, and while big names like Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth have had their share of success at the 1.5-mile oval, the track has also been kind to some middle-tier drivers. Guys like Joe Nemechek, Ryan Newman and Greg Biffle have all one races at Kansas, and when you look at drivers that have finished in the top 10 at the track, you will find even more surprises. Looking at this week’s odds, several drivers that have been in contention at Kansas in the past are getting long enough odds that they could be worth taking a chance on. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the top underdog options to be on for Saturday’s 5-hour Energy 400.
His rough start to the season has no doubt contributed to his 50/1 odds this weekend, but Martin Truex Jr. has been one of the best drivers in the series at Kansas the past couple of years. He has a 6.8 average finish in four starts at the track since 2012, and during the stretch, he has three top-four finishes, including a pair of second-place finishes. Meanwhile, Truex has led at least 25 laps in all four races and has led more than 40 laps three times. It’s tough to pass up 50/1 odds on a guy that has nearly won three of the last four races at Kansas.
He is still looking for his first Cup Series victory, but Aric Almirola could have a shot to break into the win column this weekend at Kansas. After all, the 1.5-mile oval has been one of his best tracks on the schedule throughout his young career. Although he actually wrecked in his first two starts at the track in 2012, he had a fast car and was able to lead more than 15 laps in both starts. Last year, he led more than 30 laps in both starts at Kansas and logged a pair of top-10 finishes. Almirola has had a car capable of leading laps in four starts at Kansas, and between his rookie and sophomore seasons he made some major strides. If he makes similar strides in 2014, Almirola could up being a bargain at his current 50/1 odds.
Although he only has one Cup Series win to his name, Paul Menard still makes an attractive betting option this weekend at Kansas. The track has been one of his best in recent years, and in his last seven starts, he has five top-12 finishes. More importantly, Menard has finished in the top 10 in all three starts at Kansas since the track was repaved in 2012. To top it off, Menard has already picked up top-10 finishes in the first two 1.5-mile track events of 2014 so this track type clearly suits his driving style. He looks like a safe bet to at least be in contention for a win this weekend, which could make him a steal at his current 66/1 odds.
Bettors looking for a home run this weekend need to jump on Ryan Blaney. He is a 500/1 longshot as he prepares to make his first-ever Cup Series start, and while he will clearly be at a big disadvantage in terms of experience, he still has plenty going for him. For one, he has already flashed his raw talent, logging a top-10 in his first-ever Nationwide Series start and winning in just his 15th start in the series. Perhaps more importantly, Blaney will be driving a third Team Penske entry this weekend, and the organization has already won the first two 1.5-mile track events of 2014. Blaney will have some of the best equipment on the track this weekend, which will go a long way to helping his chances of pulling off an upset. Plus, you don’t have to invest much at his current odds to make it a worthwhile gamble.
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