2011 STP 300 Vegas Odds, Free Picks and Predictions – Favorites and Drivers to Bet On: The Nationwide Series head to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend as part of one of the craziest weekend’s on the schedule. While the Cup Series prepares for the first-ever spring race at Kansas Speedway, the Nationwide Series will do the same in Chicago. It is rare that the two series hold non-companion events at tracks that appear on both schedules, but that is exactly the case this weekend. As a result, there are a few big names missing from the field, which could open the door for an upset.
Although there was no spring race at Chicagoland last season, the series did visit the track in July. That race was dominated by Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Kyle Busch and Joey Logano. The two finished first and second and combined to lead 161 of the 203 laps. Busch led a race-high 110 laps on his way to the victory, but he will not be racing in this weekend’s event. His teammate Joey Logano won’t be in the field either, making the race even more wide open.
The Favorites
Who can blame Kevin Harvick for deciding to pull double duty this weekend? After all, he is a two-time winner at Chicagoland in the Nationwide Series, and he has finished seventh or better in five of his last six starts at the track. Harvick hasn’t made a ton of starts in 2011, but bettors should take advantage of this one.
He has never won at Chicagoland, but Carl Edwards has had plenty of strong runs at the track. He has finished sixth or better in four of his six starts, finishing as high as second. Edwards, and all the Ford drivers for that matter, has been on a tear in 2011, making his first career win at Chicagoland all the more likely.
The Dark Horses
In two starts at Chicagoland, Justin Allgaier has recorded a pair of 10th-place finishes. While experience alone should help him improve on those results, he is one driver that could benefit from a weaker field this weekend. Allgaier has upset the big names in the past, and he will be plenty motivated to do it again since he sits in the middle of the championship hunt.
With top-15 finishes in all four of his starts at Chicagoland, Reed Sorenson has already proven he can keep a car in contention at the track. He has finished in the top 10 three times in his four starts, and he enters this weekend’s race in the thick of the title fight. A little motivation and a weaker field could be just what Sorenson needs to get him to Victory lane this weekend.
Sleepers Specials
He hasn’t accomplished much in his NASCAR career, but Kelly Bires has proven he can deliver solid finishes when given quality equipment. This weekend, he will be driving one of the top cars in the field. Bires will get a chance to drive the No. 18 Joe Gibbs racing machine – a car that won last year’s race at Chicagoland and has won five times in 2011. This could be Bires best opportunity to pick up a win.
Although he finished 19th in his only start at Chicagoland, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. deserves some consideration this weekend. After all, he is the only Nationwide regular to win a race this season, and he held off former champions Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski to secure his victory. Stenhouse Jr. is enjoying a career year, and he has already proven he can conquer the big names.
Big Names to Avoid
While Brad Keselowski is normally one of the best drivers in the series, Chicagoland has always given him issues. Outside of third-place finish, he has failed to crack the top 10 in three of his four starts. His 14.0 average finish at the track isn’t terrible, but compared to his usual numbers, it is cause for concern.
He is sitting atop the standings, but Elliot Sadler could see his lead slip away this weekend. In three starts at Chicagoland in the Nationwide Series, he has compiled a dismal 30.7 average finish. Sadler is still looking for his first top-20 finish at the track.
Get weekly updated NASCAR betting odds on NSAwins.com.
Odds to win the 2011 STP 300 – Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL – Saturday, June 4, 2011
Carl Edwards #60 8/5
Kevin Harvick #33 5/2
Brad Keselowski #22 5/1
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #6 13/2
Kelly Bires #18 8/1
Trevor Bayne #16 14/1
Elliott Sadler #2 20/1
Reed Sorenson #32 20/1
Aric Almirola #88 28/1
Jason Leffler #38 35/1
Justin Allgaier #31 35/1
Field (Any Other Driver) 10/1
| 2 EASY STEPS to BET on the 2011 Top Gear 300! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN JustBET Account STEP 2: Deposit with Credit Card, Deposit by Check or by Money Transfer and get a 100% BONUS instantly upto $2500 FREE. |