2011 Wonderful Pistachios 400 Picks: Betting on Underdogs for Big Payoffs

2011 Wonderful Pistachios 400 Expert Picks: Betting on Underdogs for Big Payoffs – How to Bet on the Wonderful Pistachios 400: Richmond International Raceway has seen it all over the years. From big names like Kasey Kahne and Tony Stewart winning their first career Cup races to drivers like Ricky Rudd and Jeff Gordon executing bump-and-runs perfectly to pick up wins, RIR has established itself as one of the most action-packed tracks on the schedule. With plenty of physical racing to go around, drivers are always one bump away from finding themselves in position to win. Ask Clint Bowyer, who went from third to first in 2008 after leaders Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch wrecked each other battling for the lead. Any driver running near the front has a chance to win.

Logano has enjoyed immediate success at the short track, finishing in the top 20 in all five of his career starts. His 12.8 average finish at the track ranks eighth overall and is the best of any driver without a win at the track. In three of his last four starts at RIR, Logano has finished in the top 15, including back-to-back finishes of 11th or better. In other words, he is on the doorstep of something special at RIR.

Aside from his own successes, bettors should be intrigued by Logano because of the organization he drives for. Joe Gibbs Racing has won five straight races at Richmond, and while Logano hasn’t been a part of that streak yet, he is behind the wheel of the same equipment that Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin have been using to get to Victory Lane. In the fall race at RIR last season, all three JGR drivers finished in the top four. All three finished 11th or better earlier this year as well. Despite the favorable numbers and situation, Logano is only getting 40/1 odds to win this weekend. He could be a steal.

As for Ambrose, his background in road racing makes him a good candidate to win at a short track. The tight corners at both types of track require a similar setup and driving style, and it has shown in Ambrose’s case. He has finished in the top five at both Richmond and Bristol, and he has led more laps at Martinsville than any other oval track on the schedule. Clearly, short track success is nothing new for Ambrose.

He has been particularly strong at Richmond lately. For his career, he as three finishes of 11th or better in five starts, and he has finished in the top 10 in two of his last three attempts. Last season, Ambrose recorded a career-best fifth-place finish at RIR. With another year of experience and now a Cup Series win under his belt, Ambrose should be even more of a threat. At his current 80/1 odds, the potential payoff would be sizeable for bettors willing to take a chance.

View the most current 2011 Wonderful Pistachios 400 Odds for the Wonderful Pistachios 400 this Saturday, September 10th at Richmond International Speedway.