2012 Quicken Loans 400 Picks: Betting on Underdogs for Big Payoffs

2012 Quicken Loans 400 Expert Picks – Betting on Underdogs for Big Payoffs: Michigan International Speedway is a massive 2.0-mile oval known for producing high speeds and frequent three-wide racing. The track is also known for producing races that boil down to fuel mileage, and that is good news for bettors looking to hit it a big with a dark horse option this weekend. The wide racing surface at MIS keeps cautions to a minimum, resulting in long green flag runs. Teams with the right pit strategy and fuel efficiency can end up getting the better of the guys that have the fastest cars. As a result, any driver that is good enough to stay within striking distance has a shot this weekend. Here are a look at a few of the drivers with longer odds that are capable of springing an upset.

Although he isn’t a total longshot at his current 22/1 odds, Mark Martin is a much more attractive betting option than several big names that are favored ahead of him. For starters, his five victories at Michigan are his most at any track. Perhaps more importantly, he has gone to Victory Lane at MIS as recently as 2009. Martin was also competitive if both races at the track last year, finishing fourth in the June event and ninth in August. His runner-up finish last weekend at Pocono was proof that the veteran is still capable of competing for wins, and a trip to one of his best tracks could result in something special for both Martin and bettors willing to gamble on one of the series’ oldest drivers.

A prolonged slump at Michigan has no doubt played a role in Ryan Newman’s 30/1 odds to win this weekend. However, his performance at the track last season hinted at the reemergence of the driver that dominated the 2.0-mile oval early in his career. Newman won back-to-back races at MIS in 2003 and 2004, and after not finishing in the top 10 for almost seven full seasons, he finished fifth and sixth in two starts last year. Newman’s boss and teammate Tony Stewart has excelled at the track in recent years, as well, and Newman is driving the same equipment. Both Stewart-Haas Racing drivers should be strong contenders this weekend, and with multiple wins under his belt at Michigan already, Newman is tough to pass up at his current odds.

Bettors looking to hit it big this weekend might want to consider Austin Dillon. Most casual NACSAR fans haven’t even heard of the young driver, but his 750/1 odds reflect his lack of experience and not a lack of talent. Dillon won the Truck Series title last year and is currently in the mix to win the Nationwide title this year in his rookie year. This weekend’s race at Michigan will be one of his few starts in the Cup Series, but he will be behind the wheel of a Richard Childress-owned car. The bottom line is that the young driver has enough talent and strong enough equipment to stay on the lead lap at a Michigan track that has relatively comfortable racing conditions. Races at MIS have been known to come down to fuel mileage, and anyone on the lead lap has a chance to win with the right strategy. Even a small wager will yield a huge payoff if Dillon delivers the upset.

Check out the latest 2012 Quicken Loans 400 odds and predictions from NSAwins.com’s NASCAR handicapping expert Brian Polking!