2012 Sylvania 300 Picks: Betting on Underdogs for Big Payoffs

2012 Sylvania 300 Expert Picks – Betting on Underdogs for Big Payoffs: New Hampshire Motor Speedway has certainly seen some unexpected finishes in recent years. In 2009, then-rookie Joey Logano used pit strategy to pull off an upset and get to Victory Lane in a rain-shortened event. The next year, Tony Stewart ran out of gas while leading on the final lap, handing the victory to Clint Bowyer. Last year, Bowyer returned the favor, running out of fuel while leading on the last lap and handing Stewart a win. The point is that surprise winners are nothing new at the 1.0-mile track. With that in mind, here are a few potential sleepers that bettors may want to consider this weekend, especially for those looking to turn a small bet into a big payoff.

At his current 25/1 odds, Ryan Newman is an absolute steal for bettors this weekend. Not only is he a three-time winner at New Hampshire, but he has won at the track as recently as last season. Not to mention that earlier this year, he finished in the top 10. In fact, Newman has finished in the top 10 in five of his last six New Hampshire starts. Granted, he hasn’t been a driver that wins a lot of races since early in his career, but this is one track where he has always been dangerous. Among active drivers, Newman is one of the best at New Hampshire. He proved that just last year by getting to Victory Lane, and since he is almost always near the front of the at the 1.0-mile oval, there is no reason he can’t grab another win this weekend.

Looking at his 12.5 average finish at New Hampshire, it is understandable why the oddsmakers have Greg Biffle at just 25/1 to win this weekend. However, bettors will want to take a closer look at those numbers. Historically, Biffle has always been better in the fall race at New Hampshire. In fact, he has three top-10s in his last four fall races at the track, including a win in 2008 and a third-place run just last year. Throw in the fact that Biffle is also having the best year of his career and finished in the top 10 at New Hampshire in June, and he suddenly becomes an intriguing pick. Keep in mind that this is the same driver that won the regular season championship. Now, he is heading to a race where he has always been at his best. Getting a former winner and championship-caliber driver at 25/1 odds isn’t a bad deal for bettors.

Bettors searching for a real longshot this weekend will want to strongly consider taking a chance on Brian Vickers. The guy has been a stud in his role as a part-time driver with Michael Waltrip Racing in 2012. In six starts, he has three top-five finishes and has compiled a solid 14.8 average finish. Take away an engine issue at Watkins Glen, and his average jumps to a very impressive 8.1. Not only has Vickers been excellent in his limited starts this year, but he has been solid at New Hampshire recently. He has three top-15 finishes in his last four starts at the track, which includes a start earlier this year. Vickers also finished fifth at the track last fall. Considering he has a history of success at New Hampshire and has been a threat to win in three of his six starts this season, Vickers is definitely worth gambling on at his current 80/1 odds.

Check out the latest 2012 Sylvania 300 odds and predictions from NSAwins.com’s NASCAR handicapping expert Brian Polking!