2014 Pocono 400 Odds, Free Picks and Predictions: Vegas Favorites and Drivers to Bet at Pocono: The Sprint Cup Series open the second half of the 2014 season this weekend with its first of two trips to Pocono Raceway. The 2.5-mile track is not only one of the largest on the schedule, but it also boasts a unique triangle shape with three very different turns. As a result, drivers are constantly battling the handling of their cars in at least one portion of the track, and passing becomes difficult after tires begin to wear. With track position playing such a crucial role, teams are constantly gambling on pit strategy in order to get to the front of the field. Not surprisingly, Pocono’s challenging layout has fit some drivers better than others, and for the most part, drivers are either really good or really bad at the track. With that in mind, here is a closer look at some of the drivers with that could end up in victory lane in Sunday’s Pocono 400.
The Favorites
On the heels of his second consecutive win of 2014, Jimmie Johnson heads into this weekend’s race at Pocono where he happens to be the defending winner. Overall, he is a three-time winner at the track, and his 8.8 average finish is the best in the series. Johnson has also finished fourth or better in four of his last six starts at Pocono, and during the stretch, no driver has led more laps at the track.
His 10.0 average finish at Pocono is the second best in the series, and Jeff Gordon’s six victories at the track are the most among active drivers. In fact, he has two wins at the track since 2011, making him the only driver with multiple wins at Pocono during the stretch. Gordon also owns a 5.0 average finish in his last three starts at the track, winning in August of 2012 and finishing second last August.
To say that Denny Hamlin is a natural at Pocono would be an understatement. He went to victory lane in his first two starts at the track, and he is a four-time winner overall. Meanwhile, Hamlin has finished sixth or better in nine of his 16 starts at Pocono, and he has finished eighth and fifth in his last two starts in the June race. Not to mention that since 2011, Hamlin’s 156 laps led at Pocono are the second most in the series.
The Dark Horses
While he hasn’t been running well this season, Tony Stewart shouldn’t be counted out this weekend. After all, he is a two-time winner at Pocono for his career, and in his last 11 starts at the track, he has 10 finishes of 11th or better, including seven top-five finishes. Perhaps more importantly, Stewart has a series-leading 5.2 average finish at Pocono in four starts since the track was repaved, and he is the only driver with three top-five finishes on the new surface. It’s also worth noting that 42 of his 48 career Cup wins have come after May 31.
He has been enjoying an incredible 2014 campaign, and Joey Logano should continue his strong year this weekend at Pocono. He won at the track in June of 2012, and he finished 10th and seventh at Pocono last year in his first two starts at the track with Team Penske. Since the track was repaved four races ago, Logano’s 7.8 average finish is the third best in the series, and he has led the third-most laps of any driver. He could definitely contend for a win this weekend.
Although he hasn’t been as consistent as Pocono as other drivers, there is no denying Kasey Kahne’s upside at the track. After all, he went to victory lane at the track last August, and he is a two-time winner overall. Meanwhile, Kahne has two top-two finishes in four starts at Pocono since the track was repaved. He is a bit of a boom-or-bust option, but he has proven he can contend for wins and seal the deal at Pocono.
Sleeper Special
It has been a rollercoaster ride for Kurt Busch in 2014, but he could be due for a big performance this weekend at Pocono. After all, he is a two-time winner at the track for his career, and he has finished second on five other occasions. Despite driving for three different teams in recent years, Busch has collected six top-10s in his last eight starts at Pocono, including three top-three finishes in his last five starts.
Big Name to Avoid
Although he enters Sunday’s race as the point-leader, Matt Kenseth could struggle to make an impact at Pocono. For one, he is winless in 28 career starts at the track, and more importantly, he gone 15 straight starts without logging a top-five finish. To top it off, Kenseth has finished outside the top 20 in his last three starts at Pocono.
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