At the beginning of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs three main contenders were favored. However, that group known as the “Big Three” is now the “Big Four.” To be exact 2012 champion Brad Keselowski has won three consecutive races. As a result, he joins Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, and Martin Truex Jr as the betting on NASCAR championship favorites. Additionally, Harvick had a nightmare of a day last week in the Las Vegas playoff opener. Which may make him especially dangerous at Richmond. Saturday night short track racing is round two of the Playoffs!
Federated Auto Parts 400 from Richmond
Date and Time: Saturday, September 22, 2018, 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Richmond Raceway, Richmond, Virginia
Federated Auto Parts 400 Odds to win at SBG:Click Here!
Federated Auto Parts 400 TV Coverage: NBCSN
Richmond Raceway
Richmond Raceway is the famed short track trioval that often makes for highly competitive racing. To be exact its 0.75 miles in length with turn banks of 14 degrees. Seating capacity is 50,000. Simultaneously the playoff and the night race aspect should be a draw. Likewise, the wide lanes make for some of the best racing of the year. Moreover, Richmond is so popular that it gets two Cup races per year. The Federated Auto Parts 400 has been run under various names since 1958.
Kyle Busch at the Top
Kyle Larson was the betting on NASCAR winner last fall at Richmond. Otherwise Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth and Brad Keselowski won the fall race before that. Certainly, Kyle Busch is top ranked driver at Richmond. To illuminate the regular season champion has five wins and 16 top fives there in 26 starts. And Busch has an average finish at Richmond of 7.2.
Names to Consider
Extending that Richmond success is Denny Hamlin. For example, he has three wins and 11 top fives with an average finish of 9.3. Following that Richmond success is Harvick. In like manner he has three wins and 13 top fives with an average finish of 10.3. Seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson has three wins and seven top fives at Richmond. Also, Johnson has an average finish of 15.3.
Standings
As mentioned earlier Harvick’s playoff start was a disaster at 39th place. Meanwhile defending champion Martin Truex Jr finished third and ran well all day. In the same way Kyle Busch impressed all with his relentlessness. To show Busch finished seventh despite a day in which everything went wrong. In addition, Joey Logano was strong with a fourth-place finish. And Kyle Larson ended up second on the day. Most important of all Keselowski would not be denied. Despite multiple late cautions he checked out for an easy final lap to the checkers.
Playoff Opener a success
Also having a rough day was Kyle’s brother Kurt Busch, who finished 21st at Las Vegas. Clint Bowyer, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott, Erik Jones, and Denny Hamlin all finished 22nd or worse. Conversely Aric Almirola had a quiet sixth place finish while Ryan Blaney was fifth. Accordingly, the playoff opener was a rousing online betting success.
Matchup to Watch
In this situation Harvick figures to be a strong betting on NASCAR choice. By reason of his bad day last week and his strong numbers at Richmond.
Federated Auto Parts 400 Betting Odds Picks
In summary Kevin Harvick is a classic beaten favorite ready to atone!
Federated Auto Parts 400 Betting Online Pick: Kevin Harvick.
Check out highlights from last week’s thrilling South Point 400 from Vegas!