Online gambling odds featured a surprise on Saturday night as Ryan Neman won the NASCAR race at Phoenix. Jimmie Johnson was the favorite and he finished third behind Newman. It was definitely an interesting race and a good one for Internet gambling companies.
Online gambling listed Newman as a longshot in the race. Newman had not won in the past 77 races so he didn’t get a lot of support. Newman was definitely happy to break the long losing streak for owner Tony Stewart. “He’s so proud of me,” Newman said. “He told me he loved me and I told him I loved him back because it’s his name, I’m representing him and a lot of people behind us.” Newman was able to hold off Jeff Gordon for the win. It was the first time Newman had visited victory lane since the 2008 Daytona 500.
The race would not have turned out as well for Internet gambling companies if Kyle Busch had won the race as it looked like he would with three laps left when a caution came out. Busch took four tires and came out eighth and his chances were gone. Jimmie Johnson took four and was seventh out of the pits. Gordon won the race off pit road but on the restart he spun his tires and Newman was able to get past him. “All of a sudden he shot forward. I was like, `Oh man, I’m in trouble here,’ “Gordon said.
Newman led only four laps on Saturday but he was the winner in online gambling odds. “It’s been a long time coming for me to get to Victory Lane,” Newman said. “I’m gracious to be here. This is the most emotional victory I’ve ever had in my entire career just because it’s been so long.” The win was the 14th in Newman’s career. Johnson was the favorite in online gambling and he had won four of the previous five races at Phoenix. He finished in third and increased his points lead in the NASCAR standings. “I made the call for four (tires) and made the most of it,” Johnson said. “Not a bad night at all. I’m excited to see us stretch out the points a little bit.”
Chevy drivers finished in the top five spots in online gambling. Mark Martin was fourth and Juan Pablo Montoya was fifth. Matt Kenseth was sixth and Carl Edwards seventh while Kyle Busch was eighth. Denny Hamlin drove the entire race after having ACL surgery but was never a factor, finishing 30th.