The last race before the Chase begins takes place at Richmond on Saturday night with Kyle Busch the favorite at the sportsbook. There is not a lot of suspense for this last race since all 12 spots are virtually locked up. Anything is possible but the chance of this race affecting the top 12 is remote at best. That doesn’t mean it won’t be a great race to bet though at the Internet sportsbook.
ABC television will be showing the race on Saturday night and night racing from Richmond is always exciting. The favorite at the Sbg sportsbook is Kyle Busch as he has odds of 3.5 to 1. Denny Hamlin is the second choice at 5-1.
10 Have Clinched Spots – A total of 10 drivers have clinched but realistically all 12 spots are locked up. Greg Biffle only has to finish 42nd or better to clinch so he is a lock to be in. Clint Bowyer is in 12th so if he finished 28th or better he is in. It is over. Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray and Mark Martin can say they still have a chance but realistically they are done. Unless Bowyer wrecks or blows an engine he is in.
16 Spots Would Be More Interesting – If NASCAR expands to make it so that 16 drivers make the Chase it would be more interesting. This year there would be four or five drivers competing for the last few spots, but oh well, we have to wait until next year for that.
Going for the Win – Since everything is pretty well locked up, everyone except Bowyer will be going for the win. That should make for an exciting race. If Hamlin or Jimmie Johnson gets the win they would start the Chase at the top. Kevin Harvick would like to get a win so he can start the Chase all alone in third place. Harvick leads the point’s standings but because of the Chase format he is going to start the Chase in third place or worse because the standings reward victories when the Chase begins.
So Who Wins? Kyle Busch is the favorite at the sportsbook and he is definitely capable of winning at odds of 3.5 to 1. Hamlin and Johnson should be in the mix and don’t forget about Tony Stewart who won last week. He is 10-1.