There’ll be no talk of rules bundle, changes, horsepower or drafting in this week’s STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway.
The smallest track on the NASCAR program at only a half-mile creates tight racing and close contest simply due to its close quarters.
Drivers require a particular skill set to be successful at the historic path. But patience and a cool head during a 500-lap, nearly four-hour grind is also paramount to win the race or complete well.
For people who like NASCAR gambling, here are six motorists to look at financing in Sunday’s STP 500.
Kyle Busch (+200)
It is likely going to be a while before Busch isn’t considered a favorite at any track on the Cup circuit. He’s off to a red-hot start and has won two races in a row.
His Auto Club Speedway success a week back was his 200th career NASCAR national series triumph. Busch has a streak of seven straight Martinsville top-10 finishes such as wins in the 2016 spring race and 2017 fall race. Bet Busch to win +200 and -200 to complete 1st-3rd with SugarHouse in New Jersey.
Brad Keselowski (+500)
Keselowski has ended from the top-10 seven from the past eight Martinsville races and won there at the 2017 spring race.
In the past 10 races at the track, the Team Penske driver has led the third-most laps in 427. Bet him to win at +500 and +125 to complete 1st-3rd with 888Sport at New Jersey.
Joey Logano (+600)
Martinsville has been a controversial location for Logano over the years, such as last October when he made contact with Martin Truex Jr. over the last turn of the last lap to have the lead and the win.
However, Logano is also one of the strongest drivers at the track and has directed 825 laps in its own previous 10 races (second most) including 309 ahead of the field last fall. Bet him to triumph at +600 and +150 to finish 1st-3rd with 888Sport.
Martin Truex Jr. (+600)
Truex, fresh at Joe Gibbs Racing this year, hasn’t forgotten how things ended last year with Logano and may have revenge on his mind.
The 2017 series winner has never won a brief track race in his Cup career but has been at the top-five the last three Martinsville outings. Bet Truex Jr. to win at +600 and +150 to finish 1st-3rd with SugarHouse.
Clint Bowyer (+1000)
He finished a long drought in last spring’s Martinsville race when he dominated by leading 215 laps and took the checkered flag.
Bowyer has struggled early this season but is considered one of the best short-track racers in the show as he demonstrated again one year ago. Bet Bowyer to triumph at +1000 and +250 to complete 1st-3rd with 888Sport.
Denny Hamlin (+1000)
The Virginia native considers Martinsville a house monitor and had thousands of laps under his belt at regional racing at the track before he migrated to NASCAR’s top level.
He’s a five-time Martinsville winner and snuck around the Logano vs. Truex final-lap dust-up last November to complete se cond. Bet Hamlin to win at +1000 and +250 to complete 1st-3rd with SugarHouse.
2019 STP 500 Betting Tip
Last week’s qualifying session was a non-event: 12 drivers that advanced to the last round failed to find a formal lap on the plank. The dozen all waited till the very last minute to benefit from the higher rates from the draft and miscalculated.
That won’t happen this week at Martinsville given the layout and the lack of drafting. Qualifying and getting a top starting spot may be the most crucial part of the weekend.
A whopping 21 drivers have won from the pole during Martinsville’s lengthy history. Given that the tight quarters and difficulty passing, especially during long green-flag runs, monitor position is key. A total of 65 Cup race winners have come from the first four starting spots.
Pit stops and pit booth placement can also be critical. Look for teams close to the front four or five stalls, permitting easy access to get back on track in tight quarters, to have an edge.
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