The last few weeks the guys I've posted before the weekend begins have ended up not being in contention. So I'm a little gun shy to do it again. However there are 2 guys this week at mid range odds that I think have a good shot at running well and possibly contending for a win. And if they qualify well I'd expect their odds to drop out of my favor substantially.
Ryan Newman is running the same chassis as last week, which is the same chassis he's had a lot of success in since last year. If I remember correctly, SHR tested here before the June race and Goodyear is bringing the same tire as the June race. Newman finished 5th in June. In Newman's last 5 August pocono races he's averaged a 7.8 starting position. So hopefully he can back up his Indy pole run with a good qualifying spot. In his last 5 overall pocono races he's averaged a 14.0 starting position but a 7.4 finishing position, improving on his starting position in each race. So the thinking is if he can qualify well he'd be in a good spot. Also Newman has some momentum after last week. Think he's worth a shot at +1950
Listening to The Morning Drive on sirius this week (as I do everyday), Steve Letarte in his weekly Monday slot was very optimistic about this coming week for Dale jr. Junior was very strong here in June, running 2nd for most of the day. The 48 and the 88 team share a shop at Hendrick and Letarte said they took a lot out of the debrief they had with the 48 team after the race. They are bringing back the same car as well that they ran in June. He was also very fast last week at Indy. I think worth a shot at +1650 (was +1800).
I like Kahne this weekend as well and I think Stewart will be a factor. Also look for Kurt Busch to be strong. I'm not a Chevy guy, but notice that like last week I'm thinking the bowties will be the team to beat. And of course the 48 stomped the field here in June and will always be the guy to beat. His odds have already dropped from +450 to +325. Hamlin hasn't been the same here since the repave.
Ryan Newman is running the same chassis as last week, which is the same chassis he's had a lot of success in since last year. If I remember correctly, SHR tested here before the June race and Goodyear is bringing the same tire as the June race. Newman finished 5th in June. In Newman's last 5 August pocono races he's averaged a 7.8 starting position. So hopefully he can back up his Indy pole run with a good qualifying spot. In his last 5 overall pocono races he's averaged a 14.0 starting position but a 7.4 finishing position, improving on his starting position in each race. So the thinking is if he can qualify well he'd be in a good spot. Also Newman has some momentum after last week. Think he's worth a shot at +1950
Listening to The Morning Drive on sirius this week (as I do everyday), Steve Letarte in his weekly Monday slot was very optimistic about this coming week for Dale jr. Junior was very strong here in June, running 2nd for most of the day. The 48 and the 88 team share a shop at Hendrick and Letarte said they took a lot out of the debrief they had with the 48 team after the race. They are bringing back the same car as well that they ran in June. He was also very fast last week at Indy. I think worth a shot at +1650 (was +1800).
I like Kahne this weekend as well and I think Stewart will be a factor. Also look for Kurt Busch to be strong. I'm not a Chevy guy, but notice that like last week I'm thinking the bowties will be the team to beat. And of course the 48 stomped the field here in June and will always be the guy to beat. His odds have already dropped from +450 to +325. Hamlin hasn't been the same here since the repave.
