Today marks the final race of this year's Chase and barring any disaster Jimmie Johnson will be our champion! Johnson enters today with 108 point lead over team mate Mark Martin and Johnson only needs to finish in the top 25 to secure his record 4th straight Cup title! As much as we want to think Johnson is a guarantee to win the Cup the only sure fire winner entering today is Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick who can watch today's event knowing the Cup is his regardless of what happens. And Hendrick has to be especially thrilled with the production of newly acquired driver Mark Martin who, in his first season with Hendrick, probably had the best year of his 25 year career! Capping off another exciting season here is who I like:
1.
Tony Stewart (8 to 1): Stewart has handled this track well and in 10 career starts has finished in the top 10 five times including 2 wins. With Martin and Johnson pretty much a lock for the 1-2 spots a conservative approach by both drivers paves the way for someone like Stewart.
2.
Greg Biffle (10 to 1): These are very good odds for a driver that leads the field with the most wins here. Biffle has been frustrated for a big a part of the season but a win today could change everything.
3.
Jeff Gordon (12 to 1): Gordon has always handled this track well. In 10 career starts he has 8 top 10 finishes including 5 top 5s but no wins. Again, with Johnson and Martin figured to be in "safe mode" Gordon could finally earn a trip down Victory Lane!
4.
Carl Edwards (18 to 1): I call him "Mr. Consistency" and he owns the best average finish here at 6.4 including 3 top 5s and 1 win in 5 career starts. I expect Edwards to be extra focused today and to work hard to get his first win of the season after posting 9 wins a year ago.
Interesting Fact: From 2001-08 a typical Homestead race had 17.8 lead changes, 8.6 cautions for 45.5 laps, and an average green-flag run of 23.1 laps.
(source: NASCAR)It's been a great season and for me a great first season here with Smooth and Smooth Talk Sports. Enjoy the race and see you again soon!
