2011 Coca-Cola 600 – Predictions – Betting Preview + Picks + Odds
Preview: The Coca-Cola 600 is considered by many to be one of NASCAR’s iconic races, along the lines of the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. But, at a length of 600 miles – 400 laps on the 1.5-mile Charlotte oval – this is the longest and most grueling race of the NASCAR season.
Race: Coca-Cola 600 – Charlotte Motor Speedway
Date: Sunday, May 29, 2011
Time: 6:15 PM EST (scheduled green flag)
TV: 6:00 PM EST on FOX
Starting in the daylight and ending under the lights, the race challenges the adaptability and endurance of both man and machine. The last four Coca-Cola 600 races have had some surprising results, including winners Casey Mears in 2007 and David Reutimann in 2009. Just as surprising is Sunday’s starting front row, consisting of Brad Keselowski and AJ Allmendinger. Kurt Busch won this race last year.
• Safe Bet: (odds of 10/1 or less)
Carl Edwards (5/2): Coming off his win in the All-Star Race and sitting atop the Sprint Cup point standings, Edwards has everyone’s attention heading into Sunday’s race. His momentum really goes back to the end of the 2010 season, when he won the final two races of the year at Phoenix and Homestead. Many insiders are crediting the new Ford engine with finally coming into its own and giving the Ford drivers success on tracks like Charlotte, traditionally thought of as a GM stalwart. Edwards rolls off 3rd Sunday.
• Mid Range: (odds between 10/1 – 20/1)
Denny Hamlin (14/1): Hamlin qualified 4th and was 6th-fastest in Happy Hour, but what caught my attention was the glint in his eye Friday when he talked about how fast his car is. The question will be whether that car can make it 600 miles and whether it is as good on long runs as short ones. Currently 13th in points, Hamlin will need to pick up a few wins soon if he hopes to make the Chase.
• Long Shot: (odds of 20/1 or greater)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (25/1): Although he qualified 25th, Dale Jr. had the second-best 10 consecutive lap average in Happy Hour on Friday, right behind Kyle Busch. Currently 4th in the standings, a win for Junior on Memorial Day weekend would be a huge shot in the arm for this race team and for his confidence level. 
Summary: Don’t be surprised if this race produces another surprise winner Sunday. After rain at the track earlier in the weekend, weather is not expected to be an issue Sunday, except in terms of high temperatures that will produce a super-slick racing surface.
As the track cools after sunset, the successful teams will be the ones that adjust best to the changes.
NASCAR – Coca-Cola 600 – Odds To Win
Edwards, Carl 3-1
Busch, Kyle 6-1
Johnson, Jimmie 6-1
Hamlin, Denny 8-1
Biffle, Greg 15-1
Gordon, Jeff 15-1
Harvick, Kevin 15-1
Kenseth, Matt 15-1
Stewart, Tony 15-1
Bowyer, Clint 20-1
Burton, Jeff 25-1
Earnhardt Jr., Dale 25-1
Reutimann, David 25-1
Allmendinger, A.J. 25-1
Busch, Kurt 25-1
Lagano, Joey 30-1
Keselowski, Brad 30-1
Kahne, Kasey 30-1
Ragan, David 40-1
Martin, Mark 40-1
Newman, Ryan 50-1
McMurray, Jamie 60-1
Menard, Paul 60-1
Montoya, Juan 60-1
Ambrose, Marcos 60-1
Vickers, Brian 60-1
Smith, Regan 150-1
Labonte, Bobby 500-1
Against the Field (any other driver) 150-1
Becca Gladden is a freelance writer and race handicapper specializing in NASCAR.
