2009 Crown Royal Russell Friedman 400 Predictions – Betting Preview + Picks + Odds
Race: Crown Royal Presents The Russ Friedman 400 – Richmond International Raceway
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009
Time: 7:43 PM EST (scheduled Green Flag)
TV: 7:00 PM EST on FOX
Preview: Richmond International Raceway is a historic NASCAR venue with over 100 Cup races run here dating back to 1953.Most drivers enjoy the action at Richmond because it reminds them of the Saturday night short-track style racing they grew up on. After the tumultuous turn of events in Talladega last weekend, a little short-track racing under the lights should be welcome relief for all.
Safe Bets:
1. Jimmie Johnson (+480): Some people don’t think of Johnson as a short-track specialist – probably because he’s effective just about everywhere he runs. But Johnson has won three of the last four Richmond races and was caught up in a multi-car pileup in the other one. His three wins here tie him with Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the most wins at Richmond among active drivers.
2. Tony Stewart (+600): Like Jimmie Johnson, Stewart has three wins at Richmond and also leads all drivers in points accumulated at the track over the last four races. Richmond is often compared to Phoenix, where Stewart had a stout machine two weeks ago and finished second. Stewart has three straight top-5 finishes at Richmond and has finished in the top 10 in eight of his last 10 races here.
Dark Horse:
1. Clint Bowyer (+2800): Bowyer’s average finish of 9.3 is third-best among active drivers, behind Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. Not only is he the defending winner of this race, but in six Richmond starts, he’s never finished lower than 12th.
Summary: Weather is likely to be an issue with a 40-50 percent chance of rain in the forecast throughout the weekend and into Monday. Drivers I’ve spoken with have said the weather in Richmond today does not bode well for a full weekend of scheduled on-track activities. If qualifying is rained out, drivers will line up according to Cup owner points, putting Kurt Busch and Jeff Gordon on the front row.
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Becca Gladden is a freelance writer and race handicapper specializing in NASCAR.
