2010 Pennsylvania 500 Predictions – Betting Preview + Picks + Odds
Preview: As race number 21 of the 36-race Sprint Cup season, Pocono is one in a series of upcoming races that, by and large, the circuit is visiting for the second time this year. NASCAR was just at Pocono in June for a race won by Denny Hamlin, who also led the most laps. Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin led Friday’s only practice session, while Tony Stewart and Juan Pablo Montoya qualified for the front row.
Race: Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 – Pocono Raceway
Date: Sunday, August 1, 2010
Time: 1:18 PM EST (scheduled green flag)
TV: 1:00 PM EST on ESPN
Pocono is a unique 2.5-mile tri-oval track with three different corners and three different-length straightaways, making it a challenge not only for drivers, but crew chiefs as well. 72% of the 65 Cup races here have been won from a top-10 starting spot.
Jeff Gordon noted Friday, “I would say that more than likely guys that you saw good at Indy will probably be good here.”
Safe Bets:
1. Denny Hamlin (2/1): As noted above, Hamlin is the prevailing winner here after leading the most laps back in June. He was second-fastest in practice Friday and qualified P3.
Hamlin has the best average finish at Pocono at an 8.6 and has won four times in nine starts here.
2. Jimmie Johnson (7/2): Hamlin may have the best average finish at Pocono, but Johnson is next on the list with a 9.5. He’s won twice here in 17 starts and has accumulated the most driver points over the last five Pocono races.
After leading Friday’s practice session, Johnson qualified sixth.
Dark Horse:
1. Juan Montoya (22/1): If Gordon is correct that drivers who ran well at Indy will be strong at Pocono, then Montoya should have a good showing. He had the vastly dominant car last weekend, but ended up back in the pack after a four-tire pit stop late in the race. 
Montoya carries three straight top-10 Pocono finishes into Sunday’s race, including a second here in 2009. He was eighth-fastest in practice Friday and qualified on the outside pole.
Summary: Don’t rule out strong runs by Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart Sunday. Be sure to check Happy Hour results Saturday for help planning your final wagers.
Race: The Pennsylvania 500 at Ponoco Raceway
Date: Sunday, August 1, 2010
Odds to win 2010 Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 Nascar Race
Denny Hamlin 7/2
Jimmie Johnson 4/1
Tony Stewart 7/1
Kyle Busch 8/1
Jeff Gordon 8/1
Kevin Harvick 10/1
Juan Montoya 15/1
Jeff Burton 15/1
Kurt Busch 20/1
Kasey Kahne 20/1
Clint Bowyer 20/1
Greg Biffle 20/1
Jamie McMurray 22/1
Mark Martin 25/1
Ryan Newman 25/1
Carl Edwards 30/1
Matt Kenseth 35/1
Joey Logano 35/1
David Reutimann 50/1
Dale Earnhardt Jr 50/1
Martin Truex Jr 50/1
Field 30/1
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Becca Gladden is a freelance writer and race handicapper specializing in NASCAR.
