There will be no discussion of principles bundle, modifications, horsepower or construction in this week’s STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway.
The smallest track on the NASCAR schedule at only a half-mile creates tight racing and close contest simply due to its close quarters.
Drivers need a particular skill set to succeed in the historic path. But patience and a cool head during a 500-lap, nearly four-hour grind is also paramount to win the race or complete nicely.
For people who like NASCAR betting, here are six drivers to consider financing in Sunday’s STP 500.
Kyle Busch (+200)
It is likely going to be some time before Busch isn’t considered a popular at any track on the Cup circuit. He is off to a red-hot start, and it has won two races in a row.
His Auto Club Speedway success a week back was his 200th career NASCAR national series triumph. Busch has a streak of seven consecutive Martinsville top-10 finishes such as wins at the 2016 spring race and 2017 autumn race. Bet Busch to acquire +200 and -200 to finish 1st-3rd with SugarHouse at New Jersey.
Brad Keselowski (+500)
Keselowski has ended from the top-10 seven from the past eight Martinsville races and won there in the 2017 spring race.
In the past ten races at the track, the Team Penske driver has led the third-most laps at 427. Bet him to triumph at +500 and +125 to finish 1st-3rd with 888Sport in New Jersey.
Joey Logano (+600)
Martinsville has been a contentious place for Logano over the years, such as last October when he made contact with Martin Truex Jr. over the previous turn of the final lap to have the lead and the win.
But Logano is also among the strongest drivers at the track, and it has directed 825 laps in its own previous 10 races (second most) for example 309 before the field last fall. Bet him to win +600 and +150 to complete 1st-3rd with 888Sport.
Martin Truex Jr. (+600)
Truex, new at Joe Gibbs Racing this year, hasn’t forgotten how things ended last year with Logano and may have revenge in his thoughts.
The 2017 series champion has never won a brief track race in his Cup career but was at the top-five the last three Martinsville outings. Bet Truex Jr. to succeed at +600 and +150 to complete 1st-3rd with SugarHouse.
Clint Bowyer (+1000)
He ended a lengthy drought in last spring’s Martinsville race when he dominated by top 215 laps and took the checkered flag.
Bowyer has struggled early this season but is considered one of the best short-track racers in the show as he demonstrated again 1 year ago. Bet Bowyer to triumph +1000 and +250 to complete 1st-3rd with 888Sport.
Denny Hamlin (+1000)
The Virginia native considers Martinsville a home track and had tens of thousands of laps under his belt in regional racing in the track before he migrated to NASCAR’s top level.
He is a five-time Martinsville winner and snuck around the Logano vs. Truex final-lap dust-up last November to complete se cond. Bet Hamlin to win +1000 and +250 to finish 1st-3rd with SugarHouse.
2019 STP 500 Betting Tip
Last week’s qualifying session was a non-event: 12 drivers that advanced to the final round failed to get an official lap on the plank. The dozen all waited till the very last minute to benefit from the higher speeds from the draft and miscalculated.
That won’t happen this week in Martinsville given the layout and the dearth of drafting. Qualifying and receiving a top starting place may be the most crucial region of the weekend.
A whopping 21 drivers have won from the pole during Martinsville’s lengthy history. Given that the tight quarters and problem passing, particularly during long green-flag runs, monitor position is key. A total of 65 Cup race champions have come from the first four starting places.
Pit stops and pit booth placement is also crucial. Look for teams close to the front five or four stalls, allowing easy accessibility to get back on the right track in tight quarters, to have an edge.
Read more: sportsillustrated.news
