Today is the day when the family hugs and kisses with the NASCAR Cup drivers are a little longer and stronger. The 2.66-mile track at Talladega is the reason. Every race brings some uncertainty for the driver’s safety but this one is downright scary.
The heart-in-throat ride Carl Edwards (20-1) took in the spring race still causes wonderment at how he could possibly have unstrapped himself and then trot across the finish line a la ‘Talladega Nights’. Once again life imitates art.
Have a safe run, guys.
Here are my matchups from wsex.com:
Kyle Busch (-125) vs Tony Stewart (-105)
They are both listed as favorites with Logan’s at 7-1 along with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Kyle has raced here nine times and has a win and an AF of 25.7. Tony also has a win, nine top 5s, 12 top 10s and an AF of 13.8. But Kyle won the truck race last night and when he wins on Saturday nights he always does well on Sunday. Pick Kyle.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (-130) vs Jeff Gordon (Even)
Even Junior’s detractors are a bit tingly about the thought that he is listed as a favorite to win for the first time in a couple of years. He has five wins at Talladega which are huge credentials. He sure could use a win but if it weren’t for bad luck he’d have no luck at all. Jeff has six wins, 13 top 5s and an AF of 16.4. His luck has been a heck of a lot better than Junior’s so I say pick Jeffie.
Jimmie Johnson (-130) vs Kurt Busch (Even)
Kurt has no wins but he has six top 5s, 12 top 10s and an AF of 12.1 which is very impressive. Jimmie has one win, four top 5s and an AF of 17.7. Just getting through unscathed is all he wants in order to maintain his lead in the points race. Kurt will be all out to win. I pick Kurt to finish ahead of Jimmie.
Matt Kenseth (-140) vs Kasey Kahne (+110)
Neither driver has done well in their last four trips at Dega. They sport the same AF of 27.5 in that span. The practices may tell the story. Kasey had the fastest time in Happy Hour at 196 MPH while Matt’s top speed was 190. That’s good enough for me to pick Kasey to beat Kenseth.
My record over the past three weeks is 8-4.