Michigan Matchups

Kyle ‘Wild Man’ Busch continues to cause outrage among the NASCAR Nation. Not only did he smash the specially created beautiful Gibson guitar which goes to the winner he managed to take another verbal whack at Dale Earnhardt Jr. who wasn’t even in the Nationwide race. Actually he trashed Earnhardt’s fans, which is the same thing. It all goes back to Busch being dumped from Hendrick in order to make space for Dale Jr. Since then Krazy Kyle has won 11 Sprint Cup races while Jr. has only one win. That win came here at MIS last year. So far Junior has ignored Kyle’s shots at him because he’s been too busy trying to get a car that will not have the mechanical issues which have plagued almost all of his races. If Junior wins today he will probably make a subtle remark aimed at NASCAR’s Darth Vader. It would be great to see it happen for two reasons; first because he needs a change in his luck and second the talented but brash brat needs his ass whipped. Verbally, of course.

Here are my matchups picks from Sportsbook.com:

Jimmy Johnson +105 vs Carl Edwards -135

Jimmy was hotter than Lady Gaga in practice. Carl was very fast too. Roush Fenway cars have dominated at Michigan recently but I am going against the grain with this one. Jimmie is so consistent week after week that I am not going to bet against him. Take the 48 car.

Jeff Burton -135 vs David Reutimann +105

Burton is the kind of guy who isn’t in the spotlight but is always in the Race for the Chase. That’s why I usually feel comfortable picking him in my matchups. However he has lost for me lately and Reutimann is showing signs of passing Burton in the standings. I think Reutimann will finish ahead of Burton today.

Matt Kenseth -160 vs Jeff Gordon +130

Who would be crazy enough to pick Kenseth over Jeffie? Me, that’s who. At least for this race. They both have 2 wins plus lots of top 10s at Michigan but Kenseth has been in the top five in four of the last five races here. I think he will have another top five today based on his practice times so I am picking the 17 car.

Kasey Kahne -160 vs Dale Earnhardt Jr. +130

The chemistry is flowing in the 88 camp since Lance McGrew (what a great name- sounds like a gunfighter from the Old West) became Earnhardt’s crew chief a few weeks ago to the point where they are talking about winning today. Earnhardt is more focused than he has been for a while and Kasey just isn’t putting it all together the way he did a few seasons ago when he won six times. Pick Junior.

Last week, 2-2; season, 23-23.